Senior Digital Tooling Engineer

Quest Defense; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Certification assistance

Professional development support

Job summary

Quest Defense is hiring a Senior Digital Tooling Engineer to validate, develop, and sustain production tooling, fixtures, gauges, and installation aids for aircraft build-up and rate production. The role blends hands-on production support with rigorous engineering to improve quality and reduce costs.

The position is 100% onsite in Marietta, GA, with relocation available. You will oversee CATIA V5 validation, digital scans, and data analytics to enable digital transformation across tooling

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Manufacturing engineering.
• 5+ years of aircraft tooling experience (10+ years total).
• Proficiency with Catia V5 part models, assemblies, drafting, and model-based definition.
• Experience reviewing and resolving issues in digital models for major aircraft assemblies.
• Proficiency in wiring, systems installation, and functional testing.
• Experience with structural/installations, control linkages, and flight control surfaces.
• Deep knowledge of assembly tooling, production aids, and fixture-driven tooling.
• Familiarity with manufacturing planning/work instructions and engineering drawing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and improve production tooling, fixtures, jigs, and installation tools for aircraft assembly.
• Collaborate with Quality, Planning, and Engineering to resolve manufacturing issues and support ramp-up.
• Review digital models and data to ensure accuracy and compliance with requirements.
• Coordinate third-party scanning and data validation of master tools and assemblies.
• Train production teams and support functions on processes and best practices.
• Lead MRB, FAI, RCCA activities and implement engineering changes.

Skills

Catia V5

Model-based definition

GD&T

Fabrication tooling

Tooling inspection

Wiring & systems installation

Flight control surface installs

Troubleshooting

Education

B.S. in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing

Tools

CATIA V5

Job description

We’re engineering the future of aerospace and defense. If you thrive on tackling complex challenges and delivering solutions where precision and reliability are non‑negotiable, we want you on our team. Here, your expertise powers mission‑critical systems that safeguard lives, advance technology, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Join us and bring your skills to work where innovation meets impact.

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is growing and hiring a team of Senior Digital Tooling Engineers. The Senior Digital Tooling Engineer is responsible for validating, developing, designing, upgrading, and sustaining production tooling, assembly jigs, fixtures, gauges, and installation aids that support aircraft build‑up, section assembly, and final mate operations. This role blends hands‑on production support with engineering rigor to ensure tooling solutions improve quality, reduce cost, and enable rate production. The engineer also supports digital transformation activities, including oversight of master tool scanning operations and validation of digital scan data.

Location: 100% onsite in Marietta, GA. Relocation is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and improve production tooling, assembly fixtures, jigs, installation tools, and job aids in CAD and physical formats to improve aircraft assembly efficiency and quality.
• Partner with Quality, Planning, Engineering, and Liaison teams to resolve manufacturing issues and support production ramp‑up.
• Apply knowledge of aircraft assembly, GD&T, sheet metal fabrication, and structural and system installation to support new builds, upgrades, and rate production.
• Coordinate third‑party scanning of master control tools, production detail parts, and assemblies, ensuring proper setup, sequencing, and data quality.
• Validate CATIA V5 3D models and point‑cloud data for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with engineering requirements.
• Review digital models, identify discrepancies, and coordinate corrective actions.
• Review build sequences, installation plans, operations cards, and in‑process testing to identify bottlenecks and improve production flow.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing issues, address material shortages, manage out‑of‑station rework, and implement engineering changes.
• Train production teams, Manufacturing Engineers, and support functions on processes, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Coordinate Material Review Board (MRB) activities, rework and repair planning, First Article Inspection (FAI), and Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA).
• Use CAD, solid modeling, GD&T, and data analysis to develop tooling and identify cost savings for existing tools, gauges, fixtures, and assembly aids.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s of Science in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or Manufacturing
• 5+ Years of Aircraft Tooling Experience with 10+ total professional experience
• Proficiency using Catia V5 part models (or similar), assemblies, drafting, model‑based definition and perform clash analysis.
• Hands‑on experience reviewing, validating, and resolving issues in complex digital models with extensive experience in manufacturing sub‑assemblies and major aircraft assemblies.
• Proficiency in wiring, systems installation, and functional testing.
• Hands‑on experience with structural installations, control linkage systems, panel/door installations, and flight control surface installations.
• In‑depth knowledge of assembly tooling, production aides, handheld tools, and fixture‑driven tooling.
• Familiarity with manufacturing planning/work instructions and continuous improvement aligned with engineering drawing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred experience supporting production or design operations of military aircraft like C-130, or similar.
• Ability to work independently as a consultant and subject matter expert across multiple build teams.
• Strong attention to detail, diligence, and a proactive approach to tooling, digital validation, and test coverage.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced production environment.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with a hands‑on approach.
• Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day‑to‑day operations for continuous improvement.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose‑driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission‑critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.

What You’ll Find Here

• Work That Matters Next‑generation, safety- and mission‑critical projects where your contributions have real‑world impact.
• Growth That's Supported Competitive compensation, employer‑matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
• A Culture That Works A flexible, collaborative, and people‑first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include

• Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.