Master Digital Tooling Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.•Marietta, GA

18d•$116,000 - $121,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Master Digital Tooling Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, upgrading, and sustaining production tooling, assembly jigs, fixtures, gauges, and installation aids that support aircraft build‑up, section assembly, and final mate operations. This role blends hands‑on production support with engineering rigor to ensure tooling solutions improve quality, reduce cost, and enable rate production. The engineer also supports digital transformation activities, including oversight of master tool scanning operations and validation of digital scan data. Due to the nature of these roles, applicants must be a US Citizen. This role is 100% onsite in Marietta, GA.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in Mechanical engineering
5+ Years of Tooling Experience
Proficiency using Catia V5 preferably or 3DExperience, or Siemens NX to model parts, create assemblies, and perform clash analysis, hands‑on experience reviewing, validating, and resolving issues in complex digital models.
Extensive experience in manufacturing sub‑assemblies and major aircraft assemblies.
Proficiency in wiring, systems installation, and functional testing.
Hands‑on experience with structural installations, control linkage systems, panel/door installations, and flight control surface installations.
In‑depth knowledge of assembly tooling, production aides, handheld tools, and fixture‑driven tooling.
Familiarity with manufacturing planning/work instructions and continuous improvement aligned with engineering drawing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Preferred experience supporting F‑16, F‑18, F‑22, F‑35, C‑130, or prior production operations.
Ability to work independently as a consultant and subject matter expert across multiple build teams.
Strong attention to detail, diligence, and a proactive approach to tooling, digital validation, and test coverage.
Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands‑on approach.
Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Support production ramp‑up by developing and improving tooling, assembly jigs, installation tools, temporary tooling, and job aides to enhance efficiency and quality.
Integrate solutions with Quality, Planning, Engineering, and Liaison teams to resolve manufacturing issues and ensure seamless collaboration.
Apply technical expertise in aircraft assembly, sheet metal fabrication, structural installation, and system installation to support new builds, upgrades, and rate production.
Oversee and coordinate the scanning of master control tools, production detail parts, and assemblies performed by third‑party suppliers. Ensure proper setup, sequencing, and data capture quality.
Perform validation tasks for digital scanned data—including 3D models and point‑cloud datasets—to ensure accuracy, completeness, and alignment with engineering requirements.
Review and validate digital models in Catia V5 and support corrective actions when discrepancies arise.
Evaluate build sequences, installation plans, operations card flow, and in‑process testing requirements; coordinate corrective actions to eliminate bottlenecks.
Troubleshoot production operations, address shortages, manage out‑of‑station rework, and incorporate engineering changes effectively.
Provide training, lessons learned, and best practices to touch labor, peer Manufacturing Engineers, and support functions.
Lead quality issue coordination, Material Review Board (MRB) activities, rework/repair planning, First Article Inspection (FAI), and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA).
Use solid modeling, CAD tools, and data analysis to design new tooling and evaluate cost‑saving opportunities for existing tools, gauges, fixtures, and assembly aids.