Manager - Tooling, Automation & Controls

Castelion; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Paid parental leave

401k plan

Meals provided

Job summary

Castelion is rapidly advancing defense systems and seeking a Manager of Tooling, Automation & Controls to lead tooling, fixtures, automated work cells, robotics, and industrial controls for hypersonic missile production.

You will manage a high-performing team and drive end-to-end projects while ensuring compliance with DoD, ITAR, and hazardous-location standards, delivering high-rate production and safety-first practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical/ Electrical / Mechatronics / Automation Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.
• Experience leading tooling, automation, and controls programs in aerospace/defense environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for all tooling, automation, and controls across production programs.
• Oversee design and qualification of precision tooling and fixtures for aerospace manufacturing.
• Architect and deploy automated manufacturing cells, robotics, and motion-control solutions for high-precision processes.
• Direct controls system development with full compliance to safety and hazardous location standards.
• Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through testing and production handover.

Skills

Tooling

Automation

Controls

Leadership

Aerospace/defense

Project management

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical/Electrical/Mechatronics

Master's preferred

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Beckhoff

Siemens

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Job description

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.

Manager, Tooling, Automation & Controls

We are seeking a Manager of Tooling, Automation & Controls to lead the design, development, deployment, and sustainment of advanced manufacturing tooling and automated systems for hypersonic missile production. This role owns the full lifecycle of custom tooling, fixtures, automated work cells, robotic systems, and industrial controls architectures supporting solid rocket motors, seekers, warheads, avionics, and vehicle integration. You will build and lead a high-performing team of tooling engineers, automation specialists, and controls engineers to deliver scalable, high-reliability manufacturing solutions that enable rapid iteration and high-rate production while meeting stringent DoD, AS9100, ITAR, and explosive-safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team responsible for all manufacturing tooling, automation, and controls across Castelion’s production programs.
• Oversee the design and qualification of precision tooling and fixtures for composite filament winding, propellant casting, avionics integration, and final vehicle build.
• Architect and deploy automated manufacturing cells, robotic systems, and motion-control solutions for high-precision, hazardous, and high-volume processes.
• Direct controls system development (PLC, HMI, SCADA, motion control, safety PLC) with full compliance to functional safety and Class I Div 1 / hazardous location standards.
• Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through first article testing, commissioning, and production handover, managing budgets, and schedules.
• Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and automation-first approaches in collaboration with design, manufacturing, and quality teams.
• Implement Industry 4.0 capabilities including MES integration, machine vision, digital twins, predictive maintenance, and real-time process monitoring.
• Establish and maintain standards for tooling design, controls architecture, documentation, and spare parts strategies to support 24/7 production operations.
• Manage vendor relationships for capital equipment, robotics, and controls hardware; negotiate contracts and lead equipment procurement.
• Mentor and develop engineers while fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced defense environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 10+ years in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.
• 5+ years in a leadership or people-management role.
• Strong background in aerospace, defense, or energetic materials production environments.
• Expert-level experience with industrial automation platforms (Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens), robotics (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA), and motion control systems.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (SolidWorks / NX), automation design software, EPLAN / AutoCAD Electrical, and simulation tools.
• Deep knowledge of PLC programming, industrial networking (EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP), machine vision, and safety-rated controls.
• Strong understanding of large-scale composite manufacturing, propellant handling, and precision electromechanical assembly tooling.
• Experience scaling automation from prototype to high-rate production.
• Leadership of tooling & automation programs for solid rocket motors, missiles, or hypersonic systems.
• Familiarity with ITAR, ATF, and DoD explosive safety standards.
• Proven people leadership and talent development skills.
• Strong project and program management capabilities with the ability to drive multiple parallel initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management at all levels, including executive and customer presentations.
• Data-driven decision making and passion for building world-class manufacturing systems.
• Employee Equity: Meaningful equity for all full-time employees - share value has increased 150x in three years
• Personal Time Off: Four (4) weeks of paid time off to unplug, reset, and come back sharp—velocity matters, burnout doesn’t
• Medical: We offer plans at 100% employee covered and 80% of dependent coverage
• Dental & Vision: We cover 90% employees and 80% for dependents to ensure you and your family have access to quality preventive and ongoing care
• FSA/HSA: To support long-term health and financial resilience, we offer FSA and HSA options that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses
• Retirement: 401k plan offered to support long term financial growth along side high-impact, high-velocity work
• Paid Parental Leave: We support growing families with meaningful time to bond and recover. Birthing parents are eligible for up to 10 weeks of paid leave, while non-birthing parents may take up to 4 weeks of paid leave. This time can be used for pre-natal care, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical needs—ensuring every parent has the support they need during this important life moment. 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees
• Meals & Catering: Frequently catered lunches and team meals, plus company-covered meals when extra time or effort is required
• Snacks & Beverages: Fully stocked kitchen with unlimited snacks and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the day
• Performance & Fitness: $100 monthly fitness stipend to support peak performance and health, both inside and outside of work
• EV Charging: Onsite electric vehicle charging available for employees

Physical Demands

• Must be willing to work extended hours and/or weekends as needed
• Must be able to travel up to 30%
• Must be able to lift more than 50lbs

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This position may require access to classified information or restricted U.S. Government sites, systems, or information, as determined by the Company and/or applicable U.S. Government requirements. If the position is so designated, your employment in the role may be contingent upon your ability to obtain and maintain the required U.S. Government security clearance or other government authorization, and to satisfy any citizenship or other eligibility requirements imposed by applicable law, regulation, executive order, or government contract requirements. You will be notified if and when such requirements apply. Failure to obtain or maintain any required clearance or authorization may result in reassignment, leave, or separation from employment, consistent with business needs and applicable law.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.