Progressive Tooling Engineer

Job Purpose

The Progressive Tooling Engineer is responsible for the machining, maintenance, repair, inspection and improvement of progressive press tools, dies, moulds and other precision tooling used in the manufacturing process. The role requires strong hands-on technical expertise in precision machining and tooling, with the ability to achieve tight dimensional tolerances, troubleshoot tooling issues and provide technical guidance and training to toolmakers and apprentices.

Role & Responsibilities:

Tooling & Precision Machining

• Manufacture and machine progressive press tools and tooling components, including forming, bending, piercing tools, punches, die plates, punch holders and stripper plates.

• Machine components for moulding, forging and die-casting tools, including inserts, cavity plates, core plates and side cores.

• Perform precision machining of complex profiles, angles and intricate tooling components.

• Achieve required dimensional accuracy and tight tolerances, including micro-level precision.

CNC, EDM & Grinding

• Perform and/or oversee CNC machining activities for precision tooling components.

• Carry out precision and surface grinding to meet required dimensional and surface-finish specifications.

• Perform EDM/Wire EDM machining where required for complex and high-precision tooling.

• Select appropriate machining methods, tooling, cutting parameters and processes.

Tool Maintenance & Repair

• Conduct preventive and corrective maintenance of progressive tools, dies and related tooling.

• Troubleshoot tooling problems and identify root causes of defects or machining issues.

• Repair, modify and fabricate replacement tooling components where required.

• Minimize tooling downtime and ensure tools are returned to production within the required lead time

Measurement & Quality Control

• Perform dimensional inspection using precision measuring instruments.

• Verify tooling and machined components against engineering drawings and specifications.

• Ensure tooling meets required quality, dimensional and customer requirements.

• Maintain compliance with applicable ISO quality and manufacturing requirements.

Technical Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide technical support to Tooling, Engineering and Production teams.

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, tool life, quality and manufacturing lead time.

• Support problem-solving and continuous improvement activities related to tooling and machining processes.

Training & Knowledge Transfer

• Provide technical guidance and on-the-job training to toolmakers, apprentices and junior technical employees.

• Share knowledge on machining, grinding, tooling maintenance and precision measurement.

• Provide instructions for complex machining operations and tooling processes.

Requirement:

• Diploma or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Tool & Die, Precision Engineering or a related technical discipline.

• Candidates with strong relevant hands-on tooling experience and technical qualifications may also be considered.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in progressive tooling, tool & die, precision machining or a similar manufacturing environment.

• 7–10 years of experience preferred for Senior Engineer level.

• Hands-on experience in progressive dies, press tools and/or precision tooling is highly desirable

Technical Skills

• Strong CNC machining experience, particularly CNC milling and complex-profile machining.

• Good hands-on experience in precision/surface grinding.

• Experience in EDM/Wire EDM is strongly preferred.

• Strong knowledge of tool & die manufacturing, maintenance and repair.

• Experience with precision measuring equipment and dimensional inspection.

• Ability to work with tight/micron-level tolerances.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and tooling specifications.

Working hours:

Mon to Fri 8am-5.30pm

Sat 8am - 1pm ( Alternate )