Tooling, Automation & Controls Manager (Defense)

TL;DR

Tooling, Automation & Controls Manager (Defense): Leading the design and deployment of advanced manufacturing tooling and automated systems for hypersonic missile production with an accent on custom tooling, robotic systems, and industrial controls. Focus on scaling automation from prototype to high-rate production while ensuring compliance with DoD, AS9100, and ITAR standards.

Location: Onsite, USA. Must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee to comply with ITAR regulations.

Company

hirify.global is an early-stage defense company developing advanced hypersonic missile systems with a focus on technical excellence and rapid execution.

What you will do

• Lead a multidisciplinary team of tooling, automation, and controls engineers across production programs.
• Oversee the design and qualification of precision tooling and fixtures for composite filament winding and propellant casting.
• Architect and deploy automated manufacturing cells, robotic systems (Fanuc, ABB, KUKA), and motion-control solutions.
• Direct controls system development (PLC, HMI, SCADA) ensuring compliance with functional safety and hazardous location standards.
• Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through first article testing and production handover.
• Implement Industry 4.0 capabilities, including MES integration, digital twins, and real-time process monitoring.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Mechatronics, or Automation Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in tooling, automation, and controls engineering for complex manufacturing.
• U.S. Person status required (Citizen, Green Card, etc.) for ITAR compliance.
• Expertise with industrial automation platforms (Rockwell, Beckhoff, Siemens) and 3D CAD (SolidWorks/NX).
• Ability to travel up to 30% and lift more than 50 lbs.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed.

Nice to have

• 10+ years of experience in complex manufacturing and 5+ years in a people-management role.
• Background in aerospace, defense, or energetic materials production.
• Experience with solid rocket motors, missiles, or hypersonic systems.
• Familiarity with ITAR, ATF, and DoD explosive safety standards.

Culture & Benefits

• Meaningful employee equity with significant historical growth.
• Generous time off: 4 weeks of PTO and 10 company paid holidays.
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical (100% employee covered), Dental, and Vision.
• Financial security: 401k plan and FSA/HSA options.
• Family support: Meaningful paid parental leave (up to 10 weeks for birthing parents).
• Perks: Frequently catered meals, unlimited snacks/beverages, $100 monthly fitness stipend, and onsite EV charging.