Tooling Engineering Team Lead, NPI Readiness
Company: PPG - North America
Location: Los Angeles
Posted on: January 14, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Lead the tooling function that
powers new product launches Imagine starting your day by bringing a
cross-functional team together around a Tier board. You scan the
queue, weigh engineering complexity against NPI milestones, and set
the pace. A machining issue surfaces on a composite tool—within
minutes you guide a root-cause discussion, convert the solution
into actionable tasks for engineers and technicians, and align
design, manufacturing, and quality on next steps. By afternoon,
you’re reviewing a design package for manufacturability, validating
GD&T, and ensuring the tooling requirements are clear and
executable. You close the day by coaching a technician through
structured problem solving and updating standards so the next
launch runs even smoother. What you’ll own Lead daily activities
for a team of tooling engineers and technicians, acting as the
technical escalation point for complex design, manufacturability,
and process challenges. Prioritize work across programs using
engineering complexity, NPI timelines, and production demand to
guide scheduling. Run Tier boards and technical stand-ups to
maintain alignment, remove blockers, and drive commitments. Execute
high-level troubleshooting, perform root cause analysis, and steer
design-based solutions. Define tooling requirements for NPI, review
design packages, and ensure designs are production-ready. Translate
engineering solutions into clear, executable tasks and verify
correct implementation. Collaborate closely with design
engineering, manufacturing engineering, and quality to resolve
cross-functional issues. Build team capability via coaching,
targeted engineering trainings, and structured problem solving.
Continuously improve tooling design standards, documentation, and
engineering workflows. What you’ll bring Bachelor’s in Mechanical,
Manufacturing, Aerospace, or related Engineering field (required).
3–5 years in tooling, manufacturing, or design engineering. 2–3
years leading or supervising technical teams of engineers and
technicians. Deep knowledge of hard/soft tooling, machining,
fabrication, and composite tooling. Ability to provide
engineering-level troubleshooting and guide DFM/MRB decisions.
Proven planning, scheduling, and workload management across
multiple programs. Experience using KPIs to drive continuous
improvement at an engineering depth. Preferred background Hands-on
support of NPI: tooling readiness and cross-functional engineering
reviews. Experience with CAD, GD&T, design reviews, and
validating tooling packages. History of leading safety, ergonomic,
and process improvements. Mentorship mindset that grows engineering
problem-solving capability. Compensation Salary range for this
position is: $100,000 - $122,500 depending on experience. Technical
focus You should be proficient in: Production Optimization Design
for Manufacturability (DFM) Machines & technologies you'll use: CAD
Software
Keywords: PPG - North America, Covina , Tooling Engineering Team Lead, NPI Readiness, Engineering , Los Angeles, California
