Tooling Design Engineer III

Sierra Space•Louisville, CO

About The Position

The Tooling Design Engineer III is responsible for the advanced design and development of tooling and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. This role involves driving process optimization, leading cross-functional teams, and collaborating with suppliers and vendors to enhance manufacturing efficiency. The Tooling Design Engineer III utilizes CAD software to create detailed tooling designs and collaborates with the operations team and engineering to ensure efficient and effective manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead and manage process optimization and efficiency improvement projects to enhance manufacturing performance. You will oversee the design and development of complex tooling and fixtures for advanced manufacturing processes, utilizing CAD software to create precise and effective solutions. Leading cross-functional teams, you will drive process improvement initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and outcomes that align with organizational goals. Collaborating closely with manufacturing and design engineers, you will work to understand manufacturing requirements and constraints, while engaging with suppliers and vendors to improve manufacturing processes and ensure the quality of tooling components. You will conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations for tooling solutions that optimize efficiency and quality. Participating in design reviews and collaborating with cross-functional teams, you will ensure that tool designs meet project requirements and standards. Additionally, you will develop and maintain tooling documentation, including 3D models, drawings, and specifications, while supporting manufacturing and assembly teams in the implementation and use of specialized tools and fixtures. Conducting tooling validation and verification activities to ensure tool performance and functionality will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will collaborate with technicians and operators to provide training and guidance on the use of specialized tools and fixtures, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, regulations, and best practices in all tool design and manufacturing activities.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 yrs experience).
Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and automation.
Experience in process optimization and efficiency improvement.
Experience leading gated design reviews.
Solid understanding of tool design principles, manufacturing processes, systems, and engineering principles.
Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in design and documentation.
Knowledge of safety protocols, standards, regulations, and procedures in tool design and manufacturing activities.
Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles.

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.
Proven track record in a space or aerospace manufacturing setting.
Experience in designing and developing complex tooling and fixtures.
Knowledge of materials and their properties typically used in tooling design.
Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
Experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in tooling design.
Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes and requirements.
Strong project management skills to lead tooling design projects from concept to implementation.
Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) for tool design validation.
Experience with programming languages commonly used in tool design, such as MATLAB or Python.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage process optimization and efficiency improvement projects to enhance manufacturing performance.
Oversee the design and development of complex tooling and fixtures for advanced manufacturing processes, utilizing CAD software to create precise and effective solutions.
Lead cross-functional teams to drive process improvement initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and outcomes that align with organizational goals.
Collaborate closely with manufacturing and design engineers to understand manufacturing requirements and constraints.
Engage with suppliers and vendors to improve manufacturing processes and ensure the quality of tooling components.
Conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations for tooling solutions that optimize efficiency and quality.
Participate in design reviews and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that tool designs meet project requirements and standards.
Develop and maintain tooling documentation, including 3D models, drawings, and specifications.
Support manufacturing and assembly teams in the implementation and use of specialized tools and fixtures.
Conduct tooling validation and verification activities to ensure tool performance and functionality.
Collaborate with technicians and operators to provide training and guidance on the use of specialized tools and fixtures.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, regulations, and best practices in all tool design and manufacturing activities.