Tooling & GSE Manager - Spacecraft Programs

<p><strong>Overview</strong><br>Quantum Space is seeking a Tooling &amp; Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Manager / Lead Engineer to lead the design, development, deployment, and lifecycle management of tooling, fixtures, handling equipment, and ground support systems supporting spacecraft manufacturing, integration, test, and launch operations.</p> <p>This role is ideal for a hands-on engineering leader who can build and scale a tooling organization while partnering closely with Manufacturing, AI&amp;T, Test, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management teams. The successful candidate will own tooling strategy from concept through production deployment, ensuring safe, repeatable, and efficient spacecraft assembly and test operations.</p> <p><strong>Where You'll Make an Impact</strong></p> <p><strong>Tooling &amp; GSE Leadership</strong></p> <ul> <li>Lead the development and execution of the company's tooling and GSE roadmap.</li> <li>Establish standards, processes, and best practices for tooling design, procurement, validation, and maintenance.</li> <li>Build and mentor a high-performing team of tooling engineers, designers, and technicians.</li> <li>Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and manufacturing efficiency.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Design &amp; Development</strong></p> <ul> <li>Own the design and implementation of assembly fixtures, lifting devices, transport equipment, alignment tooling, checkout equipment, and specialized GSE.</li> <li>Develop tooling concepts that support spacecraft manufacturing, integration, environmental testing, transportation, and launch site operations.</li> <li>Define tooling requirements, interfaces, load cases, tolerances, and verification methods.</li> <li>Perform engineering analyses including structural, ergonomic, safety, and manufacturability assessments.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Manufacturing &amp; AI&amp;T Support</strong></p> <ul> <li>Partner with Manufacturing and AI&amp;T teams to identify tooling needs and production bottlenecks.</li> <li>Develop scalable tooling solutions that improve throughput, repeatability, and operator efficiency.</li> <li>Support spacecraft integration activities through hands-on troubleshooting and rapid tooling development.</li> <li>Lead root-cause investigations related to tooling failures, process escapes, and production disruptions.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Program Execution</strong></p> <ul> <li>Manage tooling budgets, schedules, vendor relationships, and capital equipment investments.</li> <li>Coordinate internal and external fabrication resources to deliver tooling on program timelines.</li> <li>Establish tooling qualification and acceptance processes.</li> <li>Ensure configuration control, documentation, and asset management throughout the tooling lifecycle.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Safety &amp; Compliance</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ensure all tooling and GSE meet applicable safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.</li> <li>Develop operating procedures, maintenance plans, inspections, and training materials.</li> <li>Support risk assessments and hazard analyses for manufacturing and test operations.<br><br></li> </ul> <p><strong>What It Takes</strong></p> <p><strong>Required Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.</li> <li>7+ years of experience developing tooling, fixtures, production equipment, or GSE in aerospace, defense, automotive, or advanced manufacturing environments.</li> <li>Proven experience leading tooling projects from concept through deployment.</li> <li>Strong mechanical design background using CAD systems such as Creo, NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks.</li> <li>Experience with structural analysis, GD&amp;T, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing processes.</li> <li>Experience managing cross-functional engineering programs and technical teams.</li> <li>Excellent communication and project management skills.<br><br></li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Qualifications</strong></p> <ul> <li>Experience supporting spacecraft, launch vehicle, satellite, or aerospace manufacturing programs.</li> <li>Knowledge of lifting and handling equipment design.<br>Experience with environmental test support equipment (TVAC, vibration, acoustic, shock, etc.).</li> <li>Familiarity with automation, robotics, or digitally connected manufacturing systems.<br>Experience with rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, and advanced fabrication methods.</li> <li>Experience establishing tooling organizations and processes in a high-growth environment.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What You'll Get</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ownership of the company's tooling and GSE strategy.</li> <li>Opportunity to build critical infrastructure supporting next-generation spacecraft programs.</li> <li>Leadership visibility across manufacturing, test, and engineering organizations.</li> <li>Competitive compensation, equity, and comprehensive benefits.</li> <li>Compensation: $130,000-$160,000</li> </ul>