Special Tooling Group Manager

Voyager Technologies•Reno, NV

About The Position

The Special Tooling Group Manager leads a multidisciplinary team of tooling engineers, designers, and technicians responsible for the design, fabrication, maintenance, property control, and configuration management of all special tooling in support of solid rocket motor (SRM) and aerospace propulsion programs. This individual establishes tooling policies and operational standards, drives quality and compliance across tooling operations, and serves as the primary technical authority for tooling requirements throughout the full product lifecycle. The role operates at the intersection of manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and program execution — requiring both hands-on technical depth and proven leadership in a highly regulated environment.

Requirements

15 or more years of progressive experience in tooling engineering or manufacturing engineering in aerospace or defense, with demonstrated support of solid rocket motor (SRM) or propulsion programs
Proven experience building, leading, and developing tooling or manufacturing engineering teams in a structured program environment
Demonstrated experience establishing or substantially revising tooling group policies and operational procedures
Direct experience with government and/or company property control systems, including compliance with FAR 52.245 or equivalent property management regulations
Expert-level application and interpretation of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 in a manufacturing and inspection context
Hands-on configuration management experience with tooling records — including design changes, ECO processing, and traceability through the manufacturing lifecycle
Broad familiarity with aerospace manufacturing and inspection processes: precision machining, composite tooling, assembly fixtures, welding, CMM, optical measurement, and functional gauging
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance; active clearance preferred (U.S. citizenship required)
Demonstrated team-building and mentoring skills in a technical, regulated manufacturing environment
Policy and standard operating procedure (SOP) development for tooling group operations
Expert GD&T application and interpretation (ASME Y14.5); ability to review and approve tooling drawings
Configuration management systems and change control processes for tooling assets
Government and company property management, accountability systems, and audit readiness
Manufacturing process expertise: precision machining, composite tooling, bonded assemblies, welding/brazing, assembly fixtures
Inspection methods: coordinate measuring machine (CMM), surface plate layout, optical/laser measurement, functional and attribute gauging
Proficiency in 3D CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent) for tooling design review and redline markup
Budget management and resource planning across concurrent program demands
Familiarity with AS9100 quality management system requirements and associated manufacturing controls

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Missile Defense Agency (MDA) programs with MAP/PMAP requirements
Lean or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) with demonstrated application to tooling operations
Experience with ERP/MRP systems for tooling asset tracking and work order management (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent)
Familiarity with DCMA audit processes, contractor government property (CGP) systems, and compliance documentation
Experience with SRM motor case, nozzle, or divert/attitude control system (DACS) tooling is highly desirable
Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited college/university

Responsibilities

Lead, develop, and retain a multidisciplinary team of tooling engineers, designers, and technicians; establish performance expectations, individual development plans, and succession pathways
Establish, publish, and enforce tooling group policies and standard operating procedures governing design, fabrication, inspection, maintenance, and disposition of all special tooling
Own and manage government and company property control systems in compliance with FAR 52.245 and applicable contract requirements; conduct periodic property audits and reconciliations
Oversee configuration management (CM) of all special tooling assets, including documentation, revision control, traceability, and engineering change order (ECO) processing
Apply and enforce Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5 across tooling design, drawing review, and inspection planning activities
Interface with manufacturing engineering, design engineering, quality assurance, and program management to define and execute tooling strategies from concept through production
Direct tooling inspection planning, first-article inspection (FAI), and periodic calibration/recertification campaigns; ensure tooling meets dimensional, functional, and safety requirements
Own tooling capital planning, including asset acquisition, maintenance scheduling, storage, and disposition in coordination with facilities and supply chain
Represent the tooling group at design reviews (PDR, CDR) and manufacturing readiness reviews (MRR), providing tooling readiness assessments and risk mitigation plans
Manage tooling budget, schedule, and resource allocation in alignment with program milestones and cost account objectives
Collaborate with supply chain and procurement for outsourced tooling fabrication and machining services; oversee supplier quality and on-time delivery
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to reduce tooling lead times, recurring costs, and nonconformance rates
Ensure compliance with ITAR, export control regulations, and all government property requirements; support DCMA/government oversight activities and audits
Champion safety, FOD (Foreign Object Damage/Debris) prevention, and quality standards across all tooling operations