Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars. 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. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here . SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status. Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .

Requirements

Must-haves

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
3+ years of professional experience designing high pressure die casting molds
Experience with Siemens NX
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
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

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: greenhouse
Effort: quick