Senior Mechanical Design Engineer/Tool-Secret Clearance

Rocket Lab; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Rocket Lab as a Senior Tool Designer where you'll leverage your expertise in CAD and engineering to create innovative tooling solutions. With responsibilities ranging from design excellence to collaborative project management, this role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge aerospace advancements. If you thrive in a dynamic environment and seek to apply your skills in meaningful ways, we encourage you to apply for this pivotal position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience with tools such as NX.
• Ability to apply geometric and trigonometric formulas for precision.
• Understanding of machining theory and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Create precise tool designs using CAD and engineering specifications.
• Apply mathematical acumen to ensure accuracy in dimensions and machining.
• Collaborate with engineers to implement design changes effectively.

Skills

Mathematical Skills

CAD Proficiency

Blueprint Interpretation

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Technical Degree (BS or AS)

Tools

NX

Job description

Are you a skilled technical professional with a passion for precision and innovation? We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Tool Designer to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in creating cutting-edge production, engineering, and developmental tools. If you have a strong background in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and are eager to apply your expertise to real-world challenges, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Design Excellence: Utilize your expertise in reading and interpreting conceptual designs, blueprints, and engineering orders to create precise tool designs. Make use of computer-based design systems to bring your ideas to life.
• Mathematical Prowess: Apply your mathematical skills, including geometric and trigonometric formulas, to calculate dimensions, angles, and machining guidelines, ensuring precision in tool design.
• Material Mastery: Leverage your knowledge of various metals, plastics, ceramics, and composite materials to design tools tailored to their unique properties and machining characteristics.
• Collaborative Spirit: Coordinate with Tool Engineers to meet tool requisitions, implement design changes, and ensure modifications align with requirements.
• Empowerment Through Communication: Assist shop personnel in understanding your tool design drawings, fostering effective collaboration.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate manufacturing data and statistics, either manually or through computer-based systems.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Background: Hold a technical degree (e.g., BS or AS) or have commensurate years of experience in a relevant discipline
• 5 Plus years working in relevant Field with Tools such as NX
• CAD Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and modeling skills, particularly using NX.
• Blueprint Interpretation: Read and interpret engineering documents, sketches, blueprints, and verbal discussions to translate concepts into precise designs.
• GD&T Expertise: Apply your knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) to support tool fixture design and fabrication processes.
• Machining Know-How: Apply machining theory, best practices, and mechanical systems knowledge to design tooling for turbomachinery repair and manufacturing.
• Tolerance Mastery: Have a complete understanding of product tolerance stack-ups and datum structures in the context of designing tooling fixtures.
• Mathematical Acumen: Possess excellent math skills, including proficiency in trigonometry.
• Safety First: Exhibit a commitment to safety values and comply with factory process safety rules and requirements.
• Communication Skills: Have excellent verbal and written communication skills to facilitate effective collaboration.
• Deadline-Driven: Demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines, work under time constraints, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Team Player: Collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels and contribute positively to team dynamics.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced, creative environment and embrace the diversity of experiences within dynamic teams.
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen and possess or ability to get DOD clearance.#cj

Additional Skills:

• Independent Contributor: Effectively contribute to and perform within a team while also possessing the capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Legacy Tooling Upgrades: Ability to review, interpret, and upgrade heritage/legacy tooling designs to modern standards, applications, and practices.
• Budget Adherence: Discuss, comprehend, and adhere to established or agreed-upon budgets for tooling design (models and drawings).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Mostly Office Environments, Occasional Shop Floor involvement.
• Substantial amounts of telephone, video conferencing and computer work.
• Heavily Regulated Industries with strict adherence to procedures.
• Flexibility to meet business deadlines by staying late or arriving early.
• Typical 8 hour days plus lunch / 40 hour weeks / core (required) hours are 9AM to 4PM
• Ability to use personal transportation to visit customer locations.
• Due to the nature of the work, all candidates must be a U.S. Citizen

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

If you're ready to take on exciting challenges, apply your expertise to shape the future of tool design, and be a part of a dynamic and fun-loving team, we encourage you to apply! Join us in making a difference through precision and innovation

We look forward to having you join the journey!

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges

$85,000—$105,000 USD

At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.