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Aerospace Tool Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary The Tool Designer III leads the design of complex, high-precision tooling, fixtures ... Background in defense or aerospace manufacturing. * Strong leadership and mentoring capability.

A large manufacturing company has opportunities available for Tool Designers to complete designs ... Aerospace tooling, or Housewares tooling * Unigraphics/3D modeling experience helpful * Basic ...

... the aerospace, defense, and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities ... Minimum of 5 years of injection tool design experience * Proficient with design development ...

... designs to best meet these requirements. They willserve as a technical resource available to ... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ...

... designs to best meet these requirements. They willserve as a technical resource available to ... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ...

... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ... Evaluates tool designs and coordinates with engineering for appropriate changes. * Analyzes and ...

... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ... Evaluates tool designs and coordinates with engineering for appropriate changes. * Analyzes and ...

... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ... Provides MBD designs, sketches, drawings, and support as needed to Manufacturing Engineers, Tooling ...

Tool Design Engineer

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$28 - $33/hr

... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ... Evaluates tool designs and coordinates with engineering for appropriate changes. * Analyzes and ...

Tool Design Engineer

Coxsackie, NY · On-site

$65K - $101K/yr

... aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace ... Provides MBD designs, sketches, drawings, and support as needed to Manufacturing Engineers, Tooling ...

We partner with the World's leading aerospace customers to help them solve some of the most ... Collaborate with internal tool makers and external vendors on tool designs and modifications.

We partner with the World's leading aerospace customers to help them solve some of the most ... Collaborate with internal tool makers and external vendors on tool designs and modifications.

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Aerospace Tool Designer information

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How much do aerospace tool designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for aerospace tool designer in the United States is $38.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $44.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do aerospace designers do?

Aerospace tool designers develop and create specialized tools, fixtures, and equipment used in the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. They use CAD software, understand engineering principles, and collaborate with engineers and technicians to ensure tools meet safety and precision standards.

What is the difference between Aerospace Tool Designer vs Aerospace Manufacturing Technician?

AspectAerospace Tool DesignerAerospace Manufacturing Technician
Primary RoleDesigns tools and fixtures for aerospace manufacturing processesOperates and maintains manufacturing equipment to produce aerospace parts
Required SkillsCAD software, design principles, aerospace standardsMachining, assembly, quality inspection
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering labsManufacturing floors, workshops
CertificationsOften requires CAD certifications, aerospace safety standardsMachining certifications, safety training

In summary, Aerospace Tool Designers focus on creating the tools and fixtures used in aerospace manufacturing, requiring strong design skills and CAD expertise. Aerospace Manufacturing Technicians operate and maintain the equipment to produce aerospace components, emphasizing hands-on technical skills. Both roles are essential in the aerospace industry but serve different functions within the production process.

What does a tool designer make?

An aerospace tool designer creates specialized tools, fixtures, and equipment used in the manufacturing and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. They develop detailed drawings, select appropriate materials, and ensure tools meet safety and precision standards, often using CAD software. Their work supports efficient production and repair processes in aerospace environments.

What are Aerospace Tool Designers?

Aerospace Tool Designers are specialized professionals who create and develop the tools, jigs, fixtures, and equipment used in the manufacturing and assembly of aircraft and spacecraft components. They work closely with engineers and production teams to ensure that the tools meet precise specifications, improve efficiency, and maintain safety standards. Their work involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software and understanding aerospace materials and processes. Aerospace Tool Designers play a crucial role in optimizing production workflows and ensuring high-quality results in the aerospace industry.

Can I make 200k as an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with advanced experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying sectors like defense or commercial aerospace. Salaries vary based on location, education, certifications, and years of experience, with senior roles and managerial positions typically earning higher wages.

What are some common challenges faced by Aerospace Tool Designers and how can they be addressed?

Aerospace Tool Designers often encounter challenges such as meeting strict safety and quality standards, adapting to frequent design changes, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Managing tight project timelines while ensuring tools are both precise and ergonomic can also be demanding. To address these, effective communication with engineers and production teams, continual learning of new CAD software updates, and proactive problem-solving are essential. Embracing feedback and staying current with industry best practices can also help Aerospace Tool Designers thrive in this dynamic environment.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior aerospace tool designers and specialized engineers with extensive experience, advanced skills, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior leadership roles or within high-paying industries like defense or commercial aerospace. Achieving this level often requires advanced degrees, expertise in CAD software, and a strong track record of project management and innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Aerospace Tool Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Aerospace Tool Designer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, proficiency in CAD software, and a solid understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like CATIA, SolidWorks, and knowledge of GD&T standards are essential, and certifications such as ASME or Six Sigma can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help ensure precise tool designs and smooth collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for delivering high-quality, safe, and cost-effective tooling solutions that meet strict aerospace industry standards.
More about Aerospace Tool Designer jobs
What states have the most Aerospace Tool Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Aerospace Tool Designer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Aerospace Tool Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Aerospace Tool Designer jobs are:

Tool Designer III-De Leon Springs,Florida

Sparton Corporation

Paisley, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Sparton is an innovative defense contractor headquartered in DeLeon Springs, Florida, with a rich heritage dating back to 1900. Renowned for our exceptional manufacturing capabilities, we specialize in producing high-quality sonobuoys critical to the United States' undersea warfare arsenal, enhancing national security against current and future adversaries. But we are more than manufacturers; we are problem solvers. Our team of dedicated engineers and skilled professionals tackles some of the most challenging issues in defense technology. Our expertise includes advanced research systems, maritime solutions, sophisticated sensor technologies and payload delivery capabilities.
Job Summary
The Tool Designer III leads the design of complex, high-precision tooling, fixtures, and production equipment from concept through fabrication that support manufacturing operations. This role drives manufacturability improvements, mentors' junior designers, and partners with engineering teams to influence product design early in development.
Responsibilities and Tasks
  • Lead the design of complex, high-precision, or automated tooling and test fixtures.
  • Perform advanced GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturability assessments.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to drive DFM and DFMaint into product and process design. Provide formal input to product design engineers of potential design changes that will make our products easier to assemble and maintain consistently.
  • Analyze and redesign legacy fixtures to improve reliability, safety, ergonomics, and production efficiency based on needed tooling and new manufacturing processes or to accommodate production design changes.
  • Partner with the Model Shop to optimize designs for machining strategy, cost, and build time.
  • Determine material specifications to ensure productive life of tools/fixtures.
  • Develop accurate project timelines, cost estimates, and design process flows.
  • Inspect machines and facilities where tools will be used.
  • Determine optimal clearances, speeds, temperature, and other pertinent conditions affecting final design requirements of tools.
  • Lead design reviews and ensure compliance with Sparton's quality and safety standards.
  • Ensure that appropriate new technology is incorporated in the tool/fixture design. Ensure that any models produced are suitable for additional electronic utilization (automation, animations, simulations, etc.).
  • Perform analysis and present alternative designs (including materials changes) to ensure that tradeoffs between design costs and production usefulness are optimized.
  • Support root-cause analysis and corrective actions related to tooling performance.
  • Establish and monitor compliance of historical and accountability records of production tooling. Establish standards for future design as appropriate.
  • On the floor follow-up on installed tools/fixtures to ensure that designs are effective. Maintain records of changes with idea of improving the design process for future projects.
  • Interface with internal and external vendor resources as needed including managing part resources, schedules, and priorities for multiple projects simultaneously.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Licenses and Certifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Engineering, or related field, or equivalent education or training.

OR
  • Equivalent experience (Typically 5-8 years) of tooling or mechanical design, fixture development, or mechanical design in a regulated industry (Defense, aerospace, medical, automotive).

Skills and Abilities
  • Advanced proficiency in CAD modeling and drafting. SolidWorks Professional certification in areas appropriate to fixture/tooling design preferred.
  • Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex design projects.
  • U.S. Citizenship

Preferred Qualifications and Competencies
  • Experience with automated tooling, pneumatics, sensors, or integrated test systems.
  • Background in defense or aerospace manufacturing.
  • Strong leadership and mentoring capability.
  • High level of technical judgment and problem-solving.
  • Ability to influence cross-functional decisions.

Travel and Physical Requirements
  • Less than 10% travel required.
  • The physical demands describe here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. This job operates in a professional office environment and a manufacturing environment. The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles, moving mechanical parts and vibration. The employee is occasionally exposed to a variety of extreme conditions in the plant. The noise level in the work environment may be loud.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand, talk, and communicate, use hands/finger, feel, and reach with arms. This position requires the ability to lift, bend or stoop as necessary up to 20lbs.

Benefits Highlights
Healthcare
  • Robust medical, dental, vision, & disability coverage.
  • Healthcare concierge to help you navigate your benefit selections.
  • Virtual health solutions for physical therapy, menopause, and diabetes.
  • Company paid Basic Life Insurance. Additional Life & AD&D Insurances are available.
  • On-site wellness clinic.

Paid Benefits
  • Competitive compensation.
  • 401k program to plan for your future with company match 75% up to 8% plus 1% Employer contribution.
  • Company Paid Time Off (Vacation and Sick).
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption assistance.
  • Fertility and family building assistance.

Additional Benefits
  • Flexible work schedules available based on position:
    • 9/80 schedule providing every other Friday off
    • 5/8s
    • 4/10s
    • 3/12s
  • Lifestyle spending account.
  • Perks at work.
  • Generous employee referral program.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Voluntary benefits available: longer term care, legal, identity theft, pet Insurance, and many more options

These are highlights of Elbit America benefits. If there is a conflict with these highlights, company policy or benefits plan documents shall govern. Benefits are subject to change.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Accessibility
Sparton DeLeon Springs, LLC is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email us at Accessibility@Sparton.com
Disclaimer:
This job description does not list all the duties of the job. You may be asked by your supervisors or managers to perform other duties. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
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