Tooling and Programming Manager

Posted: 10th November, 2025

Title: Tooling and Programming Manager

Department: Tooling

Location: Whitehall, USA

Purpose

The Tooling and Programming Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations of the CNC machining and prototype production shop. This shop directly supports Nelipak’s thermoforming operations by producing and maintaining prototype tooling and parts used in the development and manufacture of thermoformed medical packaging solutions.
The manager leads a team of machinists and technicians focused on high-quality, precision tooling and part fabrication that enables consistent thermoforming performance. This position also provides hands-on technical support to production through troubleshooting, repair, and process improvement initiatives that sustain optimal forming quality and uptime.

Responsibilities

• Lead, schedule, and supervise hourly CNC and prototype shop personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Manage the machining and fabrication of thermoforming prototype tooling and parts, ensuring alignment with engineering and customer requirements.
• Support Whitehall thermoforming production operations by troubleshooting tooling-related issues, performing repairs, and coordinating modifications or improvements.
• Maintain and ensure readiness of all CNC equipment, manual mills, and other shop tools used for thermoforming tool and component production.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to ensure prototype tools and formed parts meet design intent, forming quality, and performance expectations.
• Oversee work orders, job scheduling, and shop priorities to meet development and production support timelines.
• Drive continuous improvement in machining processes, setup efficiency, material utilization, and forming tool performance.
• Maintain accurate ERP and maintenance records related to tooling builds, configurations, and service activities.
• Ensure compliance with all safety standards and Nelipak policies.
• Identify training needs and mentor team members to develop technical and thermoforming-related machining skills.

Education and/or Experience

• Experience working with various tooling raw materials including aluminum, steel, and plastic composites (ren-shape, red board, etc.).
• Experience working with plastics and understanding how in plastic sheet including HIPS, PETG, PVC, and others, interact with heat, tooling, shrink, etc.
• Experience in thermoforming industry a plus.
• 3-5 years of experience in CNC machining, tooling, or prototype manufacturing environments.
• 3-5 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Proficiency in CNC programming (e.g., Mastercam or similar) and reading engineering drawings or CAD models.
• Experience with tooling materials including aluminum, steel, and plastic composites (ren-shape, red board, etc .)
• Experience in supporting or manufacturing tooling for thermoforming or plastic forming operations preferred.
• Background in prototype or short-run production environments a plus.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities, especially related to tooling performance and thermoforming process issues.
• Strong understanding of machining principles, tool design, and forming tool construction.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, production-support environment.
• Effective communication across departments including engineering, production, and quality.
• Requires standing, walking, and operating machinery in a shop environment. Personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses, gloves, and other items as required must be worn in designated areas.

The above list of job responsibilities is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of the post.

FOR INTERESTED APPLICANTS: If you are interested in this position, please send a brief cover letter, resume, please state the job title applying for and any other relevant material for the candidacy to ruby.costa@nelipak.com . Thank you!

Browse More Opportunities