Tooling, Automation & Controls Manager

Castelion Corporation•Torrance, CA

About The Position

Castelion is seeking a Manager of Tooling, Automation & Controls to lead the design, development, deployment, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing tooling and automated systems for hypersonic missile production. This role owns the full lifecycle of custom tooling, fixtures, automated work cells, robotic systems, and industrial controls architectures supporting solid rocket motors, seekers, warheads, avionics, and vehicle integration. You will build and lead a high-performing team of tooling engineers, automation specialists, and controls engineers to deliver scalable, high-reliability manufacturing solutions that enable rapid iteration and high-rate production while meeting stringent DoD, AS9100, ITAR, and explosive-safety requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field
5+ years in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.

Nice To Haves

10+ years in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.
5+ years in a leadership or people-management role.
Strong background in aerospace, defense, or energetic materials production environments.
Expert-level experience with industrial automation platforms (Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens), robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA), and motion control systems.
Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks / NX), automation design software, EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical, and simulation tools.
Deep knowledge of PLC programming, industrial networking (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP), machine vision, and safety-rated controls.
Strong understanding of large-scale composite manufacturing, propellant handling, and precision electromechanical assembly tooling.
Experience scaling automation from prototype to high-rate production.
Leadership of tooling & automation programs for solid rocket motors, missiles, or hypersonic systems.
Familiarity with ITAR, ATF, and DoD explosive safety standards.
Proven people leadership and talent development skills.
Strong project and program management capabilities with the ability to drive multiple parallel initiatives.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management at all levels, including executive and customer presentations.
Data-driven decision making and passion for building world-class manufacturing systems.

Responsibilities

Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for all manufacturing tooling, automation, and controls across Castelion's production programs.
Oversee the design and qualification of precision tooling and fixtures for composite filament winding, propellant casting, avionics integration, and final vehicle build.
Architect and deploy automated manufacturing cells, robotic systems, and motion-control solutions for high-precision, hazardous, and high-volume processes.
Direct controls system development (PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, safety PLC) with full compliance to functional safety and Class I Div 1 / hazardous location standards.
Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through first article testing, commissioning, and production handover, managing budgets, and schedules.
Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and automation-first approaches in collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams.
Implement Industry 4.0 capabilities including MES integration, machine vision, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and real-time process monitoring.
Establish and maintain standards for tooling design, controls architecture, documentation, and spare parts strategies to support 24/7 production operations.
Manage vendor relationships for capital equipment, robotics, and controls hardware; negotiate contracts and lead equipment procurement.
Mentor and develop engineers while fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced defense environment.

Benefits

Employee Equity: Meaningful equity for all full-time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paid time off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp—velocity matters, burnout doesn't
Company Paid Holidays: Ten (10) company paid holidays
Medical: We offer plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
Dental & Vision: We cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family have access to quality preventive and ongoing care
FSA/HSA: To support long-term health and financial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses
Retirement: 401k plan offered to support long term financial growth along side high-impact, high-velocity work
Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with meaningful time to bond and recover. Birthing parents are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non-birthing parents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time can be used for pre-natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs—ensuring every parent has the support they need during this important life moment.8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
Meals & Catering: Frequently catered lunches and team meals, plus company-covered meals when extra time or effort is required
Snacks & Beverages: Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day
$100 monthly fitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both inside and outside of work
EV Charging: Onsite electric vehicle charging available for employees