Senior Tooling Design Engineer, Airframe Manufacturing

The role

This person will own the tooling strategy for the airframe, defining fixturing and jigging architecture. They will design and deliver large assembly fixtures, drill jigs, and shop aids while managing the entire project lifecycle from design to implementation.

What you will do

• Own the tooling strategy for the airframe
• Design and deliver large assembly fixtures, drill jigs, trim and bond fixtures, layup tools, and shop aids
• Establish the locating and datum strategy and own tolerance stack-up and GD&T analysis
• Help stand up the tooling function including design standards, drawing practice, tool numbering, vendor base, and proof-out process
• Serve as the technical authority on tooling for composite and metallic airframe structure
• Carry tooling from purchase order through build, install, and certification
• Run tool proof-out and first article builds alongside technicians
• Define the metrology approach for tool certification and recertification
• Mentor early-career tool designers and technicians
• Own the investigation and corrective action for tools implicated in defects

Required qualifications

• 7+ years of experience designing aircraft or aerospace tooling and assembly fixturing
• Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent
• Experience designing large monolithic assembly fixtures and small detail tooling
• Hands-on experience with composite assemblies
• Practical experience with weldments and machined metallic structure
• Expert proficiency in an industry standard 3D CAD system
• Applied experience with GD&T and detailed tolerance stack-up analysis
• Experience defining locating and datum schemes for large, complex primary structure
• Experience with metrology-driven assembly using laser tracker, CMM, or photogrammetry
• Experience selecting tool materials and fabrication methods
• Experience owning tooling budget, schedule, vendor selection, and delivery
• Experience leading DFM initiatives

Nice to have

• Experience standing up a tooling function or tool room from scratch
• Experience with determinant assembly and full-size airframe assembly
• FEA experience validating tool stiffness, deflection, and load paths
• CAM programming and hands-on machining experience
• Welding and weld fixture design experience
• Experience with laser projection systems
• Experience with ply pattern generation and composite design tools
• Experience with aircraft or spacecraft integration
• Experience with NDI and quality inspection methods
• Experience transitioning tooling from prototype builds into higher rate production

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) program
• Transparent stock option plan
• Self-managed and flexible time-off policy
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Sick time

About the company

Astro Mechanica is a vertically integrated aerospace company developing a scalable technology platform to power critical infrastructure, mission operations, and the future of flight. The team is composed of engineers dedicated to advancing aerospace through a flat structure and engineering excellence.