Prototype Tooling Engineer – Rapid Build & Test

Clutch Canada; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace manufacturing firm is seeking a Tooling Build Engineer to design, develop, and validate innovative tooling for the prototyping of high-speed aircraft. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in engineering, strong problem-solving skills, and hands-on experience with CAD and manufacturing processes. This role emphasizes creativity and collaboration to support the rapid development of structural assemblies in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Strong engineering first principles are essential.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware is required.
• Comfort with CAD, test equipment, and hand tools is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement advanced tooling solutions for prototyping.
• Collaborate with teams to define tooling requirements and processes.
• Drive continuous improvement and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Engineering principles

Hands-on experience

Problem-solving skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, or related engineering field

Tools

CAD software (CATIA, SolidWorks, NX)

Job description

Hermeus is a high-speed aircraft manufacturer focused on the rapid design, build, and test of high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft for the national interest. Working directly with the Department of Defense, Hermeus delivers capabilities that will ensure that our nation, and our allies, maintain an asymmetric advantage over any and all potential adversaries.

A Tooling Build Engineer on the Manufacturing team is responsible for the design, development, and validation of innovative tooling, fixtures, and ground support equipment that enable the prototyping, integration, and testing of advanced structural assemblies. This role emphasizes creativity, rapid iteration, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support early-stage research and development.

Responsibilities

• Own the design, fabrication, and implementation of advanced tooling, fixtures, and integration aids to support R&D, prototype builds, and test campaigns.
• Partner with structures, manufacturing, and test teams to define tooling requirements, integration flow, and process interfaces.
• Collaborate across engineering disciplines and external vendors to deliver rapid, high-precision prototype tooling solutions.
• Leverage advanced materials and manufacturing methods, including additive and composite fabrication, to enhance performance and efficiency.
• Perform design validations, mechanical checks, and hands-on trials to qualify tooling for development and production use.
• Drive continuous improvement by developing and implementing tooling upgrades that reduce build time, improve accuracy, and streamline operations.
• Maintain documentation, configuration control, and safety standards across all tooling systems.
• Coordinate schedule, priorities, and vendor relationships to ensure tooling deliverables align with critical R&D and integration milestones.
• Act as a key interface between engineering and build teams to resolve integration challenges and sustain build velocity.

Requirements

• Strong engineering first principles.
• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing, or related engineering field.
• Hands-on experience with physical hardware (internships, labs, project teams all count).
• Proven ability to design, build, break, and iterate quickly.
• Comfort with CAD, test equipment, hand tools.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes (machining, welding, forming, etc.) and GD&T fundamentals.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication methods including machining, additive manufacturing, composites, and rapid prototyping.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, SolidWorks, NX) for tooling design and iteration.
• Knowledge of GD&T and ability to interpret and apply engineering drawings to prototype development.
• Familiarity with R&D environments and early-stage design-build-test cycles for high-performance aerospace systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to experiment, adapt, and iterate quickly in ambiguous development settings.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across engineering, prototype build, and test teams.
• Knowledge of lean prototyping and continuous improvement principles in low-volume, experimental environments.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to 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.

138550 - 187450 USD a year

The salary information provided is a general guideline only. Hermeus takes various factors into account, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's professional background, education and training, essential skills, and market and business considerations, when presenting a job offer.

Salary is only one part of our total compensation and benefits package. Hermeus offers competitive salary and equity, unlimited PTO policy, paid parental leave, potential for year-end bonuses, and more!

100% employer-paid health care

401k & Retirement Plans

Unlimited PTO

Weekly Paid Office Lunches

End of Year Bonuses

Fully stocked breakrooms

Stock Options

Paid Parental Leave