Tooling Design Engineer

About the role

We are seeking a Tooling Design Engineer to support the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of tooling, fixtures, mechanical ground support equipment, and assembly support hardware used in the production of advanced propulsion systems. This engineer will work closely with Manufacturing, Design Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to develop practical tooling solutions that improve assembly efficiency, repeatability, ergonomics, safety, and overall manufacturing performance. The ideal candidate combines strong CAD design capabilities with hands-on manufacturing knowledge and enjoys troubleshooting complex tooling challenges directly on the manufacturing floor. This role is highly visible and owns tooling projects from initial concept through release, fabrication, implementation, validation, and sustaining support. This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Centennial, CO. The work environment is fully onsite, balancing office-based CAD design, design reviews, production support, troubleshooting, and hands-on manufacturing floor activities.

Responsibilities

• Design tooling, fixtures, assembly aids, and support equipment used throughout manufacturing and assembly operations.
• Own tooling projects from concept, design, and analysis through fabrication, implementation, and production support.
• Partner with Manufacturing and Operations teams to troubleshoot production challenges and develop tooling solutions.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Perform tolerance stack-up and fit/function analyses.
• Apply GD&T and ASME Y14 standards to tooling designs and manufacturing drawings.
• Support configuration control and engineering release processes.
• Evaluate tooling designs for manufacturability, usability, durability, safety, and cost effectiveness.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions.
• Provide hands-on support during fabrication, qualification, inspection, and implementation activities.
• Manage multiple tooling projects simultaneously while supporting production schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement and tooling standardization efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 3+ years of tooling design, fixture design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, aviation, propulsion, or other highly complex manufacturing environments.
• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Skills

• Experience creating 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
• Experience performing tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Strong GD&T knowledge.
• Ability to work cross-functionally in manufacturing environments.
• Siemens NX experience.
• Teamcenter experience.
• ANSYS experience.
• Tooling structural analysis experience.
• Mechanical Ground Support Equipment experience.
• Lifting fixture or transportation tooling experience.