Senior Specialist, Tooling Engineer

L3HHCM20•Redmond, WA

About The Position

We are seeking a hands-on Tooling Design Engineer to support our space component manufacturing operations, where precision and reliability are critical to mission success. Under general supervision and following established policies, the Tooling Design Engineer performs professional assignments requiring general use and application of design concepts, practices, and techniques for highly reliable space hardware production. This role requires a hands-on engineer who enjoys working directly with hardware and collaborating closely with production teams on the manufacturing floor. The ideal candidate will be highly proficient in designing test systems for rocket engines and electronic testing of propulsion system components.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and minimum 6 years of prior relevant experience.
Graduate Degree and a minimum of 4 years of prior related experience.
In lieu of a degree, minimum of 10 years of prior related experience.

Nice To Haves

A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline preferred.
Demonstrated experience designing space test equipment and automation equipment is required.
Must be highly proficient in designing test systems for rocket engines and electronic test equipment for propulsion system components.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to analyze and solve technical design problems in a team environment.
Comfortable working hands-on in a production environment, building prototypes, and troubleshooting hardware issues directly.
Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Creo/NX) and experience using Visio is highly desired.
Experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturability principles preferred.
Tooling design, fixture design, or test equipment design experience in aerospace, space systems, or other high-reliability industries is highly desired.
Experience with automated test equipment (ATE) design, robotic systems integration, pneumatic/hydraulic systems, motion control, PLC programming concepts, and sensor integration.
Expertise in rocket engine test stand design, propulsion system testing, electronic component testing, instrumentation and data acquisition systems, test procedure development, and electrical/electronic test fixture design.
Knowledge of rocket engine components (valves, igniters, injectors, thrust chambers), propellant handling systems, pressure systems, and electronic testing methodologies (continuity, insulation resistance, hi-pot testing, functional testing).

Responsibilities

Design production tooling and test equipment for high-reliability space component manufacturing environments (from piece part level through full assembly).
Work hands-on with prototypes and production hardware to validate designs.
Create detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and technical documentation for tooling fabrication and use.
Define specifications and design requirements for tooling solutions that meet stringent space-grade quality standards.
Actively participate in tool tryouts and first article builds.
Design and develop automated test equipment and automation solutions for space hardware production and testing operations.
Design comprehensive test systems for rocket engine testing including test stands, instrumentation integration, data acquisition systems, and safety systems.
Develop electronic test equipment for component-level validation including electrical continuity, resistance, insulation, and functional performance testing.
Utilize standard CAD software platforms (Creo/NX) and engineering analysis tools to develop tooling concepts, detailed designs, and manufacturing drawings.
Under general supervision, take designs from initial concept through final release in document control.
Design fixtures, test equipment, handling devices, cabling assemblies, and related hardware for space component production and testing.
Build or assist in building prototype tooling to prove out concepts.
Develop automation equipment designs including robotic handling systems, automated test fixtures, and integrated production automation solutions.
Design electronic test fixtures, wiring harnesses, and interface equipment for rocket engine component testing including valves, igniters, injectors, and propulsion system electronics.
Collaborate with engineering staff and procurement to determine cost estimates for tooling designs and hardware.
Interface directly with manufacturing, quality, and test teams on the production floor to develop solutions for production challenges while maintaining compliance with space industry standards and requirements.
Work with controls engineers, test engineers, and automation specialists to integrate automated systems and electronic test equipment into production workflows.
Coordinate with propulsion test engineers to develop rocket engine test requirements and acceptance criteria.
Specify and select materials and hardware necessary for tooling fabrication, including fasteners, structural materials, and specialized components suitable for cleanroom environments and high-reliability space applications.
Hands-on procurement and evaluation of materials as needed.
Select appropriate automation components, sensors, actuators, and control hardware for automated test and production equipment.
Specify electronic test instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells, and other measurement devices for rocket engine and component testing.
Conduct and participate in design reviews to verify proper form, fit, and function.
Perform hands-on tolerance analysis and design validation activities in the production environment.
Ensure tooling designs support contamination control and meet cleanliness requirements for space hardware.
Troubleshoot and modify tooling directly as issues arise.
Validate automated equipment performance and troubleshoot automation system issues.
Verify electronic test equipment accuracy, calibration requirements, and measurement system capability for rocket engine and component testing applications.
Lead or support special improvement projects focused on tooling optimization, design standardization, and manufacturing process enhancement for space component production.
Work directly with production teams to implement improvements.
Drive automation initiatives to improve production efficiency, reduce cycle times, and enhance test equipment capabilities.
Develop standardized test methodologies and equipment designs for rocket engine component validation and acceptance testing.