Lead Tooling Engineer

American Axle & Mfg., Inc.
United States, Michigan, Detroit
Jan 06, 2026
Job Posting Title Lead Tooling Engineer Job Description Summary #TeamAAM is looking for a Lead Tooling Engineer to join our Metal Forming team. This role is located at our World Headquarters in Detroit. Initiates, oversees, and implements process optimization and cost reduction projects, evaluating new cutting tool technologies and applying significant cutting tool engineering knowledge. Supports plant production requirements and continuous improvement activities across multiple plants and processes to optimize perishable and durable tooling and cutting parameters on broad scope of machining equipment; troubleshoots and problem solves machining issues including cycle time, tool life, chip control and more. Coordinates with site teams at multiple plants to communicate tooling and machining best practices. Maintains standard tooling records such as performance to budget, tool evaluations and test reports, design, and set-up data. The ideal candidate has the ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with others, encouraging a positive work environment and improving efficiency. This person should also have a proven track record to manage and complete large projects, with the ability to plan and prioritize optimally. Ready to join the team that is Bringing the Future Faster? Apply today! Job Description: Facilitates the comprehensive management of site tooling in alignment with the AAM Tooling System standards. Drives continuous improvement and promotes multi-functional cooperation with manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, and general stores to ensure tooling-related topics and concerns are communicated optimally. Identifies and supports continuous improvement activities for quality (scrap reduction), productivity (cycle time), and cost (CPU), following the AAM Tool Testing Procedure and fair testing practices. Maintains technical tooling documentation, including the Plan for Every Tool (PFET), tooling drawings, and tool layouts (AutoCAD or similar). Supports plant tool presetting operations to ensure accuracy, organization, and best practices. Supports the management of tooling inventory, tool reconditioning, and scrap tooling processes. Uses problem solving and troubleshooting techniques to resolve machining issues. Quotes cost per unit of new jobs based on tooling selection and expected tool life. Works closely with tooling manufacturers and integration partners on new projects, continuous improvement activities, and unexpected machining events. Teaches and mentors tooling and manufacturing engineers at the plant level. Interacts with plant tool rooms to support their forge tool manufacturing processes. Required Skills and Education Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience. 10+ years of relevant experience in the manufacturing industry, with a focus on machining. Detailed knowledge of cutting tools and manufacturing processes. Strong understanding of CNC machining equipment. High level of analytical ability where problems are unusual and difficult. Ability and willingness to travel both locally and internationally, approximately 50% of the time. Primarily weekday travel. About AAM: As a leading global Tier 1 Automotive and Mobility Supplier, AAM designs, engineers and manufactures Driveline and Metal Forming technologies to support electric, hybrid and internal combustion vehicles. Discover how we're Bringing the Future Faster at AAM.com. AAM will not discriminate against any Associate or applicant for employment because of age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. AAM will take affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed, and that Associates are treated equally during employment, without regard to their age, race, color, gender, religion, weight, height, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic history or information, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, or other characteristic protected by law. For the Disabled Job Seeker: We offer reasonable accommodations for qualified disabled individuals who are applicants for employment. To request assistance or accommodations, please e-mail TalentAcquisition@aam.com. AAM is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.