Mechanical Engineer 3

ULA • Decatur, IL

3d

About The Position

United Launch Alliance is hiring a Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, analysis, release, and validation of manufacturing tooling, including jigs, fixtures, lifting devices, gauges, and assembly aids. The engineer will turn production requirements into practical, fully engineered tool solutions; create 3D models, 2D drawings, and supporting engineering documentation; and perform basic stress, tolerance, and fit/function analyses to ensure tool integrity and safety.

The role coordinates with internal and external fabrication teams, provides technical support, and troubleshoots tooling issues on the shop floor. It also manages tooling projects from concept through implementation, including schedules, costs, risks, and changes, while maintaining configuration control and documentation quality. The engineer collaborates with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams and supports continuous improvement in tool performance, ergonomics, and production flow. Designs and modifications must comply with OSHA, ASME, and internal safety requirements.

The position is located at ULA in Decatur. Relocation may be available, and travel requirements are 10%. The position involves information subject to ITAR, so applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by the regulation. ULA describes its culture as team-oriented and committed to ethics, ingenuity, engagement, and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• At least 4 years of engineering experience, with significant emphasis on tooling and fixtures.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling and drafting, such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, or CATIA.
• Experience developing manufacturing tooling such as jigs, fixtures, lifting devices, machining or assembly tools, or automation tooling.
• Understanding of GD&T, engineering drawings, tolerancing, and industry standards.
• Ability to perform basic structural, tolerance, and fit/function analyses for tooling designs.
• Experience in a production environment supporting manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Ability to generate technical documentation, tool specifications, and engineering release deliverables.
• Ability to independently manage tooling projects from concept to implementation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to troubleshoot tool performance or production issues.
• Effective communication skills for collaboration with engineering, suppliers, and shop personnel.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined by ITAR because the position requires use of ITAR-controlled information.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering.
• 4 years of tooling engineering experience supporting production, fabrication, or assembly operations.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD and PLM systems such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, CATIA, Teamcenter, or Windchill.
• Experience with FEA tools for basic structural validation, such as ANSYS or Creo Simulate.
• Background in design and commissioning of automated, robotic, or ergonomic tooling solutions.
• Experience supporting tool fabrication, vendor management, and cost and schedule oversight.
• Knowledge of machining processes, weldments, composites, or precision assembly.
• Experience developing lifting devices and below-the-hook tools, and working with OSHA/ASME safety standards.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, DFMA, or continuous-improvement methodologies.
• Ability to lead small engineering projects or mentor junior engineers.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for resolving tool performance issues on the shop floor.
• Experience with tolerance stack-ups, root-cause analysis, and corrective-action development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and release of tooling such as jigs, fixtures, lifting devices, gauges, and assembly aids.
• Translate production requirements into practical tool concepts and fully engineered solutions.
• Create 3D models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation in accordance with GD&T and company standards.
• Perform basic stress, tolerance, and fit/function analyses to ensure tooling integrity and safety.
• Coordinate with internal and external fabrication teams, providing clear specifications and technical support.
• Conduct tool validation, including functional checks, load testing, safety reviews, and release documentation.
• Troubleshoot tooling issues on the shop floor, implement corrective actions, and support production needs.
• Manage tooling projects with minimal supervision, including schedule, cost, risk, and change management.
• Ensure tooling designs and modifications comply with OSHA, ASME, and internal safety requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve tool performance, ergonomics, and production flow.
• Maintain configuration control, documentation accuracy, and engineering release quality.
• Collaborate with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to resolve design conflicts and improve build processes.

Benefits

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution.
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees.
• Generous paid time off.
• Flexible work environments.
• Most salaried team members work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off.

What This Job Offers

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