Tool Engineer

Title : Tool Engineer

Job ID : 15576-1

Pay : $90.00 / hr - $107.00 / hr on W2!

Shift : 1st shift, 4 / 10

Location : Palmdale, CA 93550 - 100% ONSITE

Contract : 24 month Contract with potential extension

Citizenship Requirement : US Citizenship (Ability to obtain a Secret Clearance)

Job Description : Key Responsibilities

Tool Design & Development

o Generate 3 D models and detailed drawings for custom tools, fixtures, jigs, and gauges using CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo).

o Conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) reviews; incorporate GD&T and tolerancing best practices.

o Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and stress / deflection calculations to validate structural integrity.

Prototype & Validation

o Build and assemble prototype tooling; coordinate rapid prototype methods (3 D printing, CNC machining, additive manufacturing).

o Develop test plans; run qualification trials, capture data, and analyze results to verify tool performance against specifications.

o Document tool qualification reports and secure release for production use.

Production Support

o Issue and maintain engineering change orders (ECOs) for tooling improvements or corrective actions.

o Provide on site support for tool installation, alignment, and troubleshooting; train manufacturing personnel on proper usage.

o Monitor tool wear, life cycle cost, and schedule preventive maintenance or refurbishment as needed.

Supplier Management

o Identify, qualify, and manage external tool vendors; develop statements of work (SOW) and technical specifications.

o Conduct supplier audits, evaluate capability, and ensure compliance with Northrop quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP).

Continuous Improvement

o Lead initiatives to reduce tooling cost, cycle time, and waste through lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, and automation.

o Capture lessons learned; update tooling standards, best practice guides, and knowledge base documents.

Compliance & Documentation

o Ensure all tooling complies with relevant standards (MIL STD 1850, FAA / EASA, ITAR) and internal security requirements.

o Maintain accurate configuration controlled records in PLM system (Windchill, Teamcenter).

Basic Qualifications :

High school diploma

15 + years of aerospace / manufacturing experience

Preferred Qualifications :

High school diploma

Experience in tool fabrication / assemblies

15 + years of aerospace / manufacturing experience