Sterling Engineering · 4 hours ago
Principal Tooling Engineer
Buffalo Grove, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$145K/yr - $175K/yr
15+ years expSterling Engineering is seeking an experienced Principal Tooling Engineer to support the development of state-of-the-art injection molding tooling for a high-visibility medical manufacturing program. This role involves collaboration with global customers and internal teams to design, validate, and launch advanced tooling while establishing U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
ConsultingInformation Technology
Responsibilities
Design and engineer complex tooling solutions for molds, jigs, and fixtures to meet product and regulatory specifications
Participate in design reviews and perform Design for Manufacturability (DFM) evaluations
Lead validation of molding tools and troubleshoot tooling or process-related issues
Implement cost-effective tooling improvements and engineering changes
Collaborate with cross-functional teams on tool qualification, sampling, and final part approval
Develop and maintain tooling documentation, work instructions, and process standards
Provide technical coaching and guidance to tooling technicians and internal engineering staff
Deliver status updates aligned with project timelines and customer expectations
Support early-phase international collaboration, including travel to Denmark during initial program launch
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field
15+ years of experience in injection molding tooling design, validation, and troubleshooting
Deep expertise in thermoplastics and/or thermosets, mold flow, and molding process optimization
Strong background in Design for Manufacturability and tooling qualification
Hands-on experience working in manufacturing or tool room environments
Proven ability to collaborate across engineering, production, and customer teams
Preferred
Medical device or regulated manufacturing experience
Experience supporting global manufacturing transfers or new product launches
Familiarity with inspection, measurement tools, and electronic/mechanical test equipment
Benefits
10% annual bonus
Relocation assistance packages offered for qualified candidates
Company
Sterling Engineering
Sterling Engineering is an engineering company providing technical recruitment and engineering project services.
501-1000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Sterling Engineering has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (3)
2024 (6)
2023 (3)
2022 (1)
2020 (5)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Dolores Connolly
CEO
Recent News
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