Tool Design Engineer

Job Title: Tool Design Engineer (Engineer II)Job Description

This Engineer II role offers the opportunity to lead, support, and innovate on the next generation of aerospace structures and systems in a dynamic, small-business environment. You will work across the full product lifecyclefrom concept through design, manufacturing, testing, and iterationwhile collaborating closely with principal engineers, program leaders, technicians, and shop-floor teams. The position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on work, advanced CAD modeling, tool and fixture design, and contributing directly to cutting-edge aerospace technologies and manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute the design, manufacturing, and testing of composite and metallic aerospace structures.

• Design production tooling, jigs, and fixtures for use on the manufacturing floor to support efficient and accurate builds.

• Collaborate directly with technicians and shop-floor teams to support and troubleshoot first builds.

• Build and operate prototypes, ensuring designs are translated effectively into physical hardware.

• Iterate on prototype designs to optimize performance, manufacturability, and reliability.

• Develop and refine additive manufacturing processes to enhance aerospace mission capabilities.

• Apply Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools to create detailed models and drawings for structures, tooling, and fixtures.

• Contribute to Finite Element Analysis (FEA), controls, and automation activities as part of development programs.

• Participate in testing and data analysis to validate designs and drive continuous improvement.

• Engage in team-based development efforts across both development and production programs.

• Collaborate with engineering leadership and program teams on technical decisions and project execution.

• Support customer interactions and, where applicable, contribute to marketing and business development activities.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Computer Aided Design (CAD) modeling, with heavy experience in Creo strongly preferred.

• Experience with SolidWorks and 2D AutoCAD is valued for CAD modeling and drafting.

• Demonstrated ability to design tools for manufacturing, particularly jigs and fixtures used on the shop floor.

• Hands-on experience collaborating with technicians and manufacturing teams during first builds.

• Experience with prototyping, including prototype builds, operation, and iterative refinement.

• Understanding of mechanical, structures, materials, tool design, manufacturing, or similar engineering disciplines.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment across development and production programs.

• Strong willingness to learn new tools, processes, and technologies, including training on new CAD platforms.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Background or interest in composites manufacturing and aerospace structures.

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to support structural evaluation and design optimization.

• Exposure to controls and automation in a manufacturing or test environment.

• Experience in tool design specifically for manufacturing environments, including jigs and fixtures.

• Interest or experience in additive manufacturing and process improvement for aerospace applications.

• Comfort interacting with customers and supporting marketing or business-related engineering activities.

• Ability to thrive in a small-business setting with broad exposure to technology development and entrepreneurship.

• Enthusiasm for mentoring relationships and learning from principal engineers and company leadership.

Work Environment

This role is based in a small, agile aerospace-focused business where engineers are closely involved in both technology development and entrepreneurial activities. You will work in a collaborative environment that combines office-based design work with hands-on activity in manufacturing and prototyping areas. Daily work includes using advanced CAD tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, and 2D AutoCAD, as well as participating in prototype builds, tool and fixture deployment, and manufacturing floor support. You will partner closely with technicians and shop-floor personnel during first builds and process improvements, gaining direct exposure to composite and metallic structures manufacturing and additive manufacturing processes. The culture emphasizes teamwork, learning, and mentorship, offering opportunities to engage with leadership on technical and business aspects of projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $52.00 - $58.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.