Senior Tool Designer - Injection Moulds

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Department: Design

Experience: 0–1 yrs

Senior Tool Designer 

Department: Design 

Industry Type: Plastic Injection Moulding 

Reporting To: Assistant Head of Department 

Job Summary 

The Senior Tool Designer is responsible for independently designing and developing plastic injection moulds and tooling components from concept through to detailed manufacturing drawings. The role involves advanced 3D modelling, 2D detailing, DFM analysis, design validation, and resolving technical challenges related to mould manufacturing and assembly. The candidate will also review junior designers' work and coordinate with Tool Room, Production, Quality, and senior management to ensure successful execution of mould development projects. 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Injection Mould Design & Development 

• Independently design and develop plastic injection moulds based on customer requirements and product specifications. 

• Design core-cavity splits, cooling systems, runner and gating systems, ejector systems, slides, lifters, inserts, and other mould components. 

• Prepare detailed 3D mould assemblies and 2D manufacturing drawings using CAD software. 

• Ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with engineering standards. 

2. DFM & Design Validation 

• Perform detailed DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis and identify potential moulding and manufacturing issues. 

• Recommend suitable design solutions to improve mould performance, manufacturability, and component quality. 

• Assist in mould flow analysis and interpret simulation results where required. 

• Review product designs and provide inputs regarding draft, wall thickness, parting line, undercuts, and other moulding considerations. 

3. Technical Problem Solving 

• Identify and resolve technical challenges related to mould design, machining, assembly, and mould trials. 

• Support Tool Room and Production teams in resolving design-related issues during manufacturing and assembly. 

• Analyse mould trial feedback and implement necessary design modifications. 

• Ensure design changes are properly evaluated and documented. 

4. Advanced Technical Expertise 

• Apply knowledge of mould materials, machining processes, plastic injection moulding principles, and industry standards. 

• Calculate and verify critical dimensions, tolerances, fits, clearances, and component requirements. 

• Select appropriate standard mould components such as ejector pins, guide pillars, bushes, springs, locks, and other tooling components. 

• Use CAD and simulation software such as SolidWorks, NX, AutoCAD, and Moldflow as applicable. 

5. Review & Support Junior Designers 

• Review designs, drawings, and models prepared by Junior Tool Designers. 

• Provide technical guidance and constructive feedback to improve design quality. 

• Support junior designers in DFM analysis, mould component selection, and design problem-solving. 

• Ensure drawings released for manufacturing meet required quality and accuracy standards. 

6. Coordination & Communication 

• Coordinate with Assistant HOD / HOD, Tool Room, Production, Quality, and other departments for smooth execution of mould projects. 

• Communicate technical issues, design changes, and improvement suggestions effectively. 

• Participate in design reviews, project meetings, and technical discussions. 

• Provide necessary technical clarification to manufacturing and assembly teams. 

7. Continuous Improvement 

• Identify opportunities to improve mould design, manufacturing efficiency, mould life, and overall tooling performance. 

• Suggest innovative and cost-effective solutions for existing and new mould designs. 

• Standardize frequently used mould components and design practices wherever applicable. 

• Support implementation of lessons learned from previous mould projects. 

8. Documentation & Reporting 

• Maintain accurate design records, drawing revisions, design change requests, and project documentation. 

• Prepare DFM reports, design review reports, technical specifications, and other required documentation. 

• Ensure proper revision control and timely release of drawings for manufacturing. 

• Maintain design standards and ensure all required documents are updated and traceable. 

Qualifications & Requirements 

• Education: Diploma / Post Diploma / Bachelor's Degree in Tool Design, Tool & Die Making, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. 

• Experience: Minimum 4–6 years of relevant experience in plastic injection mould design. 

• Preferred Background: Experience in designing complex injection moulds and working directly with Tool Room / mould manufacturing teams. 

Preferred Skills 

• Strong hands-on experience in plastic injection mould design. 

• Advanced knowledge of SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software. 

• Proficiency in Creo, NX, AutoCAD, and Moldflow is an added advantage. 

• Strong understanding of plastic injection moulding processes and mould components. 

• Solid knowledge of DFM principles, mould materials, machining processes, tolerances, and fits. 

• Excellent ability to read and interpret product drawings and engineering specifications.