Inert Tool Engineer (Level V) (Aerospace Propulsion)

Location: Remote based in Folsom, CA; listed locations include Folsom, CA, Reno, NV, Penrose, CO, and Pueblo, CO. Travel up to 15–20% within the U.S. may be required.

Base salary: $157,000–$218,000 USD annually, depending on experience, skills, and location.

Company

hirify.global develops defense, national security, and space technologies, including mission-critical aerospace and propulsion solutions.

What you will do

• Manage tooling projects from concept and design through fabrication, inspection, verification, procurement, and manufacturing support.
• Develop tooling concepts and improve manufacturing processes for solid rocket motor, nozzle, and thruster production.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, specifications, work instructions, and configuration-control documentation.
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, value engineering, stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and metrology principles to ensure safe, precise, durable, and manufacturable tooling.
• Coordinate with manufacturing, operations, process engineering, internal customers, and suppliers to achieve quality, cost, schedule, and delivery objectives.
• Support MES, CMMS, or EAM implementation, continuous improvement, supplier development, standardized practices, and mentoring of junior designers and peers.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a relevant engineering discipline from an accredited university; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 10–15 years of tool design or engineering experience, with emphasis on solid rocket motor case, nozzle, and thruster production.
• Working knowledge of composite case winding, compression molding, machining, and bonding operations, including related tooling and equipment.
• Experience designing wind mandrels, compression molds, machining fixtures, bonding fixtures, assembly fixtures and stands, hand tools, leak-check fixtures, and lifting or handling fixtures for inert motor case, nozzle, and thruster production.
• Proficiency with mechanical CAD software such as SolidWorks, NX, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T under ASME Y14.5 and metrology principles, plus experience with finite element analysis.
• Ability to design and validate fixtures, jigs, and gauges for precision assembly and inspection; experience with tooling materials, machining processes, and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with tooling configuration management, change control, and MES or EAM/CMMS systems for tool fabrication and maintenance.
• U.S. citizenship is required to obtain and maintain a U.S. DoD security clearance; an active Secret clearance is preferred. Ability to lift, move, or carry up to 50 pounds is required.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting Missile Defense Agency programs.
• Experience designing tools for load motor production.
• Experience designing tools for automation.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible Time Off and a flexible rewards program supporting professional and personal well-being.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and families, with significant company premium contributions.
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match of up to 4%.
• Wellness programs, voluntary benefits, employee support resources, and flexible gym membership options.
• Work in an innovative, mission-driven environment alongside a highly talented team.