Job Summary
- Responsible for tooling lifecycle management including design, in-house manufacturing, optimization, and cost control of cutting tools used in CNC machining processes.
- Focus on steel, stainless steel, and aluminum applications within the automotive industry, ensuring high performance, durability, and process stability.
Roles and Responsibilities
Tool Design & Development
- Design cutting tools (drills, milling cutters, reamers, inserts) for automotive components.
- Optimize geometry, coating, and edge preparation for different materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminum).
- Collaborate with process engineering for tool-path and machining strategy alignment.
In-house Tool Manufacturing
Manage and improve internal tool production processes including:
- CNC tool grinding (e.g., SAACKE, TTB or equivalent)
- Edge preparation (brushing, drag finishing, polishing) and tool coating coordination
- Ensure tooling quality, repeatability, and lead-time control.
Tool Localization & Supplier Development
- Drive localization strategy for cutting tools to reduce cost and lead time.
- Identify, develop, and qualify local tool suppliers (including grinding and coating vendors).
- Ensure localized tools meet performance, quality, and durability requirements.
- Lead trials, benchmarking, and validation of local alternatives vs. global standards.
- Collaborate with procurement and global teams to implement localization roadmap
Process Optimization & Cost Control
- Analyze tool performance (tool life, wear mechanisms, failure modes).
- Drive tooling cost reduction initiatives (e.g., regrinding, reuse strategy, supplier optimization).
- Support productivity improvement (cycle time, tool change frequency, scrap reduction).
Problem Solving & Troubleshooting
- Lead root cause analysis for machining issues (burrs, tool breakage, surface defects, instability).
- Implement corrective actions using structured methods (8D, 5Why, Fishbone).
Cross-functional Collaboration
- Work with production, quality, R&D, and external suppliers.
- Support new product introduction (NPI) and process development.
- Interface with global teams for best practice sharing.