Tool Design Engineer

Safran Group; Gainesville (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Recognition programs

Comprehensive benefits

Retirement (401K) plans with employer

Professional development opportunities

Tuition assistance

Over 300 career paths across global

Job summary

Safran Seats Gainesville in Texas seeks a Tool Design Engineer to design tooling solutions for aerospace seating, focusing on manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.

You will create CAD models and tool drawings, maintain the tool library, and participate in Lean initiatives to improve productivity and reduce waste, while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Design, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering.
• Associate's degree plus CNC/Manufacturing Certification with 3 years experience acceptable.
• 6+ years in Tool Design and CNC programming in manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop tooling solutions based on engineering specifications focusing on manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.
• Create CAD models and detailed drawings for toolmakers, including locating points and clamping devices.
• Develop and maintain electronic files (IGS, DXF) for vendor and internal use.
• Ensure tool designs meet tolerances within 20% of engineering blueprints.
• Participate in continuous improvement with Lean Manufacturing and Poka-Yoke.
• Update and maintain the tool library and documentation.

Skills

Programming experience

Tool design experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Willingness to learn

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Design/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Associate's Degree + CNC/Manufacturing Certification + 3 years experience

6+ years Tool Design / CNC programming experience

Tools

CATIA

ProE

Job description

Tool Design Engineer

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's "World's Best Companies 2025" ranking.

With more than one million seats installed across the fleets of the world's leading airlines, Safran Seats is one of the global leaders in passenger, crew, aircraft and helicopter seating, delivering innovative, high value-added solutions.

Reference number

2026-178035

Job details

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

Industrial engineering - Manufacturing tooling engineering

Job title

Tool Design Engineer

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

A glimpse at the job:

HERE, WE CRAFT EXCELLENCE TOGETHER. At Safran, we believe in sustainable career journeys, collaboration as a cornerstone of innovation, and the freedom to explore diverse career paths. As a Tool Design Engineer, you'll contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of aerospace.

This position contributes to our vision by:

Design and develop tooling solutions based on engineering specifications, focusing on manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency.

Create CAD models and detailed drawings for toolmakers, including locating points and clamping devices (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic).

Develop and maintain electronic files (IGS, DXF) for vendor and internal use, ensuring designs are accessible and accurate.

Ensure tool designs meet required tolerances (within 20% of engineering blueprint specifications)

Participate in continuous improvement activities, working with Lean Manufacturing teams and utilizing error-proofing (Poka-Yoke) techniques.

Identify opportunities for process enhancements and tool optimization to increase productivity and reduce waste.

Update and maintain the tool library, ensuring documentation is current and accessible for production support.

What we offer:

Competitive salaries

• Paid holidays
• Recognition programs
• Comprehensive benefits
• Retirement (401K) plans with employer match
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Over 300 career paths across global sites

Highlights from our facility:

Safran Seats in Gainesville, Texas, plays a big role in making top-notch aircraft seats for airlines around the world. The team here is known for their know-how and dedication to building comfortable, reliable seats for both commercial and business planes. With a focus on quality and new ideas, the Gainesville facility helps keep Safran at the forefront of the aviation seating industry, working closely with airlines and aircraft makers to deliver seats passengers appreciate.

Join Safran Seats, where you can look to the skies and say we did that.

Candidate skills & requirements

At Safran Seats, we value service-oriented team players who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to adapt to our dynamic, innovative environment.

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Mechanical, Manufacturing Engineering

OR

• Associate's degree in Engineering or Certification in CNC Programming, Manufacturing Technology, or a related field PLUS 3 years of related experience

OR

• 6 years of experience in Tool Design and CNC programming or machining, preferably in a manufacturing environment in lieu of degree.

• 1 year of programming experience preferred.
• 1 year of experience in tool design preferred.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, ProE) and basic CNC programming skills.
• Basic understanding of machining processes, equipment, and tool fabrication.
• Knowledge of blueprint interpretation, including title blocks, orthographic and section views.
• Must have the ability to generate written communication and to operate required office equipment.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes
• Speech and hearing abilities that allow individual to communicate clearly and distinctly in English.

Across all team members, we are looking for the following attributes:

• Innovative & Curious
• Collaborative & Inclusive
• Committed to Safety
• Trustworthy
• Results Focused
• Driven to ExcellencePowered by Teamwork

This description outlines the general nature and level of work for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may vary by assignment or group. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Safran Seats is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. For verification or accommodation requests, please email [e-mail] or call 940-363-2068. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Candidates for positions with Safran Seats must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility verification will be required at the time of hire.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

Annual salary

based on market

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, Texas

City (-ies)

Gainesville

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 3 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes