Sr. Tool & Fixture Design Engineer
About The Position
Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way. We are seeking a highly motivated Tool & Fixture Design Engineer to support the development, sustainment, and continuous improvement of tooling, fixturing, and ground support equipment (GSE) for a CNC-based production environment. This role is responsible for designing and implementing manufacturing solutions that improve safety, quality, repeatability, and throughput across machining and assembly operations. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical design fundamentals, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the ability to collaborate closely with CNC programmers, machinists, manufacturing engineers, and production technicians in a fast-paced production setting.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field
- 3+ years of tooling or manufacturing equipment design experience
- Experience with 3D CAD, CNC machining, GD&T, and manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, welding, assembly, and fabrication
Nice To Haves
- Experience designing fixtures for 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining
- Knowledge of cutting tools, workholding systems, and machine setup optimization
- Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or space hardware manufacturing
- Experience performing FEA, structural analysis, or load calculations for tooling and lifting equipment
- Experience with PLM/MRP systems and engineering change processes
- Knowledge of ergonomics and operator-centered tooling design
- Hands-on machining or fabrication experience
- Experience supporting environmental testing, integration, or production ground support equipment (GSE) systems
Responsibilities
- Design and release tooling, fixtures, workholding, and mechanical equipment to support CNC machining and manufacturing
- Create CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation for production tooling
- Design and maintain ground support equipment (GSE) for assembly, integration, testing, and transportation
- Partner with manufacturing teams to optimize machining processes, tooling, and fixture designs
- Perform tolerance analyses, manufacturability reviews, and fit/function evaluations
- Troubleshoot tooling and production issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
- Coordinate tooling fabrication, procurement, installation, validation, and commissioning
- Drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, cycle time, repeatability, equipment utilization, and cost
- Ensure tooling and equipment comply with safety, quality, and operational standards
Benefits
- Equity ownership in the company
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Flexible PTO and parental leave
- Home office set up reimbursement
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
- Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
