THE JOB 

The development of new industrial tools and the planning of the material and equipment to be used to make them, as well as the steps to be followed is known as "tool design."

TOOL DESIGNERS apply their specialized knowledge of mechanics and structures to the design or modification of the dies, jigs, fixtures and gauges that are used in the material processing and assembly operations of industrial tool production. Working from drawings, sketches, planning sheets, and other engineering and shop data, tool designers visualize all operations to be performed. They then prepare a work design from which they or others under their direction make detailed production drawings. 

The job may require computations involving stress, deflections, temperature expansions, dimensional tolerances, or other engineering data. This work requires detailed knowledge of shop operations and the characteristics of the material from which tools are made. 

Designers must also be familiar with production and inspection procedures. The particular job duties and responsibilities of tool designers vary from firm to firm. In some, usually smaller establishments, the position is filled by highly skilled and experienced tool and die makers. Usually, however, the position is filled by a mechanical engineer, who works with a staff of engineering technicians. 

Designers may have the complete responsibility for all aspects of tool design and production or they may specialize in areas such as small tools or production scheduling. Computers have become an integral part of the tool designer's work place. Using "computer-aided-design" systems (CAD), for example, designers can generate realistic geometric models of objects on a computer terminal screen. These images can be rotated to allow viewing from any angle; designers can even simulate and analyze the effects of selected stresses and try out alternative designs. Computer models may eventually eliminate the need for most drawing and physical prototypes.

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Typically, tool designers work in the tool design or engineering departments of large manufacturing plants. Tool designers usually share their work space with drafters or other engineering technicians in quiet, well-lighted surroundings separated from production areas. Job shops (firms which contract to do engineering and drafting work for other companies) are often used to create product prototypes. Designers who work for job shops must sometimes travel to another city, where the contracting firm is located, to do the work. When a contract with a job shop is finished, designers may be reassigned or laid off.

EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK 

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division. These figures represent the broad occupational group Mechanical Engineers which includes Tool Designers Estimated number of workers in 1990 27,000 Estimated number of workers in 2005 31,660 Projected Growth Percentage 1990-2005 17% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 10,790 (These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.) 

A projected increase of over 4,000 new jobs combined with the estimated 10,790 workers leaving the labor force will result in nearly 15,000 net job openings in California by the year 2005 in the same occupational group. Tool designer positions are concentrated in durable goods manufacturing. These include defense products machinery, radio, TV and communications equipment, aircraft and parts. 

These industries are generally found in the large urban areas of the state. Over the next few years prospects in this field will be limited. Many industries employing tool designers have moved some of their manufacturing of consumer products overseas where production costs are lower. 

Because of reductions in defense spending, jobs for mechanical engineering type work will decrease; however, the employment of mechanical engineers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. Growth for engineering work is expected due to the demand for new and more complex industrial machinery and tools resulting from the development of more sophisticated automated production processes. 

Turnover tends to be low where there are permanent positions. Turnover, in some firms, may occur every two or three years as production contracts run out and individuals go to where there are better opportunities.

WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS 

Beginning tool designers earn from $29,000 to $34,000 per year and experienced tool designers between $33,000 and $52,000 per year. Supervisory designers may earn from $44,000 to $68,000 per year. The normal workweek is 40 hours, with overtime compensation being granted for additional hours. However, most tool designers are hired when a company wins a contract. These contracts, and therefore the designer's employment, commonly last from two to five years. With completion of the contract, the designer may be laid off, and may have to relocate to find employment, or seek employment in a related field.

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING 

The amount of related job experience is the single most important factor considered by employers hiring tool designers. The typical tool designer learned tool design on the job, usually having had experience in tool making. Most employers prefer that the tool designer have at least two to three years of tool design experience. 

Some employers will hire applicants who have completed a two-year degree in mechanical engineering technology and who have some experience in either a machine shop or tool making environment. 

Advancement to higher levels often requires a four-year degree, a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Training and experience in using CAD equipment is being sought by more and more employers. Some employers do not regard tool designers as being fully qualified until they have six years of experience in tool design or an equivalent combination of technical training and shop experience. 

Designers are expected to be familiar with the principles of plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and related mathematics, in additional to having drafting skills. The job requires knowledge of raw materials available for tool manufacturing, familiarity with planning, engineering, and production operations, and the ability to use such accessories as bearings, bushing, gears, and hydraulic and electrical equipment. Many jobs in aerospace or defense related industries require American citizenship and security clearances.

ADVANCEMENT 

Workers are promoted as they gain skill and experience. With additional college courses, top designers may advance to more responsible positions in the field of tool engineering, which includes the selection, planning and production of tools, as well as designing. They may also advance into management positions. These jobs are variously known by such titles as manufacturing engineer, production planner, senior engineer (tool design), or project engineer.

FINDING THE JOB 

In tools design, experience is as important as education. Graduates from engineering programs are hired directly into designer trainee positions. Designers might also start as tool and die makers or mechanical engineering technicians, developing the necessary experience which must they be supplemented with continuing education. Applicants should contact employers directly. Teachers' referrals and school or college placement offices are also frequently helpful. The California Employment Development Department's Job Service offices, private employment agencies, job shops, newspaper want ads, and notices in trade magazines also provide excellent job leads.

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES 

Mechanical Engineer No. 5 Tool and Die Maker No. 15 Production Planner No. 271 Drafting Occupations No. 338 Computer-aide Drafting Operator (CAD) No. 481

Information from: http://www.calmis.cahwnet.gov/file/occguide/TOOLDES.HTM