Tooling Design Engineer III

Pace Industries, LLC; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 111,000 - 152,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401(k) match

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Sierra Space is hiring a Tooling Design Engineer III to lead the advanced design and development of tooling and fixtures for high‑precision manufacturing. You will drive process optimization, lead cross‑functional teams, and collaborate with suppliers to improve efficiency and quality using CAD tools like SolidWorks and Siemens NX.

Responsibilities include creating 3D models, drawings, and specifications, conducting tooling validation, and guiding design reviews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• Typically 5+ years of related experience.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Experience in process optimization and efficiency improvement.
• Experience leading gated design reviews.
• Proficiency in CAD such as SolidWorks or Siemens NX.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• GD&T principles understanding.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of tooling and fixtures for advanced manufacturing.
• Drive process optimization and efficiency improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with suppliers and vendors to improve tooling quality and performance.
• Create 3D models, drawings, and specifications using CAD tools.
• Conduct tooling validation and verification activities to ensure performance.
• Lead design reviews and coordinate cross-functional teams.
• Provide training and guidance on tool usage and safety.

Skills

Process optimization

Gated design reviews

Project management

Cross-functional teamwork

CAD knowledge

GD&T knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Master's degree +3 years experience

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

MATLAB

Python

FEA

Job description

Sierra Space Careers:

At Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth. Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond. Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission‑ready throughout space. We are mission‑driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.

About the Role

The Tooling Design Engineer III is responsible for the advanced design and development of tooling and fixtures used in manufacturing processes. This role involves driving process optimization, leading cross‑functional teams, and collaborating with suppliers and vendors to enhance manufacturing efficiency. The Tooling Design Engineer III utilizes CAD software to create detailed tooling designs and collaborates with the operations team and engineering to ensure efficient and effective manufacturing operations. In this role, you will lead and manage process optimization and efficiency improvement projects to enhance manufacturing performance. You will oversee the design and development of complex tooling and fixtures for advanced manufacturing processes, utilizing CAD software to create precise and effective solutions. Leading cross‑functional teams, you will drive process improvement initiatives, ensuring successful implementation and outcomes that align with organizational goals. Collaborating closely with manufacturing and design engineers, you will work to understand manufacturing requirements and constraints, while engaging with suppliers and vendors to improve manufacturing processes and ensure the quality of tooling components. You will conduct feasibility studies and provide recommendations for tooling solutions that optimize efficiency and quality. Participating in design reviews and collaborating with cross‑functional teams, you will ensure that tool designs meet project requirements and standards. Additionally, you will develop and maintain tooling documentation, including 3D models, drawings, and specifications, while supporting manufacturing and assembly teams in the implementation and use of specialized tools and fixtures. Conducting tooling validation and verification activities to ensure tool performance and functionality will be a key aspect of your responsibilities. Furthermore, you will collaborate with technicians and operators to provide training and guidance on the use of specialized tools and fixtures, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, regulations, and best practices in all tool design and manufacturing activities.

About You

Our mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space‑based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission. We’re looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 yrs experience).
• Typically, 5+ years of related experience.
• In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies and automation.
• Experience in process optimization and efficiency improvement.
• Experience leading gated design reviews.
• Solid understanding of tool design principles, manufacturing processes, systems, and engineering principles.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in design and documentation.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, standards, regulations, and procedures in tool design and manufacturing activities.
• Understanding of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in aerospace, mechanical, manufacturing engineering, or a related discipline.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or similar tools.
• Proven track record in a space or aerospace manufacturing setting.
• Experience in designing and developing complex tooling and fixtures.
• Knowledge of materials and their properties typically used in tooling design.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies in tooling design.
• Familiarity with aerospace manufacturing processes and requirements.
• Strong project management skills to lead tooling design projects from concept to implementation.
• Understanding of finite element analysis (FEA) for tool design validation.
• Experience with programming languages commonly used in tool design, such as MATLAB or Python.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $110,664.00 - $152,184.00 Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

To conform to U.S. Government international trade regulations, applicant must be a U.S. Citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce.

Elevate Your Career

At Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.

We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.

Sierra Space is an industry‑leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission‑proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space‑based assets and enable space exploration.

Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.

About Sierra Space

Headquartered in Colorado, Sierra Space is a mission‑proven Defense Tech company delivering satellite platforms, critical subsystems, reusable spaceplanes, hypersonic technologies, propulsion systems, and infrastructure for the nation’s most critical missions. With more than three decades of heritage and a record of flight‑proven success in space, Sierra Space is trusted by U.S. National Security, Civil customers, and global allies. Our technologies safeguard our nation, sustain human exploration in space, and ensure the freedom of operations beyond Earth. Sierra Space is defining the new era of Space Defense, strengthening deterrence today and preserving freedom of action for generations to come.