Senior Tooling Designer

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Tool Design Engineer to support the design, development, modification, and implementation of tooling used in aerospace manufacturing and assembly operations. This position requires strong mechanical design expertise, practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, and the ability to develop tooling solutions that improve safety, quality, producibility, and operational efficiency.

The ideal candidate will have experience designing production tooling, assembly fixtures, jigs, lifting and handling equipment, work platforms, test fixtures, and other specialized manufacturing aids.

Hybrid Work Statement

This is a hybrid position, combining remote work with on-site support based on program and business needs. The selected candidate must be available to work on-site when required for activities such as hardware evaluation, manufacturing coordination, shop-floor support, design reviews, tooling installation, validation, troubleshooting, and other tasks requiring direct interaction with production equipment or personnel.

The frequency of on-site work may vary depending on project phase, workload, and operational requirements.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop production tooling, assembly fixtures, jigs, work platforms, lifting devices, handling equipment, test fixtures, and other manufacturing aids.
• Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical documentation.
• Develop tooling concepts from initial requirements through detailed design, fabrication, installation, and validation.
• Perform engineering calculations and basic structural assessments to ensure tooling meets applicable strength, safety, and operational requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, production personnel, stress engineers, quality teams, suppliers, and other technical stakeholders.
• Provide hands-on engineering support to resolve tooling and manufacturing issues on the production floor.
• Evaluate existing tooling and recommend modifications to improve safety, ergonomics, quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Incorporate Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) principles into tooling solutions.
• Support design reviews, technical presentations, and configuration-control processes.
• Develop clear technical requirements and specifications for internally and externally fabricated tooling.
• Coordinate with suppliers and fabrication teams to resolve technical issues during tooling manufacture.
• Support tooling installation, checkout, proof-load testing, acceptance, and validation activities as required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable engineering standards, customer requirements, safety requirements, and industry best practices.

What You Need

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience in mechanical design, tooling design, manufacturing engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as CATIA, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent.
• Experience creating engineering drawings using GD&T principles.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design, materials, manufacturing processes, tolerances, and fabrication methods.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Experience working with machined, welded, fabricated, and assembled structures.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop practical solutions in a production environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, and shop-floor personnel.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Availability to work on-site as required under the hybrid work arrangement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing tooling for aerospace, defense, automotive, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Experience with aircraft assembly tooling, drill fixtures, bond tools, lifting devices, transportation equipment, or large assembly fixtures.
• Knowledge of tooling structural analysis, proof-load requirements, and lifting-device design practices.
• Experience supporting tooling through the complete lifecycle, from requirements and concept development through fabrication, installation, validation, and production use.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and engineering configuration management.
• Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and ergonomic design principles.
• Experience working directly with manufacturing and production teams in a shop-floor environment.

Work Environment

This position operates under a hybrid work arrangement. Remote work may be performed when appropriate for design, documentation, analysis, and coordination activities. On-site presence will be required based on project needs, particularly for manufacturing support, physical inspections, measurements, tooling installation, troubleshooting, validation, and coordination with production teams.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $60.00 - $80.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in San Diego, CA 92101

Salary : $60 - $80