Tooling Engineer

About Gravitics 

At Gravitics, we're not just exploring space—we're building it. We're creating the infrastructure for a thriving space economy, enabling humanity to flourish beyond Earth. Our vision is bold, but we're not just dreamers; we're doers. We design and manufacture the large-scale structures and systems that will power human and robotic activity in Earth orbit and beyond. If you're ready to lay the foundations for a new era in space, embrace a culture of relentless learning and innovation, and contribute to a future where humanity's reach extends farther, Gravitics is the place for you. Let's build the future, together.  

About the Role 

As a Tooling Engineer at Gravitics, you will design, analyze, and implement manufacturing tooling and fixtures used to build large-scale space structures such as pressurized space station modules, orbital carriers, and spacecraft subsystems. This role bridges design engineering and production, ensuring that complex hardware can be manufactured repeatably, safely, and efficiently. 

Responsibilities: 

• Design custom tooling, jigs, fixtures, and assembly aids for large aerospace structures (e.g., cylindrical pressure vessels, primary structures, and module interfaces) 
• Develop tooling for welding, machining, structural testing, and precision assembly 
• Create detailed component and assembly drawings incorporating an understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack-ups 
• Apply first-order hand calculations and empirical formulas to assess and iterate on your designs rapidly 
• Build finite element models to assess your designs in detail 
• Work with suppliers and our manufacturing team to make your designs reality. This includes: 
• Managing the schedule/budget for tooling that you own 
• Tracking and dispositioning non-conformances 

About You 

You’re a successful candidate if you are a giver, not a taker. You have an ability to make things happen. You are exceptional at several things, yet willing to take on efforts in areas of weakness.  

Required Attributes 

• Demonstrated past ownership of complex tooling projects which interact with aerospace/aviation flight hardware, from requirements through test 
• 5+ years of industry experience in mechanical or aerospace engineering 
• Experience writing manufacturing work instructions and build documentation for tooling incorporation  
• Familiarity with CAD and Analysis packages such as NX and Simcenter 3D or similar. Experience with PLM systems (Teamcenter or similar) 
• Strong understanding and application of drafting standards and GD&T (ASME Y14.5) in creating drawings 
• Bachelor’s degree in an applicable field 

Bonus Points for 

• Experience with Metrology tools (laser trackers, CMM) 
• Knowledge of aerospace quality systems (AS9100, NASA standards, or human-rated hardware requirements) 
• Experience supporting environmental or structural testing (pressure testing, load testing, vibration testing) 
• Hands-on experience with welding fixture design (especially for aluminum or stainless steel structures used in space applications) 
• Hands-on experience with structural/propulsion test stand design and commissioning  

Compensation and Benefits

For Marysville, WA, the expected base salary range for this role is $110,000 - 140,000. Your level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the considerations of job-related knowledge and skills, education, and direct experience. Salary is just one component of the total employee package, which also includes company equity at an exciting time of company growth, as well as comprehensive medical, 401(k) retirement plan, a generous PTO policy, employee discounts, and more. 

About Compliance

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Gravitics is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin or ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

Salary Range$110,000—$140,000 USD