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Tooling Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Vidoori

Security Software Developer

Hyattsville, MD

This role offers the opportunity to design, build and maintain secure software components and developer-focused security tooling, and to collaborate across engineering, product and security teams ...

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$26

$43

$57

How much do tooling design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling design in Washington is $43.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.38 and $50.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tooling Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tooling Designer, you need strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and experience with manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure the creation of efficient, precise tooling that supports safe and cost-effective production.

What are some common challenges faced by tooling designers when collaborating with manufacturing teams?

Tooling designers often encounter challenges such as balancing design specifications with manufacturability and cost constraints. Effective communication with manufacturing teams is crucial to ensure that tooling designs are practical and align with production capabilities. Additionally, adapting designs to accommodate last-minute changes or resolving unforeseen production issues requires flexibility and problem-solving skills. Building strong working relationships with engineers and machinists helps streamline the design-to-production process.

What is tooling design?

Tooling design is the process of creating and developing tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures required to manufacture parts and products efficiently and accurately. Tooling designers work closely with engineers and manufacturers to ensure that the tools meet production needs, maintain quality, and optimize processes. This field is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and consumer goods where custom tools are needed to mass-produce components. Effective tooling design can reduce production costs, improve product quality, and speed up manufacturing cycles.

What is the difference between Tooling Design vs Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectTooling DesignManufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesigning and developing manufacturing tools and equipmentPlanning and optimizing manufacturing processes
Required SkillsCAD, mechanical design, materials knowledgeProcess analysis, production workflows, quality control
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, machine shopsFactory floors, production lines
Common CertificationsCAD certifications, mechanical engineering degreesSix Sigma, Lean Manufacturing certifications

Tooling Design focuses on creating the tools and equipment used in manufacturing, while Manufacturing Engineering oversees the entire production process. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate to improve manufacturing efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Tooling Design jobs in Washington? For Tooling Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling Design jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling Design jobs in Washington are:
Tooling Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling Design job openings in Washington as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,752 per year, or $43.1 per hour.
Structures Design Engineer- Staff/Senior

Structures Design Engineer- Staff/Senior

Aurora Flight Sciences

Manassas, VA • On-site

$112K - $199K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Structures Design Engineer- Staff/Senior
Position Overview
At Aurora Flight Sciences, we design, build, and fly advanced aircraft and enabling technologies from concept to reality. We are searching for a talented and self-motivated Structures Design Engineer- Staff/Senior to help us create the future of flight. Responsibilities will include but not be limited to the following:
Responsibilities
Technical Leadership:
-Provide the first line of technical authority within the design team, with responsibility for approving design concepts and determining technical objectives for projects.
-Lead by example, mentoring and guiding junior engineers while working independently for extended periods.
Design and Development:
-Create airframe structural configuration layouts and detailed designs, including preliminary sizing, joint layouts, and interface boundary definitions for parts and assemblies, working with both metallic and composite materials.
-Develop and maintain CAD models and drawings of installations, assemblies, and detail components, ensuring strict adherence to structural integrity, interface boundaries, weight, and cost targets.
-Conduct design reviews and validate product structures to ensure components meet functional, fit, and form requirements.
Project Execution:
-Assume ownership of project execution and integration, leading teams of engineers to deliver against program budgets and deadlines.
-Coordinate with stress, manufacturing, procurement, and quality control teams to mature designs from initial conception to full-scale production.
-Track weekly progress and maintain project documentation to ensure alignment with program milestones.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
-Collaborate effectively with manufacturing and tooling teams for prototyping, material selection, and production strategies, particularly for composite components.
-Prepare and present technical and programmatic data during Preliminary Design Reviews (PDRs) and Critical Design Reviews (CDRs).
Mentorship and Training:
-Offer technical guidance and mentorship to team members, including junior designers, to achieve high-quality deliverables.
Minimum Requirements
-Ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship.
-Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline.
-Minimum of 5 years of experience in aerospace or related fields.
-Competence with CAD software, particularly CATIA V5, SmarTeam, or similar product data management systems (e.g., Enovia LCA or PDM).
-Knowledge of industry standards relating to composite component design, manufacturing, repair, and assembly (specific to aerospace).
-Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
-Strong verbal and written communication skills with a collaborative mindset.
Preferred Requirements
-Expertise in CATIA V5 modules, including Generative Surface Design, Part Design, and Assembly (experience with Unigraphics or Siemens NX will be considered).
-Advanced knowledge of composite material structures, including design, stacking sequences, lamination theory, bonded assemblies, and post-cure machining operations.
-Familiarity with prototype and rate production, including exposure to manufacturing tooling design, planning, and hands-on fabrication.
-Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T): Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and related tolerance analysis techniques.
-Experience with Model-Based Definition (MBD): Familiarity with ASME Y14.41 methods and CATIA V5 FTA for functional tolerancing and annotations.
-Strong foundation in manufacturing and development of aerospace structural components and assemblies.
Physical Requirements
-Ability to work on-site on a weekly basis at our Manassas, VA or Cambridge, MA locations.
Salary Range (Annualized USD)
  • Minimum Range: $92,000.00 to $164,000.00
  • Maximum Range: $112,000.00 to $199,000.00

Aurora Company Overview
Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, is a leader in the development and manufacturing of advanced unmanned systems and aerospace vehicles. Our mission is to apply autonomy and robotics to the development, production, and operation of advanced aircraft. During the last three decades, Aurora has designed, rapid-prototyped, and flown an average of one new vehicle a year for both government and commercial customers. Now, as an independent subsidiary of Boeing, Aurora's innovation is combined with Boeing's size and strength, creating an unprecedented opportunity to shape the future of aerospace systems.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Aurora Flight Sciences, A Boeing Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Aurora Total Rewards
At Aurora Flight Sciences, a Boeing Company, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. Aurora Flight Sciences provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire. Please note that the salary information shown is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

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