Tooling Designing Engineer

Job description:

Key Accountabilities

1. Aerospace Tooling & Fixture Design

• Design and develop drilling fixtures, welding fixtures, inspection fixtures, assembly fixtures, special-purpose tooling for aerospace applications
• Create 3D CAD models, detailed manufacturing drawings, GD&T requirements, and BOMs in compliance with aerospace standards
• Ensure fixture designs achieve required positional accuracy, repeatability, and process capability for aircraft components and assemblies
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and design validation to meet aerospace dimensional requirements

2. Manufacturing & Assembly Support

• Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Quality, Design Engineering, and Production teams to define tooling requirements
• Support part/assembly manufacturing processes including drilling, riveting, fastening, bonding, sealing, 3D trimming, Welding and assembly operations
• Provide technical support during tool fabrication, assembly, qualification, and production deployment
• Troubleshoot tooling-related issues affecting product quality, schedule, or manufacturing efficiency

3. Tool Qualification & Validation

• Lead tooling tryouts, capability studies and validation activities
• Ensure tooling complies with process and quality requirements and as per design specifications
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling and assembly deviations
• Develop acceptance criteria and qualification documentation for new tooling

4. Project Management

• Coordinate with suppliers, machine shops, metrology teams, and internal stakeholders to ensure project milestones are achieved
• Manage tooling schedules, budgets, risks, and engineering changes

5. Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling performance, ergonomics, reliability, maintainability, and cycle time
• Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives within tooling design
• Standardize tooling concepts and best practices across aerospace programs
• Support automation and digital manufacturing initiatives where applicable

6. Compliance, Quality & Safety

• Ensure tooling designs comply with aerospace industry standards, safety regulations, and customer requirements
• Integrate Poka-Yoke (mistake-proofing) features into tooling designs to minimize assembly errors
• Support PFMEA, risk assessments, and manufacturing readiness reviews
• Maintain design records and configuration control in accordance with aerospace quality systems
• Ensure CAD models and drawings are stored properly in Teamcenter and documentation in SAP
• Fixture or Tooling passports for each tool

Key Deliverables

• NPI & Production-ready tooling and fixture designs
• Tool models and detailed drawings and BOMs
• Tool maintenance and operating instructions
• Tool qualification and acceptance reports
• Complete Tooling documentation in SAP

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• On-time tooling project delivery
• FAIR / Production schedule adherence supported by tooling availability
• Qualification/ Trials and acceptance rate
• Reduction in assembly and dimensional non-conformities
• Tooling-related quality escapes and corrective actions
• Tooling development cost and lead-time reductions
• Compliance with aerospace quality and safety requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering / Production Engineering, or equivalent
• 6 -10 years of experience in aerospace tooling, fixture design, manufacturing engineering, or sheet metal processes
• Hands-on experience supporting sheet metal parts / Engine externals/ aerostructures, engines, or aerospace sub-assemblies
• Knowledge of aerospace materials including titanium alloys, Inconel and other Tool steels

Technical Competencies

• CAD Tools: CATIA V5/V6 or Siemens NX (preferred)
• GD&T interpretation and application (ASME Y14.5)
• Tolerance stack-up analysis
• Aerospace manufacturing and assembly processes
• Tool validation and qualification methods
• Metrology and dimensional control techniques
• Composite, metallic, and hybrid structure assembly tooling
• Knowledge of aerospace quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP awareness)

Behavioural Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail and precision
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder management
• Project planning and execution
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Effective communication and technical documentation skills
• Ability to work in a highly regulated aerospace environment

It is Essential that the Successful Candidate

• Has experience in tooling, fixture, jig, or gauge design within an aerospace or advanced manufacturing environment
• Is proficient in CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX (Preferred), Creo, or equivalent CAD tools
• Possesses strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing processes
• Has an understanding of aerospace materials, assembly processes, and dimensional control methods
• Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
• Is capable of working effectively in cross-functional and international teams
• Has a proactive approach to meeting project commitments and customer requirements