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Senior Tool Designer (Dual Discipline)

Network Engineering

Job Location:

Durban - South Africa

Monthly Salary: Not provided by the employer

Posted: 22 August 2026 (14 days ago)

Application Deadline: 19 November 2026

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Reference: NES027311-Wes-1

Senior Tool Designer (Dual Discipline)

Pinetown KwaZulu-Natal

The best tools are never noticed. Until they fail.

Behind every perfectly moulded component every precision-formed metal part and every efficient production line is a designer who got it right before a single chip was cut.
Were looking for a Senior Tool Designer who understands that exceptional tooling is more than a drawing on a screen. Its the foundation of quality productivity and manufacturing excellence.
If youre equally comfortable designing complex injection moulds and progressive press tools solving manufacturing challenges before they happen and turning concepts into production-ready tooling solutions this could be your next career move.

Duties & Responsibilities

Your Role

As the Senior Tool Designer you will take ownership of tooling projects from concept through to production ensuring designs are practical efficient manufacturable and built to perform.
Youll work closely with toolmakers engineering teams and production stakeholders to develop precision tooling solutions that meet demanding quality and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

Design & Development

Create detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings for injection moulds and metal press tools
Design single and multi-cavity moulds for production environments
Develop robust and efficient tooling solutions that maximise performance and longevity

Progressive Tool Design

Design and develop complex progressive die sets
Create strip layouts and determine punching and forming sequences
Optimise tooling designs for efficiency and manufacturability

Simulation & Validation

Conduct Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews
Perform mould flow and formability assessments to identify risks before tool construction
Implement design improvements that reduce lead times and production issues

Toolroom Support

Act as the technical link between design and toolroom teams
Resolve manufacturing and assembly challenges during tool build phases
Provide practical solutions to ensure successful project completion

Lifecycle Management

Support tool trials and commissioning activities
Maintain version control and accurate design documentation
Drive continuous improvement throughout the tooling lifecycle

Requirements

Minimum 5 years experience designing both injection moulds and metal press tools
Proven experience with progressive press tool design
Tool Jig and Die Making experience advantageous
Strong understanding of tooling manufacturing processes and precision engineering principles
Experience within a toolroom or manufacturing environment
Knowledge of CNC machining wire cutting EDM/spark erosion and conventional toolroom practices
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards
Strong project management and problem-solving abilities
Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Technical Expertise

Advanced proficiency in Mastercam (2022 or later)
Strong experience with SolidWorks and/or Autodesk Fusion
Sound knowledge of:
- Tool steels including D2 P20 and H13
- Heat treatment processes
- Polymer flow and shrinkage characteristics
- GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
- Standard component systems such as HASCO DME and MISUMI

What Were Looking For

Were not looking for someone who simply creates tooling drawings.
Were looking for someone who can visualise an entire manufacturing process before production begins. Someone who understands how design decisions affect cycle times maintenance requirements quality outcomes and business performance.
A designer who sees problems before they happen.

To Apply

Please submit your CV together with a portfolio showcasing: