Tooling Engineer

Pantex Plant; Amarillo (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Pantex Plant in Amarillo, TX is seeking a Tooling Engineer to lead the design of innovative tooling sets and equipment. You will develop 3D models, BOMs, calculations, fabrication drawings and SOW inputs, while validating designs through analyses and tests.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, collaboration across disciplines, and direct support to weapon processes in a DOE/NNSA environment, contributing to national security and program goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in engineering/science with no required experience.
• ABET-accredited program preferred for mechanical engineering.
• PE license is preferred for advanced levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of new tooling sets and equipment.
• Develop 3D models, BOMs, fabrication drawings, and specs.
• Perform analyses and validation of tooling designs.
• Provide expert problem resolution for in-service tooling.
• Lead project teams to implement tooling into weapon processes.

Skills

Leadership

Team collaboration

Technical authority

Communication

Education

ABET-accredited Mechanical Engineering degree

GPA 3.0/4.0 (Bachelor)

GPA 3.3/4.0 (Master)

GPA 3.5/4.0 (PhD)

Professional Engineering License (PE)

Job description

Location: Amarillo, TX

Job Title: Tooling Engineer

Career Level From: Associate

Career Level To: Senior Associate

Organization: Toolng & Machine Engineering (51240994)

Job Specialty: Core Engineering

What You'll Do

Join our Tooling and Machine Design team as a Tooling Engineer and embark on a career path dedicated to becoming a recognized technical authority and Subject Matter Expert (SME) in specialty tooling and equipment. This critical role directly supports the manipulation and inspection of weapon products for the Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA). You will contribute to national security while advancing your technical expertise and leadership capabilities.

As a Tooling Engineer, You Will

• Design and Development:
  • Lead the design of new, innovative tooling sets and equipment
  • Develop conceptual engineering deliverables, including:
    • 3D models
    • Engineering calculations and analyses
    • Fabrication drawings
    • Equipment specifications
    • Bills of Material (BOM)
    • Cost and labor estimations
    • Inputs for Statements of Work (SOW) and project schedules
• Technical Analysis & Verification:
  • Perform comprehensive technical analyses to ensure design requirements are met
  • Utilize engineering calculations, analysis software, and proof testing to validate designs
• Existing Tooling Support & Problem Resolution:
  • Act as the cognizant engineer for existing tooling designs
  • Monitor operability, maintenance, and repair activities for current inventory
  • Provide expert problem resolution for in-service equipment
  • Routinely observe and support craft personnel and ongoing production operations
• Project Leadership & Collaboration:
  • Lead integrated project teams as the technical authority to implement new tooling sets into weapon processes
  • Effectively collaborate as a team member within multi-discipline tasks
  • Provide critical technical input and guidance to fellow engineers and customers both at the plant and other sites

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science discipline with no required experience
• OR Master's degree in engineering/science discipline with no required experience
• OR PhD degree in engineering/science discipline with no required experience

DOE Order 426.2A Requirements

• In addition to the above requirements, the applicant must also meet the requirements of DOE O 426.2A (i.e., Baccalaureate in engineering or related science, 2 years job-related and at least 1 year nuclear experience, or a DOE O 426.2A alternative). DOE O 426.2A experience requirements can be satisfied following employment. In the interim, newly hired personnel will not be assigned duties that could impact the safety basis of nuclear facilities. (Ref. DOE O 426.2A)

Preferred Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited program in the United States or designated equivalents thru ABET Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA)
• A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) is preferred for up to four years post-graduation, confirmed by transcript at the time of offer. Beyond four years from graduation, relevant experience will supersede GPA in hiring considerations.
  • Bachelor’s degree with a minimum 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA
  • Master’s degree with a minimum 3.3/4.0 cumulative GPA
  • PhD with a minimum 3.5/4.0 cumulative GPA
• Professional Engineering License (PE)
• Knowledgeable in respective technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques
• Demonstrated technical capabilities, leadership, and work ethic
• Ability to work in a project team environment and communicate well with other disciplines, customers, and stakeholders
• Ability to follow procedures and work within a rigorous work process
• Ability to estimate, plan, and track progress for preparation of discipline deliverables
• Good written and oral communications skills

#JointheMission: Your Impact Starts Here

At Pantex, you won't just find a job—you’ll discover a career of purpose safeguarding national security through work performed nowhere  on Earth. We empower dedicated, innovative individuals like you to achieve their greatest impact surrounded by exceptional talent and limitless opportunities for professional growth.

When you #JointheMission , you choose a lifetime career where  your commitment is genuinely valued and rewarded. At Pantex , we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement.

Notes

The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired.

If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level.

Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required.

Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10 CFR 709. Medical requirements may apply.

Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification.

Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.