Manager, Tooling Engineering

Job description

Job Description: At Saab in West Lafayette, IN, you have the opportunity to join a team that manufactures the rear section of the T-7A Redhawk military trainer aircraft for the United States Air Force. This flagship facility utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques and leverage research and development to support Saab’s broad product portfolio. The West Lafayette operation is currently seeking a Manager, Tooling Engineering, who is responsible for leading a team of engineers and technician to support and improve the manufacturing operation's tooling resources and processes. Key Responsibilities Tooling Strategy & Lifecycle Management Own the full lifecycle of production tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, and dies — from design concept through qualification, in-service use, calibration, refurbishment, and retirement. Develop and maintain a tooling master plan aligned to production schedules, new program launches, and rate increases. Establish and enforce tool control procedures, including numbering, storage, traceability, and configuration management in line with AS9100 requirements. Design & Engineering Oversight Direct the design or redesign of tooling to support new part introductions, engineering changes, and continuous improvement initiatives. Review and approve tool designs for manufacturability, ergonomics, cycle time, and compliance with engineering drawings and specifications. Partner with Manufacturing and Design Engineering on make/buy decisions for tooling. Maintenance, Calibration & Compliance Oversee preventive maintenance, repair, and calibration programs for all production and inspection tooling. Ensure all tooling and gauging remain within calibration and are audit-ready for customer, FAA, and AS9100/NADCAP audits. Maintain accurate tooling records, including MRB dispositions, tool history files, and change logs. Team Leadership Manage, mentor, and develop tool designers, toolmakers, tool room technicians, and tool crib staff. Set performance goals, conduct reviews, and manage staffing levels against production demand. Foster a safety-first culture in the tool room consistent with OSHA and site EHS requirements. Contribute to a people-culture in alignment with the core Company values: Trust, Drive, Expertise and Support. Vendor & Supply Chain Management Source, qualify, and manage relationships with external tooling vendors and machine shops. Negotiate cost, lead time, and quality terms for outsourced tooling builds and repairs. Manage the tooling capital budget, including forecasting, purchase justification, and cost tracking. Production Support Ensure tooling availability meets production schedules; lead root cause analysis and corrective action for tooling-related downtime or nonconformances. Support first article inspections (FAI/AS9102) and production part approval processes tied to tooling qualification. Drive continuous improvement (Lean/Six Sigma) initiatives to reduce tool changeover time, improve durability, and lower cost per part. Other relevant tasks and projects as assigned Compensation Range: $132,000 - $171,000 The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training. Skills and Experience: Education & Experience BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field 7+ years of experience in tooling design, tool room operations, or manufacturing engineering, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role. Experience in aerospace, defense, or another highly regulated manufacturing environment strongly preferred. Technical Knowledge Strong working knowledge of AS9100, AS9102 (FAI), and customer-specific quality requirements. Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tool design review. Familiarity with CNC machining, composite layup tooling, sheet metal forming dies, or assembly jigs/fixtures as applicable to the facility's product line. Understanding of GD&T, blueprint reading, and dimensional inspection methods (CMM, gauges). Experience with calibration systems and tool control/traceability software (ERP/MES tooling modules). Leadership Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage direct reports in a fast-paced production environment. Strong project management skills, including budget ownership and vendor negotiation. Excellent communication skills for interfacing with Quality, Engineering, Production, and external auditors. Comfortable working on the shop floor and adapting priorities in response to production needs. Certifications & Other Requirements Six Sigma/Lean certification a plus. Citizenship Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen, Permanent Resident (green card holder), or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3). Drug-Free Workplaces: Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen. Benefits: Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits. Highlights include: Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays 401(k) with employer contributions Tuition assistance and student loan assistance Wellness and employee assistance resources Employee stock purchase opportunities Short-term and long-term disability coverage About Us: Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations. Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.