Engineering

Special Tool Designer

Sandvik Coromant is looking for a

SPECIAL TOOL DESIGNER

Location: Mebane, NC

Sandvik Coromant is part of the global Sandvik engineering family of companies and is at the forefront of manufacturing tools, machining solutions, and knowledge that drive industry standards and innovations. Educational support, extensive R&D investment and strong customer partnerships ensure the development of machining technologies that change, lead, and drive the future of manufacturing.

We are looking for a dynamic and results-orientated Special Tool Designer to join our team!

Key performance areas

The Special Tool Designer is responsible for developing customized cutting tool solutions, according to customer specifications and manufacturing requirements. This role involves creating detailed 3D models and drawings using NX and AutoCAD, ensuring high performance, manufacturability, and cost efficiency across a variety of machining applications.

Key Activities and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Analyze and interpret Requests for Quotation to understand customer requirements, particularly for special cutting tools solutions.

Read and interpret drawings and specifications according to customer requirements.

Create proposal drawings and concepts, using Auto CAD or NX software, with a focus on manufacturability and performance in CNC applications.

Create 3D models and approval drawings and manage/follow up on the customer approval process, ensuring clarity on tool functionality and application.

Create and maintain the Bill of Materials for all tool designs, ensuring accuracy in materials and components.

Understand in depth how the tool will be machined (CNC processes, grinding, heat treatment, assembly, etc.) to ensure designs are practical and cost-effective.

Prepare manufacturing and process drawings, including detailed tolerances, surface finish, and GD&T, to support precision toolmaking.

Select and specify tool materials, blanks, coatings, and heat treatments suitable for cutting tool applications and customer requirements.

Apply an excellent understanding of GD&T to guarantee precision in tool functionality and interchangeability.

Design and optimize fixtures for manufacturing, ensuring efficiency and repeatability in CNC operations.

Using SAP software to access requests, design queues, and release tasks for quotation and manufacturing.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams (sales, production, CAM programmers, and project management) to ensure proposals and manufacturing are technically feasible and aligned with company capabilities.

Provide technical input to optimize tool performance, machinability, and productivity.

Ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness in all design-related deliverables, supporting customer satisfaction and internal manufacturing efficiency.

Competencies

Must possess strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with key stakeholders.

Demonstrate excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and decision-making abilities.

Ability to create work instructions, presentations, and other documentation using the MS Office.

Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders.

Mindset for continuous improvement, seeking ways to enhance processes, tools, and designs.

Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple orders and priorities simultaneously.

Strong knowledge of cutting tool design principles, including indexable insert tools such as milling, drilling, turning, boring bars, adapters, clamping units, etc.

Experience with Siemens NX and AutoCAD software for 2D and 3D design.

Familiarity with SAP systems for document and project management.

Knowledge of materials, coatings, and heat treatments used in cutting tool applications.

Ability to perform feasibility studies, manufacturability analyses, and cost optimization.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, and technical specifications accurately.

Knowledge of production machines and manufacturing processes, especially special tools.

Profile

The ideal candidate is a detail‑oriented designer with strong problem‑solving skills, solid understanding of machining and manufacturability, and proficiency in NX, AutoCAD, and interpreting technical drawings. They work well cross‑functionally, manage multiple projects, and create accurate models, proposal drawings, and Bills of Materials that support high‑quality, cost‑effective tooling solutions.

Candidates should have hands‑on experience in cutting tool design supported by a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field, or equivalent technical experience. Knowledge of GD&T, CNC processes, and SAP/PLM/ECTR systems is preferred, and required work authorizations or certifications should be current.

More about Sandvik

At Sandvik Coromant, we are driven by a passion for excellence in everything we do. As we see it, sustainable success is a team effort and working together and sharing expertise are vital to us, which is why we highly value our active, ongoing collaboration with customers around the world. Sandvik Coromant owns over 3,100 patents worldwide, employs over 7,900 staff, and is represented in 150 countries.

Our national headquarters and primary production unit is in Mebane, NC. Renovated in 2021, the facility houses nearly 60,000 square feet of production space with over 100 employees.

Sandvik offers a comprehensive total compensation package including a competitive benefits package of life, health, dental, and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, mental health coaching, and a 401(k)-retirement savings plan. In addition, we provide opportunities for professional competence development and training, as well as opportunities for career advancement.

How to apply:

For immediate consideration, please apply to the Special Tool Designer position, Job ID: R0089198

At Sandvik Coromant, we believe that diversity of experience, perspective, and background leads to a better environment for our employees, our business, and our customers. We’re looking forward to meeting you!

Sandvik is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Any applicant who, because of a disability, needs accommodation or assistance in completing an application or at any time during the application process should contact Human Resources at HRsupport.us@sandvik.com. Sandvik also provides reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities consistent with its obligations under the law.

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