Staff Engineer, Tool Design

Shield AI
Seattle
Workplace: OnsiteFull timeUSD 150,000 - 230,000 annuallyFunction: Design (Product/UX/UI/Visual)Education: bachelorsSkills: ["Cross-functional collaboration","Human-factors evaluation","Project management","Ability to work in fast-paced environments"]

Own the lifecycle of production tooling for complex aerospace systems, from concept and design through analysis, release, fabrication, and prove-out. Translate GD&T, key characteristics, and CTQs into tooling requirements, create assembly jigs/fixtures and gauges, and validate performance with FEA and calculations. Lead design reviews, manage fabrication and NCR/ECR resolution, and support shop-floor prove-out and first-article activities to enable safe, repeatable assembly.

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FursaFursa
Shield AI
Shield AI
3 days ago

Staff Engineer, Tool Design

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Source: Company careers pageValidated by: Fursa AI
Last checked: 20 hours agoStatus: Live

Job Summary

Own the lifecycle of production tooling for complex aerospace systems, from concept and design through analysis, release, fabrication, and prove-out. Translate GD&T, key characteristics, and CTQs into tooling requirements, create assembly jigs/fixtures and gauges, and validate performance with FEA and calculations. Lead design reviews, manage fabrication and NCR/ECR resolution, and support shop-floor prove-out and first-article activities to enable safe, repeatable assembly.
Location: Seattle
Workplace: Onsite
Employment Type: Full time
Job Function: Design (Product/UX/UI/Visual)
Seniority: Mid level

Key Responsibilities

  • •Translate GD&T, key characteristics, and CTQs into tooling requirements including datums, locators, clamps, tolerances, ergonomics, and ESD/FOD controls.
  • •Design assembly jigs, drill/bond fixtures, composites molds & trim fixtures, go/no-go gauges, lifting/handling carts, and protective tooling using CATIA/NX/SolidWorks.
  • •Conduct FEA and hand calculations to confirm stiffness, clamp loads, safety factors, and ergonomics.
  • •Generate complete Tool Design Packages (3D models, 2D drawings with GD&T, BOM, torque/fastener specs, materials/finishes, lifting points, and safety labeling).
  • •Lead design reviews, manage fabrication, oversee NCR/ECR resolution, and support shop-floor prove-out and first article activities including CMM/laser-tracker alignment and dimensional validation.

Pay and Benefits

Salary: USD 150,000 - 230,000 annually
Equity and Bonus:Equity

Key Requirements

  • •7+ years of experience developing production tooling, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering for complex systems.
  • •Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related engineering.
  • •Experience designing and supporting prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment.
  • •Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly.
  • •Knowledge of quality standards such as AS9100 or ISO 9001.
Experience:AerospaceDefense-techManufacturingTooling
Education:Bachelor's
Skills:Cross-functional collaborationHuman-factors evaluationProject managementAbility to work in fast-paced environments
Tech Stack:CATIANXSolidWorks3DEXPERIENCETeamcenterFEAGD&TCMMLaser-trackerMetrologyAdditive manufacturingAutomation systemsESDFOD

Company Brief

Shield AI
Develops AI-powered autonomy and software for military aircraft and drones to enable autonomous ISR and combat missions, integrating perception, navigation, and mission planning for defense customers.
Industry: Defense Technology
Company Size: Large (251 to 1,000 employees)
Growth: Scaleup
Funding: Series E+
Headquarters: San Diego, United States
Founded: 2015
WebsiteLinkedIn