Tool Designer

Tool Design Engineer will be responsible for designing and development of tooling, die designs & progressions for cold/warm heading of aerospace fasteners from specialty materials such as Titanium Alloys, Stainless Steel, etc. This role will support new product & process design for high precision and high-volume aerospace fastener manufacturing. Prior experience in Tool Design for Cold or Warm Heading is highly desirable for this position

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review & analyze blueprints, product drawings, specifications, proposals, and other documentation to design & develop header/Nutformer tooling.
• Create & maintains design drawings, bill of materials, technical specifications, and related engineering documentation for all tooling used in heading process.
• Utilize 3D modeling & drafting software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc. for creation of assembly & detailed design drawings.
• Analyze part progressions utilizing simulation software, such as DEFORM or similar, to refine heading process design.
• Identify Quality Assurance needs such as tolerance requirement, surface finish, material microstructure etc.
• Work with tool room machinists & header operators for prototype tooling fabrication, test, evaluation & validation.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously & efficiently in a fast-paced development cycle.
• Interface with other upstream & downstream process experts/owners such a tool room, heat treat, threading, etc. to ensure manufactured product satisfies all requirements.
• Investigate and solve problems with Engineering, Quality and Operations departments.
• Work safely by adhering to relevant EH&S procedures & proper use of PPE.

Required Skills:

• High level of familiarity with operation of heading processes particularly progressive heading, etc.
• Proficiency with GD&T requirements and standard inspection methods. Have a complete understanding of product tolerance stack-ups and datum structures in the context of designing tooling & fixtures.
• Understanding of manufacturing methods and techniques including but not limited to heading, milling, turning, grinding, honing, die polishing, gauging, heat treating, coatings, etc.
• Understanding of materials such as titanium, tool steels, stainless steels and their behavior during manufacturing processes such forming, machining, etc.
• Experienced in Design of experimentation, data collection, statistical analysis and clear/concise presentation of results required.
• Organization of documentation and record keeping shall be to a very high standard to maintain organizational level engineering & tool design specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels and participate in project meetings while also possessing the capability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Thrive in a fast-paced production environment
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines, work under time constraints, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and CAD software (SolidWorks)

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree (B.S. or A.S.) in Engineering from an accredited institution
• Minimum of 3 years of prior experience in design & development of Tooling & progressions for Heading operations.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or manufacturing engineering, from an accredited institution
• Prior experience in Tool Design for Cold or Warm Heading is highly desirable for this position
• Experience in the metal forming industry
• Experience with conventual toolroom machines (Lathes, Milling and screw machines)
• Experience working with Tool Room Specialists/Machinists in fabrication of dies, punches, knock out pins, etc.
• Knowledge of Heading/Nutforming equipment such as National Machinery, Nakishimada, SACMA, etc. highly preferred.
• Hands-on experience working with Tool Room machines for fabricating, polishing & assembling heading dies is strongly desired

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee is responsible to maintain fitness-for-duty while holding the above-described position and should be able to perform the essential tasks of the position in a safe, appropriate and effective manner. This refers to the physical, mental and emotional duties of the job.
• Reaching above and below, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and bending.
• The employee must occasionally lift / carry / move up to 25 pounds.
• Needs a high degree of concentration in a busy office environment.
• Need to be able to wear safety steel toe shoes and walk around at shop floor environment as needed.

Benefits/Salary:

The position includes competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package available day one of hire, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), excellent 401k matching program, paid holidays and vacation. Howmet Aerospace curates a strong working environment through opportunities for career progression, community engagement activities, and flexible schedules contingent upon role and location. The salary range for this position is $92,000 - $125,000.