Manager, Tooling Engineering

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.