Mechanical Process Design Engineer

As a Mechanical Process Design Engineer at E-Space, your responsibilities include designing and developing tooling systems for composite processing, creating detailed tooling specifications, overseeing tool fabrication with vendors, developing heating and cooling systems, and implementing tool validation protocols. You will also be tasked with modifying and optimizing tooling based on process trials and supporting pilot production, ensuring high-quality output in line with our innovative space communication goals.

To apply for the Mechanical Process Design Engineer role at E-Space, you'll need a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, such as Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Tool Design, along with 4+ years of experience in composite tooling design or similar fields. Proficiency in CAD software and a strong understanding of composite molding processes are also essential for your success in this innovative position.

Yes, the Mechanical Process Design Engineer position at E-Space may require occasional travel. The role demands flexibility as you work closely with various teams for tool development and validation, which may lead to on-site visits with external vendors and partners to ensure that our tooling processes align with our manufacturing goals.

At E-Space, you'll find a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and encourages professional growth. Our team members are dedicated to our mission, and while extra hours may sometimes be required to meet critical deadlines, we prioritize a supportive workplace with competitive salaries and benefits that focus on the well-being of you and your family.

In addition to the fundamental qualifications as a Mechanical Process Design Engineer at E-Space, having experience in aerospace or satellite component tooling, a background in designing tools for high-precision components, and an understanding of composite material behavior during processing will give you an edge. Familiarity with tool validation and GD&T is also highly valued in this role.

When answering this question, it's important to highlight specific projects where you've designed tooling for composite manufacturing. Discuss your familiarity with processes like RTM or autoclave and your understanding of the challenges related to composite materials. Provide examples of how you’ve successfully solved these challenges using your skills and knowledge.

In your response, stress the importance of clarity and detail in tooling specifications. Describe your process, from understanding project requirements to drafting specifications and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Emphasize your attention to dimensioning and tolerance standards, which are critical in ensuring high-quality production.

When addressing this question, mention your preferred CAD tools, explaining why they suit your design style and the needs of your projects. You might touch on aspects like ease of use, available features for composite tooling, and your experience in utilizing these tools in previous roles for efficient and accurate design work.

Your answer should emphasize your meticulous approach to ensuring compliance with validation protocols. Discuss how you develop these protocols, implement them during the testing phase, and work closely with teams to monitor outcomes and adjust as necessary. Highlight your previous experience in tool validation to reinforce your capabilities.

To answer this, recall a specific instance where you've conducted process trials and encountered a need for tooling optimization. Detail the steps you took to analyze the results, collaborate with team members, and implement design changes that ultimately enhanced production efficiency or quality.

Discuss your approach to vendor relationships, including how you manage communications, set expectations, and ensure quality control. Provide examples of projects where you collaborated effectively with external vendors to create and fabricate tooling solutions that meet strict requirements.

Mention common challenges such as dimensional accuracy, material behavior, and thermal management. Then, explain your strategies for overcoming these hurdles, whether it's through precise calculations, using prototypes for testing, or leveraging simulation software to anticipate issues before fabrication.

In your response, highlight the importance of preventive maintenance schedules and follow-ups. Discuss the role of documentation and tracking in maintaining tooling systems, and describe past experiences where you’ve implemented maintenance procedures that positively impacted production.

Outline your systematic approach to designing extraction systems and fixtures, emphasizing how you consider factors such as component geometry, material properties, and production flow. Provide examples of how your designs have facilitated improved handling and efficiency in past projects.

Address this by expressing the importance of open communication and collaboration. Detail your approach to resolving conflicts, such as listening to differing viewpoints, discussing the merits of each side, and finding a compromise through data-driven decisions or testing to validate design choices. Highlight the value of teamwork in achieving the best results.