Inert Tool Engineer (Level V)

Voyager Technologies, Inc. • Reno, NV

6d • $157,000 - $218,000 • Remote

About The Position

The Inert Tool Engineer (Level V) supports solid rocket motor and aerospace propulsion programs, with responsibility for tooling and equipment used in solid rocket motor manufacturing, particularly energetic operations. The role covers tooling concepts, design, engineering and fabrication drawings; inspection, procurement and verification requirements; and fabrication support.

This position is part of Strategic Systems Operations and reports to the Special Tooling Group Manager. It is based remotely in Folsom, California. The engineer coordinates tooling projects with suppliers and internal manufacturing teams to meet program cost, schedule, quality and delivery objectives. The role also supports continuous improvement, supplier oversight, manufacturing systems implementation, standardized tooling practices, and mentoring of junior designers and peers.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering or another relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university, or equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
• 10–15 years of tool design or engineering experience, emphasizing solid rocket motor case, nozzle and thruster production.
• Working knowledge of composite case winding, compression molding, machining and bonding operations, including associated tooling and equipment.
• Experience designing wind mandrels and associated tooling, compression molds, machining fixtures, bonding fixtures, assembly fixtures and stands, hand tools, leak-check fixtures, and lifting/handling fixtures for inert motor case, nozzle and thruster production.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX or similar.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and metrology principles.
• Experience with finite element analysis practices.
• Demonstrated ability to design and validate fixtures, jigs and gauges for precision assembly and inspection.
• Experience with tooling-material selection, machining processes and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with tooling configuration management and change-control processes.
• Previous use of an MES or EAM/CMMS system to manage tool fabrication and maintenance.
• Ability to travel up to 15–20%, including possible overnight travel within the United States for program needs and supplier visits.
• Ability to lift, move or carry items or equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting Missile Defense Agency programs.
• Experience in tool design for load motor production.
• Previous experience designing tools for automation.
• Active Secret security clearance preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned tooling projects, coordinating design and fabrication activities to meet program cost and schedule requirements.
• Travel to suppliers as needed to support fabrication and inspection.
• Work with manufacturing teams to achieve program quality, delivery and cost objectives, and with internal customers to define tooling and equipment needs for new and existing programs.
• Develop tooling concepts and create, review and improve manufacturing processes to meet customer requirements and environmental, health and safety requirements.
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T and Value Engineering principles to balance precision, ergonomics, manufacturability, durability and cost in tooling design.
• Create and maintain tooling design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications and work instructions.
• Inspect tool configurations for drawing compliance, including fit, form and function, and perform stress analyses to verify mechanical soundness and safety.
• Review engineering drawings and designs for manufacturability; support operations and process engineering in the use of tooling.
• Support continuous improvement activities.
• Help develop an outsourced tool-fabrication supplier base and monitor supplier quality and on-time delivery.
• Assist with implementation of MES, CMMS and/or EAM systems.
• Help develop standardized tooling documentation, specifications and engineering best practices across the organization.
• Mentor junior designers and peers in their design work.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO).
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage for employees and families; the company covers a significant portion of premiums, and many benefits are paid at 100% for employees.
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with more than 12,700 options nationwide and free on-demand workout videos before enrollment.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match of up to 4%.
• Company wellness programs supporting physical and mental well-being.
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources.
• Opportunity to work with a talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior