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Staff Engineer, Tool Design (R4299)

Dallas, Texas
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Senior Tool Design Engineer brings 7+ years of experience developing production tooling for complex aerospace systems. This role owns tooling throughout its lifecycle (concept, design, analysis, release, fabrication, and prove-out) ensuring safe, repeatable, first-time-right assembly. You will work cross-functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, and Safety to deliver robust tooling that supports pilot builds through rate production. 

What you'll do:

  • Translate GD&T, key characteristics, and CTQs into tooling requirements (datums, locators, clamps, tolerances, ergonomics, 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 including 3D models, 2D drawings with GD&T, BOM, torque/fastener specs, materials/finishes, lifting points, and safety labeling. 
  • Lead design reviews with ME, Quality, Safety, and Launch teams; perform human-factors evaluations. 
  • Manage tool fabrication , oversee NCR/ECR resolution, and support shop-floor prove-out. 
  • Develop Tool Setup & Care Instructions, PM plans, and inspection checklists. 
  • Support First Article activities including CMM/laser-tracker alignment, gage strategy, and dimensional validation. 
  • Tools & Skills 
  • CATIA / NX / SolidWorks, 3DEXPERIENCE / Teamcenter, FEA tools, GD&T, metrology fundamentals, supplier manufacturing processes. 

Required qualifications:

  • 7+ years of experience in tooling design, mechanical design, or manufacturing engineering. 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial, Mechatronics, or related engineering field. 
  • Experience in prototype manufacturing in a startup or rapid-growth environment. 
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, composites, avionics and/or assembly. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and adapt to changing priorities

Preferred qualifications:

  • Knowledge of quality standards, such as AS9100 or ISO 9001. 
  • Familiarity with advanced manufacturing technologies, such as additive manufacturing or automation systems. 
  • Strong project management skills, including experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines. 
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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