Tooling Design Engineer II

Sierra Space • Louisville, CO

1d

About The Position

The Tooling Design Engineer II designs and develops tooling and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. This early-career role creates and modifies tooling designs, supports production line setup, and troubleshoots equipment. Using CAD and PLM software, the engineer develops specialized tools, jigs, and fixtures for fabricating, manufacturing, and assembling aerospace components and systems.

The role works closely with manufacturing and design engineers to understand requirements and constraints, conduct feasibility studies, and recommend tooling solutions that improve efficiency and quality. The engineer participates in design reviews and collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure tool designs meet project requirements and standards. Responsibilities also include maintaining tooling documentation such as 3D models, drawings, and specifications; supporting manufacturing and assembly teams in implementing and using tools and fixtures; and conducting tooling validation and verification activities. The engineer provides training and guidance to 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 or more 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, including the 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.
• Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Proficiency in 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.
• Tool design engineering experience, 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 and develop tooling, fixtures, jigs, and specialized tools for aerospace manufacturing and assembly.
• Create and modify tooling designs using CAD and PLM software.
• 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 designs meet project requirements and standards.
• Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including 3D models, drawings, and specifications.
• Support manufacturing and assembly teams in implementing and using specialized tools and fixtures.
• Conduct tooling validation and verification to ensure performance and functionality.
• Provide technicians and operators with training and guidance on specialized tools and fixtures.
• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and regulations in tooling design and manufacturing activities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• 401(k) with a 150% match up to 6%.
• Life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid time off.

What This Job Offers

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