Northwood Space

Tooling Engineer

Torrance, CA$95k–$119kfulltimemidAdded today

About this role

Northwood seeks a Tooling Engineer to design and deliver manufacturing and deployment equipment for advanced phased array ground stations. This cross-functional role spans concept through commissioning, requiring expertise in mechanical design, automation, PLC controls, and hands-on fabrication to support satellite communications infrastructure at scale.

What you'll do

Design and own production tooling delivery from concept through shop floor and field deployment
Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and operations teams to translate process needs into robust solutions
Prototype rapidly, then mature designs into documented, maintainable equipment with detailed CAD, drawings, and work instructions
Commission automated and semi-automated equipment, integrating sensors, actuators, PLC logic, HMIs, and safety features
Troubleshoot mechanical, control, and usability issues in real time across production and field environments
Drive continuous improvement by reducing cycle time, improving ergonomics, and increasing first-pass success

What they're looking for

Mechanical design and CAD (tolerances, materials, manufacturability)
PLC programming, ladder logic, and HMI development
Electromechanical systems, pneumatics, actuators, and motion control
Industrial sensors and machine safety systems
Hands-on fabrication, assembly, and debugging in shop or production environments
Technical documentation and drawing release workflows
Cross-functional communication and problem-solving
Automation and controls concepts

Likely interview questions

Describe a complex manufacturing tool or automation system you designed from scratch—what was the biggest challenge, and how did you validate it worked before deployment?
Walk us through your PLC programming experience: what control logic have you written, and how do you approach debugging a malfunctioning automated process?

How do you approach understanding a vague or ambiguous process need from operators or engineers? Give an example of how you turned that into a working tool.
Tell us about a time you had to troubleshoot a tolerance or mechanical failure on the production floor. How did you diagnose and fix it?
What's your experience with sensor integration and actuator selection for automated equipment? How do you choose the right components for a given application?
Describe your CAD and documentation practices. How do you ensure your designs are maintainable and understandable by technicians who may not be engineers?
This role requires working with mechanical, electrical, manufacturing, and field teams. How do you communicate technical trade-offs across disciplines?

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