Tooling Design Engineer II

Sierra Space•Broomfield, CO

2d•$82,461 - $113,404

About The Position

The Tooling Design Engineer II designs and develops tooling and fixtures for manufacturing processes, including specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures used to fabricate, manufacture, and assemble aerospace components and systems. This early-career role uses CAD and PLM software to create and modify designs, support production line setup, and troubleshoot equipment. The engineer works with manufacturing, design, and operations teams to understand manufacturing requirements and constraints, conduct feasibility studies, and recommend tooling solutions that improve efficiency and quality. The role includes participating in design reviews and cross-functional collaboration to ensure designs meet project requirements and standards; developing and maintaining 3D models, drawings, specifications, and other tooling documentation; and supporting manufacturing and assembly teams in implementing and using tools and fixtures. The engineer also conducts tooling validation and verification, guides and trains technicians and operators, and ensures compliance with applicable safety protocols and regulations, with a focus on quality and operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline or physics, or equivalent work experience in lieu of a degree.
Typically 2+ years of related experience.
Solid understanding of tool design principles, manufacturing processes, systems, and engineering principles.
Experience with process improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies.
Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Knowledge of safety protocols, standards, regulations, and procedures in tool design and manufacturing activities.
Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
Proficiency reading technical manuals and schematics.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
Advanced proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar tools.
Experience in tool design engineering, preferably in the aerospace or manufacturing industry.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and practices.
Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in tooling design.
Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes and requirements.
Project management skills to support tooling design projects.
Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) for tool design validation.
Experience with programming languages commonly used in tool design, such as MATLAB or Python.
Strong project management skills to lead tooling design projects from concept to implementation.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and modify specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures for aerospace component and system fabrication, manufacture, and assembly.
Use CAD and PLM software to create tooling designs and documentation, including 3D models, drawings, and specifications.
Support production line setup and troubleshoot equipment.
Work with manufacturing and design engineers to understand manufacturing requirements and constraints.
Conduct feasibility studies and recommend tooling solutions that optimize efficiency and quality.
Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tooling designs meet project requirements and standards.
Support manufacturing and assembly teams in implementing and using specialized tools and fixtures.
Conduct tooling validation and verification activities to assess tool performance and functionality.
Collaborate with technicians and operators to provide training and guidance on specialized tools and fixtures.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations in tool design and manufacturing activities.