Tooling Design Engineer

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems; Adelanto (CA); On-site; USD 84,000 - 141,000; Full time

Job summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is seeking an Experienced Tool Design Engineer for the Adelanto R&D facility. You will design tooling for composite airframe structures, develop 3D CAD models, and prepare fabrication drawings to support prototype and pre-production programs.

You will work with multidisciplinary teams, ensure tooling meets performance and safety standards, and liaise between engineering, manufacturing, and project management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD in engineering or related field with progressive experience (4+ yrs with a BA/BS or 2+ yrs with an MS).
• Extensive knowledge of CAD, preferably NX/Siemens; experience with stress analysis, CAM and other engineering software.
• Strong command of PLM tools such as Windchill and Teamcenter.
• Knowledge of composite airframe manufacturing processes.
• Experience with AS9100, MIL-STD-1521 (tool design), ITAR/FAR compliance.
• Ability to understand concepts quickly and work across teams.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D CAD models and production 2D drawings for tooling (lamination molds, CNC fixtures, assembly fixtures).
• Provide hands-on technical support to manufacturing teams and vendors during fabrication.
• Present reports at engineering meetings and participate in program reviews.
• Provide guidance to staff on challenging engineering problems.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with safety and procedures.

Skills

CAD NX

Windchill

Teamcenter

Stress analysis

CAM

PLM tools

Communication

Education

Engineering degree (Bachelors or higher)

Tools

NX/Siemens CAD

Windchill

Teamcenter

AS9100 compliance

Job description

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems. We have an exciting opportunity for an Experienced Tool Design Engineer at our GA-ASI Research and Development facility in the High Desert. Our Adelanto facility has an exciting opportunity for a Tool Design Engineer to join their team. As part of the Research and Development Manufacturing Engineering Team, the primary responsibility of this position is to design tooling for composite airframe structures for various prototype and pre‑production programs. More specifically, this role involves working in a multi-disciplinary team to develop, implement, and see through to completion, effective tooling and manufacturing approaches to execute program objectives on new and/or existing projects ranging from one‑off parts, to composite pod structures, to complete aircraft builds. The selected tool designer candidate will be responsible for concept generation, detailed 3D CAD design, fabrication drawings, and support during tooling fabrication. The Engineer ensures that tooling meets all performance, quality, and safety requirements, while serving as a technical liaison between engineering, manufacturing, and project management teams. Assesses project issues and develops resolutions to meet productivity, quality, and client‑satisfaction goals and objectives.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create detailed 3D CAD models (NX preferred) and production 2D drawings specifying fit, form, and function of tooling including lamination molds, CNC fixtures and assembly fixtures.
• Provide hands‑on technical support to in‑house manufacturing teams and vendors during fabrication.
• Presents report(s) at engineering meetings, participates in program reviews and consults on problems.
• Provides expert guidance and consulting to other staff members working on difficult engineering problems.
• Anticipates future engineering needs and the modifications required to accomplish a technical goal.
• Addresses complex and difficult technical issues requiring novel and highly creative approaches drawing on advanced engineering concepts.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education
• Requires extensive knowledges of CAD preferably NX/Siemens software. Experience with stress analysis, CAM and other engineering software desired.
• Strong command of Product Lifecycle Management tools such as Windchill and Teamcenter.
• Knowledge of composite airframe manufacturing processes.
• Experience with AS9100, MIL‑STD‑1521 (tool design), ITAR/FAR compliance.
• Must have a complete understanding of engineering design concepts and principles and possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly, applying them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Must be able to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling an effective interface with other departments and/or professionals, and capable of representing the organization as a prime technical contact, as well as providing leadership and guidance to less experienced professionals.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment. Able to work extended hours as required.
• A Professional Engineering License, original work(s) published in professional engineering journals, and invited to present one or more original works to an engineering symposium are desirable.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.

Job Type: Full-Time Salary

Salary range: 84,000 - 140,625