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Tooling Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Airbus

Tooling Services Order Specialist

Herndon, VA · On-site

In this context we are looking for a Tooling Services Order Specialist to join our team in Herndon, VA . HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM: Customer Support 40% Tool Lease * Focal point of contact ...

Ag

Tooling Services Order Specialist

Herndon, VA

In this context we are looking for a Tooling Services Order Specialist to join our team in Herndon, VA . HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE TEAM: Customer Support 40% Tool Lease * Focal point of contact ...

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All JobsTooling JobsTooling Jobs in Washington

Tooling information

See Washington salary details

$17

$26

$38

How much do tooling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for tooling in Washington is $26.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $30.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 or more per day include specialized roles such as senior project managers, certain consulting positions, and experienced contractors in fields like construction or engineering. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve freelance or contract work with variable schedules.

What is a tooling job?

A tooling job involves designing, manufacturing, or maintaining tools, dies, and equipment used in manufacturing processes. Workers in this field often operate machinery, read technical drawings, and may require skills in machining, welding, or CAD software. The role is essential for producing parts and ensuring efficient production workflows.

What are tooling jobs?

Tooling jobs involve designing, creating, maintaining, and repairing the tools, dies, molds, jigs, fixtures, and other devices used in manufacturing processes. Professionals in this field ensure that production equipment operates efficiently and accurately, contributing to the quality and consistency of finished products. Tooling roles can include toolmakers, tool designers, and tooling engineers, all of whom work closely with production teams to optimize manufacturing operations and reduce downtime.

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

To thrive as a Tooling Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, precision machining, and tool design, typically backed by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, CNC machinery, and quality control systems is essential for designing and producing effective tooling solutions. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and collaboration skills help you excel in troubleshooting and optimizing tooling processes. These competencies ensure the efficient production of high-quality tools, supporting manufacturing productivity and minimizing downtime.

What is the difference between Tooling vs Machining?

AspectToolingMachining
Primary FocusDesign, fabrication, and maintenance of tools and equipment used in manufacturing processesCutting, shaping, and finishing materials using machines
Skills & CertificationsBlueprint reading, tool design, CNC programming, certifications in tooling or manufacturing technologyMachine operation, precision measurement, CNC machining, certifications in machining or manufacturing
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, tool rooms, workshopsMachine shops, manufacturing facilities, production lines

Tooling professionals focus on creating and maintaining tools that enable manufacturing, while machining specialists operate machines to shape materials. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, often working closely but with distinct responsibilities.

What jobs pay $700 a day?

In the tooling industry, skilled trades such as experienced toolmakers, CNC programmers, and specialized machinists can earn around $700 per day, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience. These roles often require technical skills, familiarity with manufacturing tools, and the ability to work in high-precision environments, sometimes involving overtime or contract work to reach higher daily rates.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

In the tooling industry, high-paying roles such as skilled machinists, CNC operators, or industrial maintenance technicians can earn around $4,000 weekly with experience and specialized skills. These jobs often require technical training, certifications, and hands-on expertise but do not necessarily require a college degree.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in tooling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in tooling often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapid advancements in manufacturing technology, ensuring the precision and durability of tools, and managing tight production deadlines. Addressing these challenges involves continuous learning, collaborating closely with design and production teams, and adopting rigorous testing and maintenance protocols. Leveraging new software tools for design and simulation can also help streamline workflows and reduce errors, making it easier to meet quality and efficiency standards.
What are the most commonly searched types of Tooling jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Tooling jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Tooling jobs in Washington? For Tooling jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tooling jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Tooling jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Tooling jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Tooling job openings:
Tooling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tooling job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,435 per year, or $26.7 per hour.
Tooling & GSE Manager - Spacecraft Programs

Tooling & GSE Manager - Spacecraft Programs

Quantum Space

Rockville, MD • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview
Quantum Space is seeking a Tooling & Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Manager / Lead Engineer to lead the design, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of tooling, fixtures, handling equipment, and ground support systems supporting spacecraft manufacturing, integration, test, and launch operations.

This role is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader who can build and scale a tooling organization while partnering closely with Manufacturing, AI&T, Test, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams. The successful candidate will own tooling strategy from concept through production deployment, ensuring safe, repeatable, and efficient spacecraft assembly and test operations.

Where You'll Make an Impact

Tooling & GSE Leadership

  • Lead the development and execution of the company's tooling and GSE roadmap.
  • Establish standards, processes, and best practices for tooling design, procurement, validation, and maintenance.
  • Build and mentor a high-performing team of tooling engineers, designers, and technicians.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.

Design & Development

  • Own the design and implementation of assembly fixtures, lifting devices, transport equipment, alignment tooling, checkout equipment, and specialized GSE.
  • Develop tooling concepts that support spacecraft manufacturing, integration, environmental testing, transportation, and launch site operations.
  • Define tooling requirements, interfaces, load cases, tolerances, and verification methods.
  • Perform engineering analyses including structural, ergonomic, safety, and manufacturability assessments.

Manufacturing & AI&T Support

  • Partner with Manufacturing and AI&T teams to identify tooling needs and production bottlenecks.
  • Develop scalable tooling solutions that improve throughput, repeatability, and operator efficiency.
  • Support spacecraft integration activities through hands-on troubleshooting and rapid tooling development.
  • Lead root-cause investigations related to tooling failures, process escapes, and production disruptions.

Program Execution

  • Manage tooling budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and capital equipment investments.
  • Coordinate internal and external fabrication resources to deliver tooling on program timelines.
  • Establish tooling qualification and acceptance processes.
  • Ensure configuration control, documentation, and asset management throughout the tooling lifecycle.

Safety & Compliance

  • Ensure all tooling and GSE meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
  • Develop operating procedures, maintenance plans, inspections, and training materials.
  • Support risk assessments and hazard analyses for manufacturing and test operations.

What It Takes

Required Qualifications

  • BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
  • 7+ years of experience developing tooling, fixtures, production equipment, or GSE in aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments.
  • Proven experience leading tooling projects from concept through deployment.
  • Strong mechanical design background using CAD systems such as Creo, NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
  • Experience with structural analysis, GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience managing cross-functional engineering programs and technical teams.
  • Excellent communication and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, satellite, or aerospace manufacturing programs.
  • Knowledge of lifting and handling equipment design.
    Experience with environmental test support equipment (TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, etc.).
  • Familiarity with automation, robotics, or digitally connected manufacturing systems.
    Experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and advanced fabrication methods.
  • Experience establishing tooling organizations and processes in a high-growth environment.

What You'll Get

  • Ownership of the company's tooling and GSE strategy.
  • Opportunity to build critical infrastructure supporting next-generation spacecraft programs.
  • Leadership visibility across manufacturing, test, and engineering organizations.
  • Competitive compensation, equity, and comprehensive benefits.
  • Compensation: $130,000-$160,000

Apply