3+ years of experience in high pressure die casting mold design
Proficiency in Siemens NX
Understanding of die casting tooling design requirements
Experience with structural aluminum die casting die design
Track record of guiding tooling designs from concept through production qualification
Knowledge of die casting shrinkage and distortion mechanisms
Experience in a high-mix manufacturing environment
Responsibilities
Design high-precision die casting tooling and trim dies for in-house manufacturing
Interpret casting simulations and apply analysis for optimization
Ensure tools meet stringent dimensional and metallurgical standards
Oversee tooling designs throughout tryout, qualification, and release phases
Collaborate with engineers and vendors to resolve tooling-related defects
Utilize advanced GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis for complex geometries
Support DFM initiatives for high-rate production while upholding quality standards
Interface with manufacturing teams and external vendors to ensure tooling reliability
Benefits
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology
Collaboration with an expert team in aerospace and manufacturing
Growth potential within a high-paced company
Hands-on involvement in innovative hardware solutions
Impact on mission-critical projects and operational efficiencies
Full Job Description
TOOLING DESIGNER, HIGH PRESSURE DIE CASTING
SpaceX is seeking a Tooling Designer for High Pressure Die Casting, to own the design and development of die casting tools and trim dies used to produce casted components. This role is critical to scaling reliable, high-performance components. You will design complex tooling that must repeatedly deliver extremely tight tolerances and reliable performance while supporting aggressive rate and cost targets.
As a member of the materials team, you will work closely with materials, casting, and manufacturing engineers to develop tooling solutions from concept through production qualification. Your designs will directly impact casting yield, dimensional stability, and the overall manufacturability of mission-critical hardware.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Design high-precision die casting tooling and trim dies to be manufactured and used in-house
Interpret and enable casting simulations and apply first-principles analysis to optimize gating, venting, cooling, and warp compensation
Account for shrinkage, warpage, and solidification to consistently meet stringent dimensional and metallurgical requirements
Own tooling designs from concept through tryout, qualification, and production release
Collaborate closely casting engineers, materials scientists, and vendors to troubleshoot tooling-related casting defects and improve yield
Apply advanced GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis to complex airfoil geometries
Support design for manufacturability (DFM) initiatives to enable high-rate production while maintaining quality and cost targets
Interface with internal manufacturing teams and external tooling vendors to ensure designs are successfully translated into reliable production tooling
Drive continuous improvement of tooling standards, materials, and maintenance practices for high-volume casting operations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
3+ years of professional experience designing high pressure die casting molds
Experience with Siemens NX
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
In-depth knowledge of high pressure die casting tooling design
Extensive knowledge of high pressure die casting tool design requirements
Experience designing structural aluminum die casting dies
Demonstrated success taking complex tooling from design through production qualification
Deep understanding of the die casting process and associated shrinkage/ distortion mechanisms
Experience working in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment
Hands-on experience supporting die tryouts and casting process development
Experience with manufacturing die cast tooling, including CNC and tool making
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when required to support hardware delivery and production campaigns
Must be willing to travel (up to 25%) to external suppliers and other SpaceX facilities
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. a7 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.
About SpaceX
SpaceX is an American aerospace manufacturer and space transportation services company founded in 2002 by entrepreneur Elon Musk. The company designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX has developed the Falcon 1, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Dragon spacecraft. The company was founded with the goal of reducing space transportation costs and enabling the colonization of Mars. SpaceX has achieved several milestones in spaceflight, including the first privately-funded liquid-propellant rocket to reach orbit, the first privately-funded company to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station, and the first privately-funded company to send a human-rated spacecraft to orbit.
