Inert Tool Engineer – Level V

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +2 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee assigned tooling projects by orchestrating design and fabrication efforts to fulfill program cost and schedule objectives.

• Travel to suppliers as necessary during fabrication and inspection phases.

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to achieve program quality, delivery, and cost goals.

• Engage with internal customers to identify tooling and equipment requirements for both new and existing programs.

• Create tooling concepts and enhance manufacturing processes through review and improvement.

• Ensure tool designs comply with environmental, health, and safety standards.

• Employ DFM/DFA, GD&T, and Value Engineering principles to optimize precision, ergonomics, manufacturability, durability, and cost efficiency.

• Produce and maintain tooling design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and work instructions.

• Assess tool configurations for compliance with drawings, focusing on fit, form, and function.

• Conduct stress analysis to confirm tools are mechanically sound and safe for use.

• Review engineering drawings and designs to ensure manufacturability.

• Assist operations and process engineering teams in utilizing tooling effectively.

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives.

• Aid in developing a supplier network for outsourced tool fabrication, ensuring supplier quality and timely delivery.

• Support the implementation of MES, CMMS, and/or EAM systems.

• Contribute to the creation of standardized tooling documentation, specifications, and engineering best practices.

• Mentor junior designers and colleagues in their design projects.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related engineering field from an accredited institution; equivalent experience may be accepted in place of a degree.

• 10–15 years of experience in tool design/engineering, focusing on solid rocket motor case, nozzle, and thruster production.

• Practical knowledge of composite case winding, compression molding, machining, and bonding operations relevant to tooling and equipment.

• Experience in designing wind mandrels and related tooling, compression molds, machining fixtures, bonding fixtures, assembly fixtures/stands, hand tools, leak check fixtures, and lifting/handling fixtures for inert motor case, nozzle, and thruster production.

• Proficient in mechanical CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, or similar tools.

• Strong understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and metrology principles.

• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis practices.

• Capability to design and validate fixtures, jigs, and gauges for precise assembly and inspection.

• Knowledge of tooling materials selection, machining processes, and tolerance analysis.

• Experience with tooling configuration management and change-control protocols.

• Prior experience using an MES or EAM/CMMS system for managing tool fabrication and maintenance.

• Willingness to travel up to 15–20%, including potential overnight stays within the U.S.

• Ability to lift, move, or carry items or equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance; U.S. citizenship is mandatory.

• An active Secret clearance is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) policy, allowing employees to take necessary time off to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums subsidized by the company and many benefits fully covered for employees.

• Flexible and affordable gym memberships with over 12,700 options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more.

• No long-term contracts, plus free on-demand workout videos available before enrollment.

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4%.

• Company wellness programs that support both physical and mental health.

• Additional voluntary benefits and resources for employee support.

• Opportunity to collaborate with a highly skilled team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.