Tooling Manager

Vast is looking for a Tooling Manager reporting to the Director of Structures Design and Fabrication, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of artificial-gravity human-rated space stations. 

This will be a full-time, non-exempt position located in our Long Beach location. 

Responsibilities: 

• Own an engineering team responsible for tooling at Vast including design, analysis, and fabrication.
• Design tooling and fabrication and build procedures with a safety first approach
• Own the design and fabrication of fixtures and tooling required for Haven-1 production, lifting, and handling.
• Define vehicle integration flow, concepts and tooling interfaces.
• Collaborate with design engineering and production to define fixture and tooling requirements, qualification plans, and introduce to production.
• Perform mechanical analysis for spacecraft fixtures.
• Define/improve tooling design standards and release specifications across the company.
• Develop operation and maintenance plans for all test fixtures and tooling. Assist the facilities manager(s) in all aspects of project implementation as needed
• Manage schedule on assigned projects including critical next steps, deadlines, and outcome.
• Manage vendor relationships and coordinate meetings to identify new technologies and how they can be applied to Vast’s cutting edge applications.
• Develop, test, and implement tool improvements to yield time savings or tolerance improvements.
• Coordinate tooling modifications related to part, production, or other changes.
• Work closely with engineering stakeholders and technicians to solve production-related issues. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, or similar engineering discipline
• 5+ years of experience in aerospace or automotive tooling.
• 5+ years of experience in NX or other 3D CAD packages.
• 2+ years of stress analysis (FEA/Hand Calc) experience
• Experience architecting good designs based on first principles.
• Hands-on experience with handling, lifting, or building large, complex assemblies

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with managing engineers
• Experience with GD&T.
• Experience with work orders and assembly instructions.
• Design of pneumatic, electrical, or hydraulic motion systems.
• Critical lifting and break overs fixtures.
• Integration tooling design
• Experience designing and producing large welded or fastened assemblies.
• Prior experience designing tooling for welded products.
• A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment and hands-on design and development.
• Strong communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs unassisted

Pay Range: 

• $140,000 - $185,000