The Engineer - Tool Kit in the SCM & Purchase Department is responsible for planning, procuring, organizing, and managing all tools, cutters, fixtures, gauges, and tool kits required for precision machining operations.
This role ensures that the right tools are available at the right time, with the correct specifications, supporting production efficiency, tool life optimization, and cost control.
The Engineer collaborates with Purchase, CNC Programming, Production, Quality, and Vendors to support high-precision aerospace, medical, oil & gas, and engineering machining processes.
Key Responsibilities
1. Tool Planning & Requirement Analysis
Study machining drawings, operational sheets, and CNC programs to determine tool requirements.
Prepare tool lists and tool kits for new jobs, prototypes, and recurring production batches.
Ensure tool availability for all machines without production stoppage.
Coordinate with CNC Programmers and Production Engineers for tool selection.
2. Tool Procurement & Vendor Coordination
Prepare tool purchase requisitions based on approved tool lists.
Coordinate with Purchase for tool ordering, deliveries, and follow-ups.
Interact with tooling vendors for technical specifications, quotations, and tool performance evaluations.
Evaluate new tool suppliers, brands, and technologies for cost and performance benefits.
3. Tool Kit Assembly & Management
Build complete tool kits as per production requirements for each machining project.
Ensure correct tool holders, inserts, cutters, boring bars, and measuring tools are included.
Maintain tool identification, traceability, and documentation.
Support tool presetting activities and ensure compatibility with machine tool holders.
4. Tool Performance Monitoring
Track tool life, consumption rates, and tool wear patterns during production.
Record tool usage data and analyse performance improvements.
Recommend tool changes, upgrades, or alternative tool solutions to reduce costs and increase life.
Work with operators and CNC programmers to solve tool-related machining issues.
5. Inventory Control & Tool Storage
Maintain minimum stock levels of critical tools, inserts, and consumables.
Coordinate with Stores to ensure accurate tool stock records.
Implement FIFO/FEFO for tools, inserts, and consumables.
Ensure proper tool storage, labelling, and 5S practices in the tool room/tool store.
6. Cost Optimization
Assist in identifying cost-saving opportunities in tool selection and usage.
Standardize frequently used tools to reduce tool variety and purchasing costs.
Support negotiations through technical comparisons of alternative tools and brands.
7. Documentation & ERP Updating
Maintain tool lists, tool specifications, life data sheets, and tool consumption logs.
Update ERP/MRP systems for tool stock, issues, receipts, and purchase requirements.
Support audits with proper tool-related documentation as per aerospace and ISO standards.
8. Technical Support & Collaboration
Provide tool-related technical support to machine operators, supervisors, and production teams.
Coordinate with Quality for tool calibration requirements for gauges or measurement tools.
Assist NPD and Project Teams with tooling requirements for trial runs and sample approvals.
Required Qualifications
Education
Diploma / B.E. in Mechanical, Production, Manufacturing, or Tool & Die Engineering.
Additional certification in tooling or CNC machining is an advantage.
Experience
2-6 years of experience in tooling, tool engineering, CNC machining, or tool management.
Experience in aerospace, medical, oil & gas, or precision machining industries preferred.
Skills
Strong understanding of cutting tools, inserts, holders, gauges, and fixtures.
Familiarity with CNC machining processes and tool path strategies.
Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
Good coordination, documentation, and ERP data entry skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.