The Aircraft Assembly Jig & Fixture Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and supporting precision jigs, fixtures, and tooling used in the assembly of aircraft structures and components. The role ensures dimensional accuracy, repeatability, ergonomics, and compliance with aerospace standards while supporting production, quality, and manufacturing teams.
Responsibilities
- Design assembly jigs, fixtures, form blocks, drill jigs, locating fixtures, and clamping tools for aircraft structures (fuselage, wings, empennage, sub-assemblies).
- Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, GD&T, and aerospace standards.
- Develop 3D CAD models and 2D manufacturing drawings with BOMs and tolerance stack-ups.
- Perform tolerance analysis and datum structure definition to ensure assembly accuracy.
- Ensure tooling designs meet aircraft quality, safety, ergonomics, and repeatability requirements.
- Coordinate with manufacturing, quality, stress, and production teams to resolve tooling and assembly issues.
- Support first article inspection (FAI), jig prove-out, and shop-floor trials.
- Incorporate lean manufacturing and modular tooling concepts to reduce cost and cycle time.
- Manage design changes and maintain configuration control per aerospace processes.
- Support supplier coordination for tool fabrication, inspection, and validation.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering / Aeronautical Engineering / Aerospace Engineering (Diploma with strong tooling experience may also be considered)
Essential Skills
- Good engineering fundamentals
- Bascis hand calculations for Design justufucation
Desired Skills
- Strong knowledge of jigs & fixtures design principles for aerospace assembly.
- Proficiency in CAD software (CATIA V5/V6, NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
- Understanding of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-up.
- Familiarity with aircraft structures, sheet metal, composites, and machined parts.
- Knowledge of aerospace standards and practices (AS9100, ISO, FAI).
- Ability to read and interpret aircraft engineering drawings and specifications.
- Experience with clamping, locating, datum schemes, and ergonomic considerations.
- Good problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills.
Experience
- 28 years of experience in aircraft or aerospace tooling design
- Experience in aircraft assembly environments preferred
