Sr. Tool & Fixture Design Engineer

Sr. Tool & Fixture Design Engineer

Department: Production & Test

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Hawthorne, California

Compensation: $157,000 - $177,000 / year

Astrolab is The Lunar Operations Company. We design and build the systems and hardware the lunar economy will come to depend on — rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. We are focused on the problems that must be solved before the next chapter of human exploration can scale. The Moon does not forgive untested assumptions. The people who work here know that, and they wouldn't have it any other way.

We are seeking a highly motivated Tool & Fixture Design Engineer to support the development, sustainment, and continuous improvement of tooling, fixturing, and ground support equipment (GSE) for a CNC-based production environment. This role is responsible for designing and implementing manufacturing solutions that improve safety, quality, repeatability, and throughput across machining and assembly operations.

The ideal candidate has strong mechanical design fundamentals, hands-on manufacturing experience, and the ability to collaborate closely with CNC programmers, machinists, manufacturing engineers, and production technicians in a fast-paced production setting.

• Design and release tooling, fixtures, work holding, and mechanical equipment to support CNC machining and manufacturing
• Create CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and engineering documentation for production tooling
• Design and maintain ground support equipment (GSE) for assembly, integration, testing, and transportation
• Partner with manufacturing teams to optimize machining processes, tooling, and fixture designs
• Perform tolerance analyses, manufacturability reviews, and fit/function evaluations
• Troubleshoot tooling and production issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions
• Coordinate tooling fabrication, procurement, installation, validation, and commissioning
• Drive continuous improvements in safety, quality, cycle time, repeatability, equipment utilization, and cost
• Ensure tooling and equipment comply with safety, quality, and operational standards

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) field
• 3+ years of tooling or manufacturing equipment design experience
• Experience with 3D CAD, CNC machining, GD&T, and manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal, welding, assembly, and fabrication

• Experience designing fixtures for 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining
• Knowledge of cutting tools, work holding systems, and machine setup optimization
• Experience in aerospace, automotive, robotics, or space hardware manufacturing
• Experience performing FEA, structural analysis, or load calculations for tooling and lifting equipment
• Experience with PLM/MRP systems and engineering change processes
• Knowledge of ergonomics and operator-centered tooling design
• Hands-on machining or fabrication experience
• Experience supporting environmental testing, integration, or production ground support equipment (GSE) systems

• Combination of office and manufacturing floor environments
• Ability to support production, solve manufacturing issues, collaborate across teams, and manage multiple priorities
• Frequent interaction with CNC machines, fabrication equipment, and production hardware
  
  Hands‑on support of active production and integration operations may be required
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work around industrial equipment safely

• Join a team of best-in-class engineers building the foundation of planetary surface exploration
• Equity ownership in the company
• Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Flexible PTO and parental leave
• Home office set up reimbursement
• Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site
• Once a month social hour on-site with food and drinks