Description:
Chipton-Ross is seeking a Tooling Engineer 3 for a contract opportunity in Palmdale, CA.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE): o High school diploma/equivalent. o 15 + years of aerospace/manufacturing experience. o Communication and problem solving.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: o Tool Design & Development o Generate 3 D models and detailed drawings for custom tools, fixtures, jigs, and gauges using CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo). o Conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) reviews; incorporate GD&T and tolerancing best practices. o Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and stress/deflection calculations to validate structural integrity. o Prototype & Validation o Build and assemble prototype tooling; coordinate rapid prototype methods (3 D printing, CNC machining, additive manufacturing). o Develop test plans; run qualification trials, capture data, and analyze results to verify tool performance against specifications. o Document tool qualification reports and secure release for production use. o Production Support o Issue and maintain engineering change orders (ECOs) for tooling improvements or corrective actions. o Provide onsite support for tool installation, alignment, and troubleshooting; train manufacturing personnel on proper usage. o Monitor tool wear, life cycle cost, and schedule preventive maintenance or refurbishment as needed. o Supplier Management o Identify, qualify, and manage external tool vendors; develop statements of work (SOW) and technical specifications. o Conduct supplier audits, evaluate capability, and ensure compliance with Northrop quality standards (AS9100, NADCAP). o Continuous Improvement o Led initiatives to reduce tooling cost, cycle time, and waste through lean manufacturing, value stream mapping, and automation. o Capture lessons learned; update tooling standards, best practice guides, and knowledge base documents. o Compliance & Documentation o Ensure all tooling complies with relevant standards (MIL STD 1850, FAA/EASA, ITAR) and internal security requirements. o Maintain accurate configuration-controlled records in PLM system (Windchill, Teamcenter).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE): o Experience in tool fabrication/assemblies.
REQUIRED EDUCATION: High school diploma/equivalent is required. School must be accredited.
WORK HOURS: Full-Time 4/10 workweek. Mon thru Thur (5 AM - 3:30PM).
Job Number:
217129
Job Location:
Palmdale, CA
Rate:
Up to $118.07 DOE
Duration:
24 months
Input Date:
02/18/2026
Firm Name:
CHIPTON ROSS
Attention:
Kevin Suk
Address:
420 CULVER BLVD
City, State:
PLAYA DEL REY, CA 90293
Phone:
310/414-7800 X286
800 Phone:
800/927-9318
Fax Phone:
310/414-7808
Email:ksuk@chiptonross.com Website:www.chiptonross.com
