Manager, Tooling Engineering

L3HHCM20•Redmond, WA

1d•$116,500 - $216,500

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Manager, Tooling Engineering with a background in tooling design, fabrication, and manufacturing support. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading a team of tooling engineers to develop, implement, and optimize tooling solutions that ensure the highest quality and efficiency in production. This position requires a proactive and hands-on leadership approach, working collaboratively with cross-functional teams and suppliers to address and resolve issues, drive continuous improvements, and uphold our stringent quality standards. This role requires complete ownership of the tooling engineering function from concept to production support. We're looking for someone who is highly invested in the tooling solutions their team develops and genuinely enjoys getting hands-on with tooling design and implementation. The ideal candidate thrives on the shop floor, takes personal ownership of their team's tooling deliverables, and finds satisfaction in directly engaging with the hardware, production teams, and suppliers to solve real-world manufacturing challenges. You must deeply understand not just how to design and build tooling, but the products being manufactured – their design intent, functionality, and critical features – to effectively translate production requirements into successful tooling solutions. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise, proven leadership capabilities, and a high level of self-motivation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field
7+ years of tooling engineering experience
Previous experience managing a tooling engineering group or team
ASME Y14.5 GD&T certification or equivalent advanced training
Experience with tooling design and manufacturing support for space hardware or aerospace applications
Experience working within ERP systems such as Oracle or SAP
Experience working within PLM software to manage tooling designs, assemblies, and documentation
Proficiency in tooling design principles, machining, GD&T, fixture design, and assembly processes
Experience with advanced manufacturing technologies including additive manufacturing, composite tooling, and automated assembly fixtures
Experience with process optimization, lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma methodologies
Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex tooling and manufacturing issues
Strong leadership skills with demonstrated ability to build and develop high-performing teams
Effective communication and interpersonal skills with ability to influence across organizational levels
Proficiency in additional CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA) and other relevant engineering tools
Experience with FEA and tooling analysis software
Knowledge of industry standards and regulations related to tooling design and manufacturing processes
Project management experience and familiarity with project management tools
Experience managing supplier relationships and external tooling vendors

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a team of tooling engineers, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance management
Read and interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing requirements to guide tooling strategy and design that produces conforming hardware
Take full ownership of tooling engineering deliverables, serving as the primary technical authority from initial concept through production implementation
Develop a comprehensive understanding of product design, functionality, and manufacturing requirements to ensure tooling solutions support product performance and quality objectives
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality, production, and suppliers to ensure successful program execution
Oversee the development of clear, comprehensive tooling documentation including design specifications, assembly instructions, and maintenance procedures. Ensure documentation effectively bridges engineering intent with shop floor execution
Manage tooling budgets, schedules, and resource allocation to meet program commitments
Establish and maintain tooling standards, best practices, and design guidelines
Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of organizational best practices
Provide design for manufacturability feedback with emphasis on tooling requirements and constraints
Design and implement process improvements to enhance tooling effectiveness, productivity, quality, and cost-efficiency
Manage relationships with external tooling suppliers and vendors
Ensure compliance with safety regulations and quality standards for all tooling operations