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Tooling Engineer-Contract

Pivotal is the leader in the emerging market of electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. We design, develop, and manufacture light eVTOL aircraft and are renowned for the BlackFly, the first light eVTOL to fly manned missions and enter the consumer market.


Efficient, compact, and simple, Pivotal vehicles are designed for a wide range of consumer, public service, and defense applications. Our distinctive tilt-aircraft architecture and scalable platform have been in development, preparing to enter the market for over 10 years. We recently announced our next-generation aircraft, the Helix, planned for general release and scalable production in early 2025.


Mobility is one of the most highly-valued areas of technology investment today. This is the right company, in the right space, the right strategy, at the right time. We invite you to join our amazing team and grow with us.


We are seeking a highly skilled Tooling Engineer to join our dynamic Manufacturing Engineering team. In this role, you will be primarily responsible for tooling design, including assembly fixtures and jigs, while also defining and optimizing manufacturing processes.


Responsibilities:
  • Design required tooling (assembly fixtures, molds, jigs, etc.) for part and aircraft assembly to enhance production efficiency and ensure product quality
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure tooling designs meet product specifications and operational requirements
  • Conduct tolerance analysis and ensure that designs comply with industry standards and best practices
  • Analyze design options to provide cost estimates for tooling projects
  • Define and document manufacturing processes, workflows, and operating procedures to improve production efficiency
  • Identify areas for process improvement and implement solutions that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality

Collaboration and Support:
  • Collaborate with product designers to incorporate manufacturing considerations into the product design phase, aiming to simplify production and reduce complexity
  • Support production teams in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues related to tooling and processes
  • Provide training and mentorship to junior engineers and technicians in tooling design and process optimization

Project Management:
  • Lead or participate in engineering projects from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with project timelines and budgets
  • Prepare and present project updates and technical documentation to stakeholders and management


Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
  • Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, with a focus on tooling design and process definition
  • Proficiency in CAD software (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
  • Proficiency with creating drawings using best practice GD&T principles
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including machining, assembly, and quality control techniques
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment
  • Excellent project management and organizational skills


Bonus Qualifications:
  • Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma) is a plus
  • Experience in aerospace or EVTOL segments
  • Experience working with composite material and creating tooling for use with composites
  • Masters or PHD degree in engineering


Personal Attributes:
  • Comfortable with change and open to new ideas and perspectives
  • Able to adjust quickly to shifting priorities or environments
  • Ability to focus on accuracy and quality in work, with a commitment to delivering high standards
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively to meet deadlines
  • Enthusiastic and brings a can-do attitude to the workplace
  • Able to contribute fresh ideas in brainstorming sessions and strategic planning


$65.47 - $73.40 an hour

Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States and willing to work onsite at our HQ office in Palo Alto, CA.


Pivotal offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401k plans.


Pivotal is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pivotal does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

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Average salary estimate

$144000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$136000K
$152000K

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What You Should Know About Tooling Engineer-Contract, Pivotal

Are you ready to take your engineering expertise to new heights? Pivotal, the leader in electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, is on the lookout for a talented Tooling Engineer-Contract to join our innovative Manufacturing Engineering team in Palo Alto, CA. As a Tooling Engineer, you'll dive into the exciting world of designing assembly fixtures and jigs to ramp up our production efficiency while ensuring top-notch product quality. Imagine yourself collaborating with cross-functional teams, where your role will involve conducting tolerance analysis and shaping tooling designs that comply with industry standards. You'll have the opportunity to define and document manufacturing processes that not only improve workflows but also boost overall productivity. Your keen analytical skills will come in handy as you identify process improvement areas and implement real solutions. Plus, you'll get to mentor junior engineers, making a lasting impact on our dynamic team. With a focus on innovation, Pivotal is set to scale production for our next-gen Helix aircraft in 2025, and we want you to be part of this journey. If you have a strong background in manufacturing engineering and tooling design, and if you're eager to contribute your fresh ideas while working in a collaborative environment, don’t miss this chance to grow with us! We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package to ensure you feel valued while you play a crucial role in shaping the future of urban air mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Tooling Engineer-Contract Role at Pivotal
What are the responsibilities of a Tooling Engineer at Pivotal?

