Tooling Designer
Assaria, KS
Great Plains Manufacturing is currently seeking a Tooling Designer “A” to join our team in the Product Development Department in Assaria, KS.
The schedule for this full-time position is Monday through Thursday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., plus overtime on Fridays, as required.
Primary Duties Responsibilities:
- Design Weld Fixtures, Form Dies, Injection Molds, Casting Patterns, and other misc. fixtures as needed in a safe and cost-effective way.
- Serve as support resource while tooling is built.
- Participate in manufacturing lean initiatives and error proofing of tooling.
- Manage multiple projects and tooling designs.
- Program and operate 3D plastic printer when printed parts are requested.
- Work with other designers, ME group, production plants, and shop personnel to improve fixture efficiencies and user-friendly designs that are easy to machine, build & weld in production.
- Complete documentation and PO#’s for items & materials for tooling projects.
- Receive tooling requests, create Tooling numbers, enter information & order parts in our time tracking & parts ordering software.
- Some hands-on shop help and assistance in other areas may be required.
- Follow all Great Plains and OSHA safety regulations and wear prescribed safety and protective equipment.
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment.
Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
- Possess a strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques
- Associates degree in design drafting or mechanical technology or one year of experience in tooling design or tooling build preferred
- Solid modeling experience required, Creo Parametric, Solid Works or equivalent
- Must be a strong team player with attention to details
- CNC mill & lathe programming experience a plus
- Knowledge of press brake and punch press operation preferred
- Knowledge of selection, machinability & heat treating of tool steels preferred
- Possess basic computer skills including, but not limited to, Outlook, Excel, Word
Great Plains Manufacturing, headquartered in Salina, KS, is a proud subsidiary of Kubota with more than 50 years as a Kansas leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of agricultural implements, including seeding, tillage, and landscaping equipment. Our new Construction Equipment Division adds Kubota-branded skid steers, compact track loaders, and CE attachments, supported by Kubota Construction R&D Engineering in Salina. Operating in eight Kansas communities with multiple divisions, including Great Plains Ag; Land Pride; Great Plains International; and the Construction Equipment Division, we employ over 2,000 people and are committed to innovation and professional growth. If you are self-motivated, goal-oriented, and collaborative, explore our open opportunities at www.WorkForGPM.com.
Skills Required
- Strong working knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques
- Solid modeling experience
- Experience with Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, or equivalent
- Strong teamwork and attention to detail
- Associate degree in design drafting or mechanical technology
- One year of experience in tooling design or tooling build
- CNC mill and lathe programming experience
- Knowledge of press brake and punch press operation
- Knowledge of tool steel selection, machinability, and heat treating
- Basic computer skills, including Outlook, Excel, and Word
Great Plains Manufacturing Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Great Plains Manufacturing and has not been reviewed or approved by Great Plains Manufacturing.
-
Pay Growth & Progression — Pay progression is often described as structured and frequent in hourly manufacturing roles, with step-based or performance reviews leading to regular increases until top-out rates. Feedback suggests this predictability supports a clearer path to higher earnings.
-
Retirement Support — Retirement offerings include a 401(k) plan with matching that is frequently highlighted as a meaningful part of total compensation. Feedback suggests this adds long-term value alongside base wages and overtime opportunities.
-
Healthcare Strength — Health benefits are commonly viewed as solid, including medical, dental, prescription, and life insurance coverage. Feedback suggests coverage quality is a notable advantage for many employees.
Great Plains Manufacturing Insights
What We Do
Great Plains Ag, a division of Great Plains Mfg., Inc., has been a leader in seeding and tillage equipment since its inception in 1976. Based in Salina, Kansas, the company is a leading producer of grain drills, vertical tillage, hybrid tillage, planters, and compact drills.
