Mechanical Engineer 3

United Launch Alliance • Decatur, AL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer 3 leads the design, analysis, and release of manufacturing tooling, including jigs, fixtures, lifting devices, gauges, and assembly aids. The role translates production requirements into practical concepts and engineered solutions, creates 3D models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation, and performs basic stress, tolerance, and fit/function analyses to ensure tooling integrity and safety.

The position coordinates with fabrication teams, conducts tool validation and safety reviews, troubleshoots shop-floor tooling issues, and manages tooling projects from concept through implementation. It also ensures compliance with applicable OSHA, ASME, and company safety requirements; maintains configuration control and documentation quality; supports continuous improvement; and collaborates with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum of 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 working in a production environment supporting manufacturing, quality, and operations.
• Ability to generate technical documentation, tool specifications, and engineering release deliverables.
• Demonstrated project ownership and 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 cross-functional collaboration with engineering, suppliers, and shop personnel.
• Must be a U.S. Person as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Aerospace Engineering.
• Four 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.
• Demonstrated 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 tool integrity and safety.
• Coordinate with internal and external fabrication teams, providing clear specifications and technical support.
• Conduct tool validation activities, 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 compliance with OSHA, ASME, and internal safety requirements for tooling designs and modifications.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to optimize tool performance, ergonomics, and production flow.
• Maintain configuration control, documentation accuracy, and engineering release quality.
• Collaborate across 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 ULA team members work a 9/80 schedule, with every other Friday off

What This Job Offers

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