Solidworks Tooling Designer Jobs in Riverside, CA

Anduril's Sentry team is seeking a Tooling Engineer to join our Manufacturing team. The Tooling Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying the fixtures, jigs, gauges, and specialized tooling that enable the high-quality, repeatable production of our advanced defense hardware systems. This role works closely with manufacturing, design, quality, and supply chain teams to create tooling solutions that meet the demanding requirements of defense manufacturing - including precision assembly, ergonomic operator interaction, and scalable throughput across our production lines.

The right person for this role can demonstrate past holistic ownership of tooling solutions for complex electromechanical products, with a proven ability to balance precision, cost, and lead time in a fast-paced, resource-limited environment. If you are someone who thrives in such an environment and enjoys the challenge of building the tools that build sophisticated systems, then this role is for you.

• Lead tooling development from concept through production, delivering fixtures, jigs, gauges, and assembly aids that enable safe, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing of Sentry products.
• Own tooling design execution, validation, supplier coordination, and issue resolution, serving as the technical expert for tooling across new and existing products within the Sentry product family.
• Develop and refine detailed tooling design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure consistent quality and repeatability in manufacturing processes.
• Partner with Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, PMO, Quality, and Test Engineering to ensure tooling feasibility, readiness, and production line alignment.
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and Value Engineering principles to balance precision, ergonomics, manufacturability, durability, and cost in tooling design.
• Create and maintain accurate 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and specifications within PDM/PLM systems to ensure manufacturing consistency.
• Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp to ensure scalable execution of tooling solutions across internal and contract manufacturing sites.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for tooling-related quality, downtime, and field issues.
• Drive cost savings, cycle time reduction, and ergonomic improvements across existing tooling designs and processes.
• Research and implement new materials, manufacturing methods, and automation technologies to improve tooling performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal machine shops and external suppliers to meet compliance, quality, cost, and timeline targets for tooling fabrication.
• Standardize tooling documentation, specifications, and engineering best practices across the organization.
• Support adoption of simulation, validation, and AI-enabled design tools to enhance tooling design capabilities and efficiency.

• Degree in a technical field such as Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in tooling or manufacturing engineering, preferably for electronic, electromechanical, or defense products
• Demonstrated ability to design and validate fixtures, jigs, and gauges for precision assembly and inspection
• Experience with tooling materials selection, machining processes, and tolerance analysis
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and metrology principles
• Proficiency with CAD software for mechanical design (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
• Experience with tooling validation methodologies including Gauge R&R and First Article Inspection
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Experience in tooling configuration management and change control processes
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

• Experience designing tooling for military or defense applications
• Demonstrated success in designing tooling for products with challenging assembly requirements (precision optics, RF systems, sensitive electronics, etc.)
• Experience with pneumatic, hydraulic, or electromechanical actuated fixtures
• Hands-on experience with machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, and other tooling production methods
• Experience with poka-yoke (mistake-proofing) design principles and lean manufacturing methodologies
• Experience with tooling for products at different stages of maturity, from prototypes to high-volume production
• Familiarity with automation, robotics integration, or semi-automated assembly systems
• Prior experience working with JIRA, Siemens NX, Teamcenter (PLM), or Oracle (ERP) or equivalents
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for tooling lifecycle management and traceability
• Experience supporting tooling deployment across distributed manufacturing sites or contract manufacturers
• Familiarity with calibration programs and tooling preventative maintenance systems