Tooling and Fixture Manager – Custom Fabrication for Aerospace Parts

The Tooling and Fixture Manager oversees the design, development, maintenance, and management of all tooling and fixtures used in the custom fabrication of aerospace parts. This role ensures that all tooling supports precision manufacturing processes, meets aerospace quality standards, and enables efficient production flow. The manager leads a team of tooling engineers and technicians, collaborating closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to optimize tooling performance and lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

🔧 Tooling and Fixture Development

• Lead the design, prototyping, and validation of custom tooling and fixtures to support fabrication processes including machining, forming, welding, and assembly of aerospace components.

• Ensure tooling design meets tight aerospace tolerances and regulatory requirements (AS9100, NADCAP).

🛠️ Tooling Lifecycle Management

• Manage preventive maintenance, calibration, and repair schedules to maximize tooling uptime and accuracy.

• Maintain detailed records of tooling inventory, usage, and modifications.

🤝 Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing Engineering, Production, Quality, and Design teams to ensure tooling meets process and quality requirements.

• Support new product introduction (NPI) by coordinating tooling readiness and validation.

📈 Process Optimization

• Identify opportunities to improve tooling design for enhanced manufacturability, reduced setup time, and increased throughput.

• Implement best practices for fixture standardization and modularity.

👥 Team Leadership

• Lead, train, and mentor tooling engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

• Allocate resources effectively to support multiple fabrication projects simultaneously.

✅ Compliance and Safety

• Ensure all tooling complies with aerospace industry standards and safety regulations.

• Promote safe handling, storage, and usage of tooling within the fabrication environment.

Key Focus Areas:

• Custom tooling and fixtures for aerospace metal forming, machining, and assembly

• Tooling design software proficiency (CAD, CAM)

• Tooling maintenance and inventory control

• Cross-functional project management and NPI support

• Aerospace standards compliance (AS9100, NADCAP)

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline

• 7+ years experience in tooling/fixture design and management within aerospace or high-precision manufacturing

• Proven experience leading a tooling team or department

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Proficiency in CAD/CAM software (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, etc.)

• Knowledge of aerospace manufacturing processes and materials (aluminum, titanium, composites)

• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement

• Project management skills; PMP or similar certification a plus

Working Conditions:

• Primarily based in manufacturing/engineering environment with visits to the shop floor

• Requires PPE adherence and safe handling of tooling equipment

• Occasional overtime during NPI launches or tooling overhaul projects