Tooling and Test Equipment Engineer

Safran S.A.; Carson (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran S.A. seeks a Tooling Design Engineer to design, develop, validate, and manage tooling, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and test tooling for R&D and production.

The role collaborates with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to address quality, delivery, safety, and cost objectives. The engineer leads tooling projects end-to-end, reviews supplier tooling designs, and supports best practices in tooling across the program.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Experience in tooling design, development, and management in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA V5) and knowledge of additive manufacturing or 3D scanning.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate tooling, jigs, fixtures, and test tooling for production and R&D.
• Lead full tooling project cycles from specification to procurement and deployment.
• Manage make-versus-buy decisions with Supply Chain considering cost and manufacturability.
• Provide technical leadership within cross-functional teams.
• Review supplier tooling designs for quality, usability, and cost alignment.
• Drive continuous improvement through LEAN, Kaizen, and related methods.

Skills

Reading electrical schematics

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA V5

Smarteam / PDM tools

LabVIEW

Python

Altium

Job description

Here, we craft excellence together. Your mission? Making the journey the most enjoyable part of the trip.

The Tooling Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, validation, and management of tooling, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and test tooling required for both research, development, and production industrialization of new and existing products. This position works autonomously and as a leader within cross‑functional teams, collaborating closely with Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Quality, and Supply Chain to ensure solutions address program objectives in quality, delivery, safety, and cost. The role integrates advanced manufacturing technologies, drives continuous improvement, and supports best practices in tooling within the company.

Summary of Duties

• Design, develop, and validate tooling, jigs, fixtures, prototypes, and test tooling using advanced and emerging technologies (including, but not limited to, CAD, additive manufacturing, 3D scanning, and simulation tools) to support production and R&D activities.
• Lead and coordinate the full cycle of tooling projects, including specification, approval, procurement, manufacturing, implementation, maintenance, and storage, with autonomy and accountability.
• Manage make-versus-buy decisions in close collaboration with Supply Chain, ensuring compliance with company standards and consideration of cost, manufacturability, and sustainability.
• Provide technical leadership in cross‑functional teams and act as a primary point of contact for tooling‑related projects in a multicultural, multidisciplinary environment.
• Review and manage supplier tooling designs, ensuring quality, usability, and cost align with requirements; oversee schedule, purchasing, and delivery.
• Maintain tooling standards, protocols, and documentation, supporting the development and optimization of best practices.
• Drive quality, efficiency, and output improvements through innovative tooling solutions and participation in continuous improvement initiatives (LEAN, Kaizen, VSM, 5S, etc.).
• Provide engineering feedback to improve product design, manufacturability, cost optimization, and environmental impact, ensuring compliance with customer and company specifications.
• Solve manufacturing issues, demonstrating proactive problem‑solving and strong communication skills.
• Promote Health and Safety standards and sustainable manufacturing practices, aiming to minimize environmental impact.
• Balance multiple projects efficiently and autonomously, supporting departmental and company goals.
• Support diversity and inclusion as part of a collaborative, innovative workplace.

May involve occasional travel to supplier sites or production facilities; hybrid work arrangements possible depending on project needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or Manufacturing Engineering (Master's preferred for senior positions).
• Experience in tooling design, development, and management in a manufacturing or production engineering environment:
  • o Entry-level: 0–3 years
  • o Intermediate: 3–5 years
  • o Senior: 6+ years, including technical leadership.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA V5 preferred), Smarteam or other PDM tools, and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Experience with or knowledge of advanced manufacturing technologies (such as additive manufacturing, 3D scanning/modeling, simulation/FEA).
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and models.
• Experience with LabVIEW, Python, Altium is preferred
• Ability to read electrical schematics.