Tooling Engineer

Job Summary

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.

With limited direction, this position serves as a Tooling Engineer responsible for overseeing all phases of tooling programs from initial estimating through project completion. Manages the full lifecycle of tooling projects including cost estimation, scheduling, submittal preparation and approval, execution oversight, progress reporting, and final closeout. Guides the successful resolution of engineering problems, serves as a consulting resource of engineering knowledge, and functions in a program leadership role. Coordinates with engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams to ensure tooling programs meet technical specifications, schedule commitments, and budget constraints. Documents findings, communicates results to stakeholders, makes technical presentations, and represents the organization as the prime contact on tooling programs. Provides direction to design or technical staff and leads teams of moderately experienced professional staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manages tooling programs from initiation through completion, including developing comprehensive project estimates, creating detailed schedules, coordinating submittals, overseeing execution, and ensuring successful closeout.
• Develops accurate cost estimates for tooling projects by analyzing requirements, coordinating with suppliers and internal teams, and establishing realistic budgets that account for materials, labor, and contingencies.
• Creates and maintains detailed project schedules using appropriate scheduling tools, identifying critical paths, managing dependencies, and adjusting timelines as needed to meet program commitments.
• Prepares and manages all required submittals including technical documentation, drawings, specifications, and approval packages, ensuring compliance with customer requirements and internal standards.
• Monitors tooling program execution, tracking progress against schedule and budget, conducting regular status reviews, and implementing corrective actions to address variances.
• Generates comprehensive program reports for management and customers, including status updates, financial performance, risk assessments, and milestone achievements.
• Coordinates tooling program closeout activities including final inspections, documentation compilation, lessons learned capture, and formal acceptance by stakeholders.
• Manages program budgets and financial performance, tracking expenditures, processing invoices, forecasting costs, and ensuring programs remain within approved funding.
• Identifies and manages program risks and issues, developing mitigation strategies, escalating concerns appropriately, and maintaining risk registers throughout program lifecycle.
• Provides focal point for programmatic communication within Company management and represents the Company as the prime contact to customers and/or government regulatory agencies on tooling programs.
• Presents reports at program reviews and management meetings, providing clear visibility into program health and performance.
• Facilitates coordination between cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, quality, procurement, and finance to ensure alignment and efficient program execution.
• Provides guidance and consulting to other staff members working on tooling program challenges.
• Anticipates future program needs and proactively addresses potential obstacles to accomplish program goals.
• Directs activities of program staff and leads teams of moderately experienced professionals supporting tooling programs.
• Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Responsible for observing all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
• Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.

Job Qualifications

• Typically requires a bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD in engineering, business, project management, or a related discipline from an accredited institution and progressive program management experience as follows: nine or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, seven or more years of experience with a master's degree, or four or more years with a PhD. May substitute equivalent program management experience in lieu of education.
• Demonstrates extensive experience managing tooling programs including cost estimating, scheduling, submittal management, execution oversight, and program closeout.
• Proven ability to develop accurate project estimates and budgets for complex tooling programs, with strong understanding of cost drivers and resource requirements.
• Proficiency with project management and scheduling tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent) to create, maintain, and analyze detailed program schedules.
• Experience preparing technical submittals, coordinating approval processes, and managing documentation requirements for tooling programs.
• Strong financial acumen with demonstrated ability to manage program budgets, track expenditures, forecast costs, and report on financial performance.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent tooling programs, prioritize effectively, and meet competing deadlines.
• Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are required enabling effective interface with cross-functional teams, suppliers, customers, and management at all levels.
• Customer focused, with ability to translate customer requirements into actionable program plans and deliver results that meet or exceed expectations.
• Must be able to work both independently and in a team environment, demonstrating leadership and collaboration skills.
• Program Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent is highly desirable. Experience with ERP systems, cost accounting, and government contracting is a plus
• Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
• Able to work extended hours as required.