Richard Jacobs
Ottawa Lake
Summary
Senior Tooling Engineer and Engineering Manager with extensive experience in automotive manufacturing and tooling engineering. Demonstrated success in leading global tooling programs and driving multimillion-dollar cost savings through continuous improvement initiatives. Expertise in high-speed carbide dies, APQP, and Lean Manufacturing principles.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work History
SENIOR TOOLING ENGINEER
Multimatic Indiana
02.2026 - Current
- Lead the design, specification, and launch of high-volume automotive tooling programs.
- Manage tooling projects from RFQ through supplier selection, fabrication, tryout, PPAP support, and production launch.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce tooling costs, improve quality, increase OEE, and enhance tool durability.
- Provide technical leadership to internal and external tooling suppliers.
- Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Program Management teams to support APQP deliverables.
- Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for tooling-related production issues.
- Develop preventive maintenance and lifecycle management strategies to maximize tool uptime.
- Support PPAP submissions, capability studies, run-at-rate events, and customer audits.
- Mentor engineers and technicians on tooling standards and best practices.
INDEPENDENT TOOLING CONSULTANT
Independent Contractor
03.2025 - 02.2026
- Conducted tooling simulations and developed 3D strip layouts.
- Led complete 3D tool design and detailing activities.
- Managed 2D and 3D machining operations.
- Designed grippers and supported die tryout activities.
- Performed quality layouts and specification verification.
- Integrated transfer automation systems and provided production support.
- Managed project logistics, schedules, and customer communications.
- Designed and built check fixtures.
- Oversaw complete tooling programs from concept through production support.
- Supported progressive and transfer die applications.
- Managed spare parts production and component machining.
- Oversaw Asian tooling suppliers and manufacturing operations.
ENGINEERING MANAGER / MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT / TOOLING, DESIGN & CNC/WIRE EDM MANAGER
Toledo Tool & Die
09.2012 - 03.2025
- Directed engineering, tooling, CNC, and Wire EDM operations.
- Developed systems for engineering planning, project control, and execution.
- Implemented operating procedures and resolved technical issues.
- Evaluated and improved manufacturing systems and tooling performance.
- Directed transfer integration and tooling development programs.
- Oversaw Asian tooling operations and supplier relationships for more than 11 years.
- Led major cost-reduction initiatives resulting in multimillion-dollar savings.
- Managed tooling design, build, and production launch activities.
TOOLING & DESIGN MANAGER
Toledo Tool & Die Mexico (Now Gill Industries)
03.2011 - 08.2012
- Lead tooling and design operations.
- Managed new tool design, development, and launch activities.
- Implemented engineering changes and die improvements.
- Reduced scrap rates and press downtime.
- Developed die maintenance systems and spare component tracking programs.
- Trained tooling and production personnel.
OWNER / DESIGNER
BMA Die Design & Consultants Inc.
06.2005 - 03.2011
- Provided global contract die design and tooling consulting services.
- Specialized in full 3D die design, detailing, and forming analysis.
- Designed progressive, transfer, cast, high-speed, and compound dies.
- Supported engineering changes, process improvements, and scrap reduction initiatives.
- Delivered tooling department setup and consulting services in Mexico.
- Supported Multimatic UK with tool room optimization, training, and process improvements.
LEAD MACHINIST / TOOL ROOM FOREMAN
Multimatic Technical Center, Markham, Ontario
Markham
01.1999 - 01.2005
- Supervised more than 30 toolmakers and apprentices.
- Led development of advanced suspension and body structure programs.
- Managed tooling development for instrument panel and suspension components.
- Delivered tooling cost reductions for both new and existing production programs.
PROJECT LEADER / LEAD HAND
Pinnacle Tool Works, Newmarket, Ontario
Newmarket
01.1997 - 01.1999
- Built and developed high-speed stamping dies with micron-level precision.
- Managed high-speed stamping operations ranging from 100 to 1,500 strokes per minute.
TOOL ROOM LEAD HAND
P.J. Precision, London, England
London
01.1995 - 01.1997
- Built tooling for defense and aerospace applications.
- Maintained micron-level tolerances using precision machining and milling processes.
TOOLMAKER
TRI Inc.
01.1994 - 01.1995
- Supported die building, machining, and tooling operations.
APPRENTICE TOOL & DIE MAKER
01.1990 - 01.1994
- Completed formal apprenticeship training in Tool & Die Manufacturing.
Education
Tool & Die Apprenticeship -
01-1994
Skills
- Tool and die design
- Progressive and transfer dies
- Prototype tooling
- High-speed carbide dies
- Tooling engineering
- APQP and PPAP
- DFMEA and PFMEA
- Root cause analysis
- Die tryout and troubleshooting
- Cost reduction strategies
- Continuous improvement initiatives
- Transfer automation integration
- Tool quoting and analysis
- CNC machining operations
- Wire EDM processes
- Tool room management
- 3D modeling and design
- KeyCreator V2025 expertise
- ThinkDesign proficiency
- Solid Edge skills
- GD&T application
- Lean manufacturing principles
- Supplier development strategies
- Global tooling management practices
- Engineering leadership skills
- Team development initiatives
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Aluminum processing (025 mm)
- HSLA steel expertise (up to 9 mm)
- Advanced high-strength materials
Accomplishments
- Led the conversion of seven high-volume transfer dies into progressive dies through a $1 million company-funded initiative.
- Achieved full project return on investment within eight months.
- Generated annual savings of approximately $674,000 in material costs and $938,000 in processing costs.
- Delivered approximately $4 million in total program savings over the life of the program.
- Redesigned GMT900 hinge tooling and developed stamped interlocking bushings that replaced DOM tubing, generating approximately $130,000 in annual savings.
- Successfully managed tooling operations and supplier development across North America, Europe, Mexico, and Asia.
Education And Professional Training
Tool & Die Apprenticeship, Completed, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), Kaizen / Lean Manufacturing, KeyCreator v2025, ThinkDesign, Solid Edge
Timeline
SENIOR TOOLING ENGINEER
Multimatic Indiana
02.2026 - Current
INDEPENDENT TOOLING CONSULTANT
Independent Contractor
03.2025 - 02.2026
ENGINEERING MANAGER / MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT / TOOLING, DESIGN & CNC/WIRE EDM MANAGER
Toledo Tool & Die
09.2012 - 03.2025
TOOLING & DESIGN MANAGER
Toledo Tool & Die Mexico (Now Gill Industries)
03.2011 - 08.2012
OWNER / DESIGNER
BMA Die Design & Consultants Inc.
06.2005 - 03.2011
LEAD MACHINIST / TOOL ROOM FOREMAN
Multimatic Technical Center, Markham, Ontario
01.1999 - 01.2005
PROJECT LEADER / LEAD HAND
Pinnacle Tool Works, Newmarket, Ontario
01.1997 - 01.1999
TOOL ROOM LEAD HAND
P.J. Precision, London, England
01.1995 - 01.1997
TOOLMAKER
TRI Inc.
01.1994 - 01.1995
APPRENTICE TOOL & DIE MAKER
01.1990 - 01.1994