Job Title: Mechanical Engineer (Aftermarket Tooling)Job Description
This role focuses on the design, improvement, and lifecycle management of aftermarket tooling that supports field fleet repairs and maintenance activities. The Mechanical Engineer (Aftermarket Tooling) collaborates closely with manufacturing, design, product support, and aftermarket services teams to develop, qualify, and support tools used by maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) shops and operators. The position combines hands-on engineering, project ownership, customer support, and technical documentation to ensure that aftermarket tools meet performance, safety, and compliance standards.
Responsibilities
Take full technical ownership of aftermarket tools, ensuring they meet engineering, performance, and compliance requirements throughout their lifecycle.
Interpret and apply engineering drawings and specifications to support tooling design, modification, and validation activities.
Use 3D modeling software, such as CATIA V5, to support the design and improvement of new and existing tools and fixtures.
Apply engineering specifications and standards in all technical tooling activities to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
Provide internal and external customer support for aftermarket tools, including troubleshooting technical issues and answering tooling-related inquiries.
Deliver training and guidance to customers and internal stakeholders on the proper operation and use of aftermarket tools.
Anticipate and forecast future aftermarket tooling needs in collaboration with Product Support Engineering and other stakeholders to support field customers.
Work with and solicit suppliers to design and manufacture new tools and fixtures for use by MRO shops and operators, ensuring technical requirements are clearly communicated.
Identify required tooling certifications based on U.S. and European standards for tools and machinery and ensure tools comply with these standards.
Validate proto@type tools through testing and evaluation before they are released for customer use.
Create and author clear, concise user guides, procedures, and tooling documentation for aftermarket tool operation and maintenance.
Use the 3DX PLM engineering change process to manage the full lifecycle of aftermarket tools, including updates and configuration control.
Establish and maintain a process to input existing tool drawings and engineering documentation into the PLM system, creating a central repository for aftermarket tool designs.
Collaborate with the commercial aftermarket team to manage inventory, demand planning, sales coordination, and physical storage of aftermarket tools.
Provide technical input and solutions to the commercial team for both new and fielded tools, supporting quotations, proposals, and customer discussions.
Deliver new tool designs and design improvements for fielded tools in line with engineering and customer requirements.
Provide project engineering support for aftermarket tooling related to engineering changes, ensuring timely and accurate implementation.
Ensure all tooling deliverables adhere to applicable standards and compliance regulations.
Travel domestically and internationally, typically less than 5% of total work time, to support tooling validations, customer tool support, and partner or supplier meetings as needed.
Essential Skills
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a technical field with 1-5 years of experience in aerospace, engineering, or a similar discipline; an additional 3 years of relevant experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
Experience with 3D modeling software, with CATIA V5 strongly preferred.
Experience working with Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools, such as ENOVIA or 3DX.
Prior engineering experience in aerospace, automotive, or comparable industries.
Experience owning technical business processes end-to-end, including coordinating updates with internal and external customers.
Ability to assess and resolve technical issues under pressure while collaborating with team members with varying levels of technical expertise.
Strong technical writing skills with the ability to develop clear and concise tooling documentation and user guides.
Strong oral and written communication skills for effective interaction with cross-functional teams and customers.
Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
Strong project and time management skills to drive tooling projects to completion.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools such as Word and PowerPoint.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Three or more years of experience in engineering and/or technical customer support, ideally within the aviation industry, is preferred but not mandatory.
Knowledge of aviation industry practices and engineering technologies and tools.
Demonstrated ability to analyze complex problems and develop effective technical solutions.
Ability to interface effectively with all levels of the organization as well as external customers and suppliers.
Strong project management capabilities, including planning, coordination, and follow-through on tooling initiatives.
Experience with additional CAD and PLM platforms such as SolidWorks, 3DEXPERIENCE, Windchill, and Teamcenter.
Prior tool design experience in a manufacturing or MRO environment.
Advanced technical degree is a plus.
Background or interest in aftermarket engineering, tooling design, and mechanical design.
Work Environment
The role is based in a large, modern aerospace manufacturing environment located on a waterfront site. The facility produces state-of-the-art aerostructure components, including nacelles and thrust reverser systems for major aircraft and engine manufacturers. You will work in a professional engineering setting with access to advanced design tools, PLM systems, and collaboration with cross-functional teams in manufacturing, design, product support, and aftermarket services. The position is primarily office-based within an industrial plant environment, with occasional visits to the shop floor, suppliers, or customer sites. Domestic and international travel is required on an occasional basis, typically less than 5% of total work time, to support tooling validations, customer tool support, and partner or supplier meetings. The culture emphasizes technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement in support of high-performance aerospace products.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Middle River, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Middle River,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 30, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
