Tooling Project Lead | Mechanical Engineer

Alten USA; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Alten USA is seeking a proactive Tool Technology Engineer to provide technical leadership and end-to-end project management for complex tooling projects in an advanced manufacturing setting.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, 3+ years of experience, and the ability to translate requirements into innovative tooling solutions while leading cross-functional teams and managing budgets. Federal contractor context and aerospace tooling familiarity are a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an industrial mechanical environment.
• Experience managing technical or engineering projects from concept through completion.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, manufacturing processes, and tooling solutions.
• Experience with tooling design, development, validation, and implementation.
• Experience in project planning, scheduling, coordination, resource management, and performance monitoring.
• Proven ability to manage project scope, cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
• Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders.
• Experience working with suppliers, subcontractors, and external partners within a technical project environment.
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and translate requirements into practical engineering solutions.
• Experience preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, and supporting technical proposals or tender activities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to anticipate technical challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and customer management skills.
• Hands-on, field-oriented approach with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Experience with aeronautical tooling is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of quality, safety, and compliance requirements within an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced project environment while maintaining attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership for tooling projects from design review through qualification, acceptance, and project closure.
• Analyze technical requirements, specifications, and customer needs to develop robust and effective tooling solutions.
• Lead project planning activities, including scope definition, resource allocation, scheduling, risk assessment, and project organization.
• Manage tooling projects from initiation through delivery, ensuring alignment with customer expectations, quality standards, budget objectives, and timelines.
• Ensure tooling solutions meet all mechanical, dimensional, functional, and performance requirements.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, engineering teams, and operations personnel.
• Monitor project performance through reporting, dashboards, and key performance indicators, taking corrective actions when necessary.
• Manage project budgets, cost estimates, forecasts, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee subcontractors and suppliers to ensure compliance with technical specifications, contractual obligations, and project requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and support to subcontractors and suppliers throughout project execution.
• Contribute to the preparation, submission, and negotiation of technical proposals and tenders during pre-sales activities.
• Support the development, validation, and execution of tooling acceptance procedures and technical documentation.
• Identify technical risks and proactively drive engineering solutions to mitigate project challenges.
• Participate in the development and evaluation of innovative tooling concepts and design improvements.
• Build and maintain strong customer relationships while supporting technical and contractual discussions.
• Ensure compliance with quality, health, safety, and environmental standards throughout project execution.
• Promote a professional and positive company image through effective communication and project delivery excellence.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Mechanical systems understanding

Tooling development & validation

Supplier coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Aeronautical tooling

Job description

Alten USA is seeking a proactive Tool Technology Engineer to provide technical leadership and end-to-end project management for complex tooling projects in an advanced manufacturing setting.

The ideal candidate has a mechanical engineering background, 3+ years of experience, and the ability to translate requirements into innovative tooling solutions while leading cross-functional teams and managing budgets. Federal contractor context and aerospace tooling familiarity are a plus.