Air Proprietary Tooling Engineer

About the Role

The Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) team is seeking motivated Experienced Tooling Engineers located in Berkeley, MO. This role will lead the design, development, installation, and sustainment of complex production tooling, assembly systems, and special processing fixtures. This role provides technical leadership on tooling strategy across programs, mentors junior engineers, and drives continuous improvement to meet safety, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, detailed design, qualification, and release of advanced production tooling, jigs, fixtures, assembly aids, and automated tooling systems from concept through production sustainment.
• Define tooling requirements in collaboration with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, assembly leads, test, and suppliers; translate requirements into robust specifications, 3D models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Perform and oversee tolerance stack-ups, geometric dimensioning & tolerancing (GD&T) assessments, fit checks, and validation plans; ensure tooling meets producibility and maintainability targets.
• Provide technical leadership for tooling fabrication and installation activities, including supplier selection, vendor oversight, acceptance criteria, installation planning, and turnkey implementation when required.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action for tooling-related production issues; implement durable solutions and standardize best practices across programs.
• Drive tooling lifecycle management, configuration control, change management, and documentation (process plans, inspection procedures, safety analyses, maintenance procedures).
• Integrate automated systems, robotic end-effectors, automated fastening, and metrology into tooling where applicable; collaborate with automation and controls engineering to deliver integrated solutions.
• Mentor and develop P1/P2 level tooling engineers and technicians; provide engineering direction for cross-functional teams and represent tooling on program-level reviews.
• Contribute to cost estimating, risk assessment, schedule development, and continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, Six Sigma) for tooling programs.
• Ensure compliance with Boeing engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and safety policies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology (including Manufacturing Technology), Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry or non-US equivalent qualifications directly related to the work statement.
• Advanced proficiency with 3D CAD (e.g., CATIA V5, Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks) and experience producing detailed manufacturing drawings and full tooling documentation packages.
• Deep knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, welding, composites), inspection techniques, and metrology.
• Proven experience leading cross-functional teams and working effectively with suppliers, production, quality, and design engineering.
• Strong analytical skills; experience with FEA for fixture analysis, tolerance stack-up software, and tooling validation methods.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver complex tooling projects on schedule and within budget.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Experience with aerospace metallic and composite production tooling and structural assembly processes.
• Preferred: Familiarity with robotic tooling integration, automated fastening systems, and in-process metrology.
• Preferred: Experience in supplier management for large tooling builds and capability to lead vendor technical reviews and audits.
• Preferred: Certification or training in Lean, Six Sigma, program management, or project leadership.
• Preferred: Prior experience in a lead or principal engineer role driving tooling strategy across multiple programs.
• Preferred: Strategic thinker with strong technical judgment and hands-on problem-solving orientation.
• Preferred: Excellent verbal and written communication; effective presenting to leadership and influencing cross-functional stakeholders.
• Preferred: Proven mentor and coach for engineering teams; fosters a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Preferred: Results-driven, accountable, and adaptable in fast-paced, program-driven environments.

Additional Details

• This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Secret Clearance Post-Start is required.
• This position requires ability to obtain program access, for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship only.
• Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.
• This position is for 1st shift.
• This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.
• Applications for this position will be accepted until Nov. 03, 2026.
• Summary pay range: $103,700 - $140,300.