Tool Design Engineer

Empirical Systems Aerospace • San Luis Obispo, CA

436d • $80,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Tool Design Engineer at Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. is responsible for developing and manufacturing tools, jigs, fixtures, and production aids to support high-volume production of aerospace parts and assemblies. This role involves collaborating with manufacturing and design teams to ensure tooling meets customer requirements while focusing on safety, ergonomics, and efficiency. The position requires hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment and proficiency in design principles to enhance production processes.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in manufacturing engineering or tool design; 5 years preferred.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficient in GD&T and Solidworks.
• Ability to work effectively in a small manufacturing team and lead others.
• Knowledge to translate engineered designs into build instructions for assembly and testing.
• Ability to comprehend specification sheets and industry standards.
• In-depth knowledge of common manufacturing processes and machinery.
• Strong understanding of AS9100, ISO9001, or similar quality management systems.
• Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• US Citizenship required.
• Willingness to relocate to San Luis Obispo, CA.

Nice To Haves

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing engineering.
• Minimum of 2 years focused on tool design and process development.
• Previous experience in tool design within an aerospace environment.
• Experience with new product developments.
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing.
• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, plastics, and printed circuit board manufacture.
• Experience with high-rate production tooling design and methods.
• Knowledge of computerized MRP/ERP systems and inventory control methods.
• Experience with supplier management and procurement.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense (DoD) regulations and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manufacture tools, jigs, fixtures, and production aids for high-volume production.
• Implement standard processes to ensure compliance with customer requirements.
• Focus on safety, ergonomics, automation, efficiency, tooling inventory/tracking, and quality in tool development.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and design teams to gather tooling requirements.
• Work with quality assurance to develop maintenance and inspection plans for tooling.
• Design tooling using design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles to reduce costs and increase throughput.
• Identify product design changes that improve DFM.
• Develop training documentation for tooling usage.
• Collaborate with Project Managers to ensure timely and budget-compliant work completion.
• Support meetings with customers, management, and stakeholders.
• Ensure tooling design meets product requirements in collaboration with Quality Assurance.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Retirement plan with 401k
• Casual dress code
• Free snacks
• Great location for living and working

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
• Education Level: No Education Listed