Tooling Design Engineer

Job Title: Tooling Design Engineer Job Description
The Tooling Design Engineer supports 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 collaborates 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 role combines strong CAD design capabilities with hands-on manufacturing knowledge and involves troubleshooting complex tooling challenges directly on the manufacturing floor. This highly visible position owns tooling projects from initial concept through release, fabrication, implementation, validation, and sustaining support.
Responsibilities
- Design tooling, fixtures, assembly aids, and support equipment used throughout manufacturing and assembly operations for advanced propulsion systems.
- Own tooling projects end-to-end, from concept development, detailed design, and engineering analysis through fabrication, implementation, validation, and ongoing production support.
- Partner with Manufacturing and Operations teams to troubleshoot production challenges and develop effective tooling solutions that improve efficiency and quality.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and complete engineering documentation to support tooling fabrication and implementation.
- Perform tolerance stack-up and fit/function analyses to ensure proper assembly performance and dimensional compatibility.
- Apply GD&T and ASME Y14 standards to tooling designs and manufacturing drawings to maintain consistency and quality in documentation.
- Support configuration control and engineering release processes to ensure tooling designs are properly reviewed, approved, and maintained.
- Evaluate tooling designs for manufacturability, usability, durability, safety, and cost effectiveness, and recommend improvements where needed.
- Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions to align tooling solutions with product and manufacturing requirements.
- Provide hands-on support during tooling fabrication, qualification, inspection, and implementation activities on the manufacturing floor.
- Manage multiple tooling projects simultaneously while supporting production schedules and adapting to changing priorities.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives and tooling standardization efforts to streamline manufacturing operations and reduce variability.
- Support propulsion and turbine hardware production through tooling design, structural analysis, and production support activities.
- Work directly with technicians, machinists, and manufacturing teams to solve real-world tooling and assembly challenges.
- Perform tooling structural analysis, including the use of simulation tools, to verify lifting fixtures, transportation tooling, and mechanical ground support equipment.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 3 years of experience in tooling design, fixture design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering.
- Experience supporting aerospace, defense, aviation, propulsion, or other highly complex manufacturing environments.
- Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings.
- Experience performing tolerance stack-up and fit/function analysis.
- Strong knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and familiarity with ASME Y14 standards.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional manufacturing environments and collaborate with multiple engineering and production teams.
- Ability to support manufacturing directly and troubleshoot tooling issues on the production floor.
- Experience designing manufacturing and assembly tooling from concept through implementation and production support.
- Capability to support propulsion and turbine hardware through tooling design and analysis.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
- U.S. citizenship.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with Siemens NX for 3D CAD modeling and design.
- Experience with Teamcenter or similar product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
- Experience with ANSYS or comparable tools for structural analysis of tooling and fixtures.
- Background in tooling structural analysis, including lifting fixtures and transportation tooling.
- Experience with mechanical ground support equipment used in aerospace or propulsion environments.
- Hands-on experience supporting turbine engine or propulsion hardware manufacturing.
- Familiarity with Model Based Definition (MBD) methodologies.
- Experience working with Product Manufacturing Information (PMI) in CAD models and drawings.
- Interest in technical career growth through exposure to propulsion systems, tooling analysis, mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, and advanced production operations.
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite engineering position that supports both office-based design work and hands-on manufacturing floor activities. Engineers can expect a balanced mix of CAD design, design reviews, production support, troubleshooting, and daily interaction with fabrication and assembly teams. The environment is fast-paced, collaborative, and highly technical, with a strong emphasis on practical problem-solving and continuous improvement. Individuals who enjoy seeing their designs implemented in production, working closely with technicians and machinists, and solving real-world manufacturing challenges will thrive in this role. The work setting provides visible impact on manufacturing success, ownership of projects from concept through implementation, and the opportunity to support advanced aerospace and propulsion programs.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Centennial, CO.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $57.00 - $72.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Centennial,CO.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026. About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without
regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,
sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected
by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or
adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,
please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the
city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants
with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a
condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law
shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
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including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications
and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you
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