Design Engineer

Organization: Klesk Metal Stamping

Date Posted: March 24, 2026

Date Needed: March 24, 2026

Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

Primary Category: Engineering

Additional Categories:

• Engineering
• Programmer/Designer
• Tooling and Machining

Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 Per Year

Position Type: Full-Time

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree

Experience Required: 3 - 5 Years

Job Description:

Title: Design Engineer - Tooling & Manufacturability Revision Date: 3/22/2026 Department: Manufacturing Operations Position Type: Salaried, Full-time Supervisor: Manufacturing Manager Work Schedule: Mon-Thursday 6:00-4:30 PM About Klesk Metal Stamping Klesk Metal Stamping Co. manufactures precision metal components for customers across aerospace, industrial, dental, medical, power sports, and telecommunications industries. Many of our customers are Fortune 500 global OEMs. We pride ourselves on high-quality products, dedicated customer service, and a culture grounded in safety, teamwork, and growth for every employee. The Opportunity The Design Engineer – Tooling & Manufacturability serves as the technical bridge between customer intent and production reality. This role strengthens quoting accuracy, protects margin, and improves launch performance by: • Translating customer prints into practical manufacturing plans • Defining tooling approaches aligned with our press and process capabilities • Creating tooling layouts and design intent for in-house and outsourced tool builds • Identifying manufacturability risks before we commit to price or production This is a hands-on, on-site role suited for a manufacturing-focused engineer who understands metal stamping processes and enjoys collaborating with estimating, the toolroom, operations, and quality to build efficient, repeatable production solutions. Key Responsibilities 1) Print Review & Quoting Support • Review customer drawings, tolerances, materials, and specifications for manufacturability and risk. • Identify critical features, tolerance stack-ups, material challenges, and forming complexity. • Define proposed manufacturing routings aligned with Klesk equipment and capabilities and outside processes. • Estimate tooling design/build effort and identify assumptions and constraints for quoting. • Flag unclear or high-risk requirements early and support technical clarification through Sales/Estimating. 2) Tooling Process Development & Layout • Develop layouts for progressive dies, blanking and secondary tooling operations. Evaluate press tonnage requirements, feed direction, material utilization, and strip constraints. • Create 2D/3D tooling layouts and communicate clear design intent to the toolroom. • Ensure tooling designs are buildable, serviceable, and aligned with production realities. • Incorporate inspection considerations and critical-to-quality checkpoints into tooling plans. • Design and develop inspection fixtures to check critical design requirements 3) Tooling Execution Support (Build Through Tryout) • Support tooling builds through review, assembly, and tryout. • Implement engineering changes to tooling by planning and executing design updates. • Collaborate with the toolroom and operations to resolve tooling and process issues. • Drive continuous improvement in tooling performance and manufacturability. 4) Cross-Functional Collaboration & Follow-Through • Partner closely with Estimating, Toolroom, Manufacturing, and Quality to align quote assumptions with execution. • Participate in quote-to-launch handoffs to ensure process intent is clearly communicated. • Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling and stamping performance. • Contribute to standardization and documentation of best practices in tooling design and manufacturability. What Success Looks Like • Quotes reflect realistic tooling hours and manufacturing plans. • Fewer tooling rework hours due to clear layout and design intent. • Improved first-pass tool tryout performance. • Reduced post-launch engineering changes driven by manufacturability gaps. • Strong collaboration and clear communication between engineering and the toolroom. Required Skills & Experience Must-Have • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience in tool and die design. • 3+ years of experience in metal stamping tooling, die design, or closely related manufacturing engineering. • Working knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and tolerances. • Experience defining manufacturing steps and tooling approach from a customer print. • Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or similar). • Strong understanding of stamping fundamentals (forming, blanking, piercing, bending, material behavior). • Organized and responsive, able to manage multiple quotes and design priorities simultaneously. • Clear communicator who flags risk early and collaborates effectively with shop-floor teams. Preferred / Nice-to-Have • Experience designing progressive or stage dies and evaluating press capacity requirements. • Familiarity with simulation tools or forming analysis (not required, but beneficial). • Experience supporting tooling through build and tryout phases. • Experience in a high-mix, low-to-medium volume manufacturing environment. Compensation • Target base salary range: $80,000 – $110,000 annually • Final compensation based on experience, tooling depth, and demonstrated stamping expertise. • Competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plan options, paid time off, and holiday pay. Why This Role Matters As Klesk expands its in-house tooling and manufacturing capabilities, the front-end engineering decisions directly impact margin, delivery performance, and customer satisfaction. This role strengthens both the quoting process and tooling execution, reducing risk before production begins and improving stability once parts hit the press. What We Offer: • The opportunity to be a key player in a forward-thinking company with significant recent investments in modern technology. • A chance to influence and impact company results and teammates everyday. • A dynamic and collaborative environment where your contributions are valued. • Competitive salary and benefits package. Salary range from $80k-$110k annualized plus incentive. Core Values: We serve the needs of others II We take ownership and initiative II We embrace a winning mindset • Opportunities for professional growth and continuous learning in a progressive manufacturing setting. Compliance Disclaimer This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control regulations under ITAR and EAR. In accordance with these regulations, only U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful permanent residents (green card holders) are eligible for this role. Proof of status will be required prior to employment

How To Apply: Please Submit Resume Through our website Kleskmetalstamping.com