Tooling Manufacturing Engineer

As a Tooling Manufacturing Engineer at Vast, your main responsibilities include owning the fabrication of fixtures for Haven-1, collaborating to define tooling specifications, developing maintenance plans, managing project schedules, and coordinating with vendors on new technologies. You will also manage tooling modifications and recovery strategies when issues arise.

To qualify for the Tooling Manufacturing Engineer position at Vast, you will need a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Aerospace, or a related branch of engineering, coupled with over 5 years of experience in aerospace or automotive tooling. Proficiency in NX or other 3D CAD packages is required, along with strong problem-solving skills.

In addition to the required qualifications, experience with GD&T, pneumatic systems, integration tooling design, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFMA) can significantly enhance your application for the Tooling Manufacturing Engineer role at Vast. Strong collaboration and communication skills are also very important to help build positive relationships within the team.

The work environment for a Tooling Manufacturing Engineer at Vast is dynamic and fast-paced, situated in an innovative setting dedicated to space exploration. You’ll engage closely with multidisciplinary teams and leverage cutting-edge technologies to overcome engineering challenges, all while fostering a culture of growth and continuous improvement.

The salary range for the Tooling Manufacturing Engineer position at Vast varies based on experience and qualifications, with Manufacturing Engineer I positions starting at $85,000 and going up to $130,000 for Manufacturing Engineer II roles. Additionally, employees benefit from a comprehensive compensation package that includes equity and extensive perks.

In answering this question, focus on specific examples where you have managed tooling fabrication projects. Highlight your skills in collaboration, specifying how you worked with engineering teams to meet deadlines and quality standards.

Discuss a situation where you had to troubleshoot a production issue. Emphasize your analytical skills, how you gathered information, considered implications, and managed to implement solutions under tight deadlines.

Showcase your proficiency with NX by providing examples of complex projects you've worked on. Mention how you used the software for design, analysis, and collaboration, and express your eagerness to leverage these skills at Vast.

Talk about the processes you follow to ensure compliance, including checking drawings and specifications, as well as how you collaborate with teams to verify that tooling meets necessary standards before production.

Detail specific instances where you applied GD&T principles in your work. Demonstrate your understanding of how these principles improve communication between design and manufacturing teams.

Discuss your approach to vendor management, including regular communication, negotiations, and how you ensure that vendor outputs align with engineering specifications and project timelines.

Share a comprehensive example where your initiatives led to significant improvements in process efficiency or cost savings. Be sure to highlight how you measured success and engaged team members in the improvement process.

Mention the project management tools you have used, such as GANTT charts, and describe how these tools have helped you track project timelines and communicate with stakeholders effectively.

Forging a connection with your passion for technology is vital. Discuss conferences you attend, journals you read, or online courses you take to keep your skills sharp and relevant to contemporary industry trends.

This is your chance to express your motivation for joining Vast. Share personal anecdotes or aspirations that reveal why you are excited about working in the space industry and how you desire to contribute to its future.