Manufacturing Engineer - Tooling

Machina Labs • Los Angeles, CA

99d • $120,000

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineer plays a key role in creating the internal manufacturing procedures, specifications, documenting processes, and developing manufacturing methods that provides standard work in the Production Department. The Manufacturing Engineer will deploy continuous improvement methods leveraging lean methodologies to reduce waste. This position requires access to information controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the successful candidate must be a 'U.S. person' as defined in the ITAR and EAR (which generally means (i) be a citizen or national of the United States; or (ii) be a lawful permanent resident of the United States; or (iii) have been admitted to the United States as a refugee, or have been granted asylum, as specified under applicable law.

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years designing fixtures/jigs for machining and/or welding in aerospace/defense or similar high-spec manufacturing.
• Expert SolidWorks: parts/assemblies, drawings, weldments, sheet metal, configurations, design tables, PDM.
• Strong GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up skills; designs that are CMM-friendly and inspection-ready.
• Practical knowledge of AWS D17.1 considerations (joint prep, purge, distortion control) and thin-wall metallic assemblies.
• Hands-on shop familiarity: machining processes, fastening, alignment, metrology (calipers, height gages, indicators), safe ergonomics.
• Comfortable releasing through MRP/ERP, generating BOMs, and writing clear work instructions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with robotic welding/forming fixtures, EOAT, positioners, and torch/nozzle accessibility.
• Materials know-how for tooling: aluminum, steel/SST, tool steels, etc.
• Knowledge of vacuum work-holding, pneumatic/hydraulic clamping, prox/reed sensors, and safety interlocks.
• Exposure to AS9100/NADCAP.

Responsibilities

• Design production-ready tooling: quick-change nests, soft jaws, vacuum plates, clamps, and AWS D17.1-informed weld fixtures (purge dams/manifolds, chill blocks, heat sinks, ceramic backing).
• Establish datum strategies and poka-yoke features for foolproof loading, minimal distortion, and consistent weld penetration.
• Create robotic forming and welding fixtures (turntables/positioners, EOAT, torch mounts) with clear routing for cables, gas, and sensors.
• Produce fully-detailed SolidWorks models/drawings (weldments, sheet metal, configurations, exploded views, BOMs) to ASME Y14.5 with clean GD&T and tolerance stacks.
• Release tool designs through PDM/MRP, generate BOMs, routings, and standard work/work instructions for the floor.
• Run basic FEA/deflection checks (SolidWorks Simulation or equivalent) to validate stiffness and locate supports/clamps.
• Support build/prove-out: fit checks, on-floor tweaks, parameter windows, and design revisions via ECR/ECO.
• Source and manage outside fabricators/machine shops; verify capability, cost, and schedule.
• Maintain a tooling standards library (locating hardware, De-Sta-Co/pneumatic/hydraulic clamping, sensors, safety interlocks).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• PTO
• Stock Options

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees