Tooling Engineer/CNC Programmer

Rock West Composites, Inc. has an exciting opportunity for a Tooling Engineer/CNC Programmer in our Aircraft segment.  

Rock West Composites, Inc. is an engineering and manufacturing company dedicated to providing innovative solutions for commercial and government customers. We provide cradle-to-grave services for primary and secondary composite structures.  This position is located in our San Diego, CA office and reports to the Engineering Manager.

Position Summary: 

Support the design, development, and manufacturing of composite, sheet metal, and aircraft components. This role will review engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications to create manufacturing instructions, tooling, and solutions that ensure efficient, high-quality production. The position requires strong CAD/CAM expertise, tooling design experience, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced aerospace environment.

Essential Functions:

• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications; provide clear manufacturing, rework, or repair instructions through ERP and supporting software.
• Design and develop tooling, including molds, fixtures, drill jigs, machining fixtures, and inspection/test tools.
• Program and develop CNC machining processes using SurfCAM or MasterCAM to produce metallic parts.
• Analyze design factors such as manufacturability, material availability, interchangeability, strength, and cost to optimize processes.
• Create and check layouts, drawings, and CAD models for clarity, accuracy, and compliance with standards.
• Identify design errors or deficiencies, recommend revisions, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external suppliers to resolve technical challenges and support procurement.
• Contribute to the design of major components or systems, applying creativity and problem-solving to develop innovative manufacturing solutions.
• Support proposals, estimates, and technical planning, including budgets and schedules.
• Apply knowledge of GD&T, aerospace specifications, and industry best practices to ensure product quality and compliance.

Non-Essential Functions:

Other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience:

• Minimum 1-3 years of related engineering experience in aerospace manufacturing.
  
• Proficiency in CAD solid modeling (SolidWorks or CATIA V5) and drafting.
• Experience with CNC programming and tooling design.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T and ability to translate loft data into CAD/CAM tooling designs.
• Familiarity with ERP systems; SAP experience strongly preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with composites, metal bond, sheet metal forming, and machining.
• Familiarity with Boeing specifications (BAC5514, BAC5331, BAC5317 & BAC5578).
• Experience with composite and aerospace component fabrication.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
• Effective interpersonal skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Strong customer service mindset and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Perks and Benefits: 

• 100% Employer Paid Medical and Dental
• $3,000 Annual Bonus
• 401K - 5% match
• Employee Stocks Option Program
• 9/80 work schedule
• 8- paid Holidays
• PTO: Max. 4-weeks after 5 years of employment
• $2,500 tuition reimbursement 

Compensation:

The pay range for this position falls within $72,800-$75,000 annually. The final compensation will be determined based on experience, skillset,  and other factors permitted by law.

Why should you want to work with us? Rock West Composites cares about our employees! Not only do we offer great benefits to our full-time employees (Medical & Dental 100% employer paid, Vision, Paid Time Off and 401K match), we offer a fun and friendly working environment!

Rock West Composites is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the company to provide equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status or any other basis prohibited by state or federal law. Rock West Composites holds employees safety as a high standard and strictly enforces a No Drug and Alcohol Policy and pre-employment and random drug testing.

If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact 858-537-6260.

Salary : $72,800 - $75,000