As a Tooling Engineer at Pivotal, your primary responsibilities include designing tooling such as assembly fixtures and molds, collaborating with cross-functional teams, conducting tolerance analysis, and defining manufacturing processes. You'll work towards enhancing production efficiency and ensuring product quality, all while troubleshooting and resolving technical issues that arise during production.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Tooling Engineer-Contract position at Pivotal?

To apply for the Tooling Engineer-Contract role at Pivotal, you should have a Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field with a Master's degree preferred. Additionally, 5-7 years of experience in manufacturing engineering, specifically focused on tooling design and process definition, is essential. Proficiency in CAD software is also required.

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Can my experience with composite materials benefit my application for Pivotal's Tooling Engineer position?

Absolutely! Experience working with composite materials can greatly benefit your application for the Tooling Engineer position at Pivotal. It aligns perfectly with our focus on advanced aircraft design, and having background knowledge in creating tooling for composites is a significant plus that can enhance your contributions to our projects.

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How does Pivotal promote process improvement in manufacturing?

At Pivotal, we promote process improvement by encouraging our Tooling Engineers to identify areas for enhancement and implement effective solutions. This is achieved through fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, where team members are empowered to contribute fresh ideas and utilize methodologies such as lean manufacturing and Six Sigma.

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What tools and software should a Tooling Engineer at Pivotal be proficient in?

A Tooling Engineer at Pivotal should be proficient in CAD software, particularly Catia V5/V6, and have experience with creating engineering drawings adhering to GD&T principles. Knowledge of design for manufacturability (DFM) and a strong understanding of various manufacturing processes, including machining and assembly, are also crucial.

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Common Interview Questions for Tooling Engineer-Contract
What tooling design projects have you completed in your previous roles?

When answering this question, be ready to discuss specific projects where you were responsible for tooling design. Explain your thought process, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and how these projects improved production efficiency or quality.

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How do you ensure compliance with industry standards in your tooling designs?

You should emphasize your understanding of industry standards and best practices. Discuss your approach to conducting tolerance analysis and any specific methodologies or tools you utilize to ensure that all designs meet these standards throughout the design process.

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Describe your experience with CAD software and how you've used it in tooling design.

Highlight your proficiency with CAD software, especially Catia V5/V6. Provide examples of tooling designs you created using the software, how you optimized your designs for manufacturability, and any specific features of the software that enhanced your designs.

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Can you explain how you would approach troubleshooting a tooling issue during production?

Describe a systematic approach to troubleshooting. Discuss how you would gather information, identify possible causes, analyze the data, and collaborate with production teams to diagnose and resolve the issue effectively.

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What methodologies do you follow for process improvements in manufacturing?

Emphasize your familiarity with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies such as Six Sigma. Discuss real experiences where you applied these methodologies to improve productivity or reduce waste in previous roles.

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How do you manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines?

Explain your project management strategy, including how you prioritize tasks, delegate responsibilities if needed, and create realistic timelines. Share examples of when your organizational skills helped meet demanding project deadlines.

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What role does collaboration play in your approach to tooling design?

Focus on your experience working with cross-functional teams. Discuss how you engage with product designers, production teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that manufacturing considerations are integrated into tooling design.

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Describe a time when you implemented a significant change in a tooling process. What was the outcome?

Provide a specific example of a change you implemented, detailing the process you followed to implement it, the challenges faced, and how it benefited the overall production process, highlighting any measurable results.

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How do you stay current with industry trends and advancements in tooling engineering?

Discuss your methods for keeping up-to-date, such as attending industry conferences, participating in professional organizations, or subscribing to relevant publications. Mention how incorporating new knowledge enhances your work and contributes to your team.

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What do you feel are the most important skills for a Tooling Engineer at Pivotal?

Emphasize skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, proficiency in CAD tools, understanding manufacturing processes, and excellent communication. Explain how these skills contribute to successful tooling design and process optimization within Pivotal's dynamic environment.

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Opener’s mission is to transform mobility with safe, easy-to-use air vehicles.

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DATE POSTED
December 12, 2024

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