Tooling Design Engineer I
The Tooling Design Engineer I at Confidential Client is responsible for designing, documenting, procuring, and integrating complex assembly tooling within a manufacturing environment using CAD tools like CREO. This role involves collaborating with manufacturing teams to develop ergonomic, error-proofed tooling solutions, supporting factory initiatives, and ensuring compliance with mechanical engineering standards while maintaining an active DoD Secret security clearance.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering (Aerospace & Defense).
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
What You’ll Do
Confidential Client is seeking a Tooling Design Engineer I to create CAD models and technical drawing packages and to design, document, procure, and integrate assembly tooling into a complex manufacturing environment. You will support projects from development through implementation and partner with manufacturing teams to deliver safe, ergonomic, error‑proofed, and cost-effective tooling solutions.
- Use CAD (preferably CREO/Pro‑E) to develop 3D tooling models and 2D drawing packages
- Define tooling requirements and capture conceptual designs for manufacturing teams
- Support tooling procurement and integration into factory operations
- Lead tooling projects from concept through installation and validation
- Apply ergonomic and error‑proofing principles to tooling and fixture design
- Read and apply mechanical drawings and GD&T to tooling designs
- Provide stress analysis documentation for below‑the‑hook lifting devices
- Integrate COTS components and additive manufacturing where appropriate
- Adjust designs based on stakeholder feedback and production realities
Key Responsibilities
- Developing and approving complex 3D tooling solutions using CREO (Pro‑E)
- Communicating tooling concepts and intent with manufacturing and factory teams
- Identifying and implementing continuous‑improvement opportunities in the factory
- Representing manufacturing needs as a mechanical engineering resource on cross‑functional initiatives
- Promoting standardized fixturing strategies across programs for multi‑product factory efficiency
- Reading and interpreting mechanical engineering drawings, including GD&T
- Producing stress analysis models and documentation for lifting fixtures
- Troubleshooting tooling design and production issues to improve uptime and quality
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related STEM discipline by start date
- Hands‑on experience with CAD modeling
- Experience interpreting mechanical drawings and applying GD&T
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance (DoD Secret) — U.S. citizenship required
Qualifications We Prefer
- Prior tool design or tooling engineering experience
- Experience with CREO (Pro‑E)
- Familiarity with machine shop practices and fabrication processes
- Project development experience in a mechanical/manufacturing environment
- Experience with additive manufacturing (3D printing) for tooling or fixtures
Location & Employment Type
- Onsite — Tucson, AZ
- Employment type: Full‑time
- This is a U.S.-based role. U.S. citizenship is required due to clearance requirements.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $57,200 — $108,800 USD (good‑faith estimate across experience levels)
- Relocation eligibility (where applicable)
- Potential benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, paid time off, parental leave, and other programs — benefits vary by business unit and role.
Additional Details
- Security clearance: DoD Secret required; active/ability to obtain and maintain clearance is required
- Work may require in‑person attendance for select interview steps or assessments to maintain a secure hiring process
- Confidential Client is an equal‑opportunity employer and considers candidates without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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