Mechanical Tool Design Engineers

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.
Cincinnati, OH
On-site

Who this role is best for

Strong fit for mechanical design professionals who apply CAD and GD&T to turbomachinery manufacturing and thrive in collaborative, onsite environments.

Best fit for

  • Candidates with 3+ years of GD&T application experience in tool fixture design
    — “Prior knowledge and a minimum of 3 years of experience interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T)”
  • Individuals with a background in turbomachinery repair and manufacturing tooling
    — “Design a variety of production, engineering and developmental tools to be used in machining, fabrication, and processing”
  • Professionals skilled in translating engineering concepts into practical tooling solutions
    — “Read and interpret conceptual designs, drawings, blueprints, engineering orders, sketches, tool orders, manuals, charts and graphs to layout and draw tool designs”

Things to consider

  • U.S. Citizenship is mandatory due to the need for security clearance
    — “Requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DOD clearance”
  • Onsite presence is expected in Cincinnati, OH with no mention of remote flexibility
    — “Location: Onsite Cincinnati, OH. Relocation assistance is available”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with legacy tooling upgrades and modernization practices
    — “Ability to review, interpret and upgrade heritage/legacy tooling designs to modern standards, applications and practices”
  • Emphasize shop math and stress analysis application in tool design projects
    — “Perform mathematical calculations using shop math, including geometric and trigonometric formulas to compute and locate dimensions, angles, contours”
  • Showcase teamwork and independent work capabilities in your resume and interviews
    — “Ability to effectively contribute to and perform within a team while possessing the capability to work independently with minimal supervision”
  • Demonstrate strong communication skills through examples of cross-functional collaboration
    — “Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills”
  • Include examples of using Siemens NX for tooling design and development
    — “Proficient in the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and modeling skills using NX”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · HighAutonomy · MediumDecision Impact · Team

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • tooling solutions
  • manufacturing accuracy
Typical background
BS in Engineering or commensurate years of experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Mechanical DesignCAD ModelingGD&TTurbomachinery Manufacturing

Preferred

Stress AnalysisProduct Tolerance Stack Ups

Stack & domain

Siemens NXCAD ModelingGD&TMechanical Design PrinciplesLeadershipCommunicationProblem-solvingTurbomachinery ManufacturingRepair

About the role

Original posting from Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

We don’t just build technology—we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive.  

Quest Defense Systems and Solutions is actively hiring Mechanical Tool Design Engineers to design and develop production tooling, fixtures, and machining aids that support turbomachinery manufacturing and repair. Using Siemens NX, CAD modeling, GD&T, and mechanical design principles, you will turn engineering drawings and requirements into practical tooling solutions that improve manufacturing accuracy, quality, and efficiency.

Location: Onsite Cincinnati, OH.  Relocation assistance is available

Citizenship: Due to the nature of the work, US Citizenship is required. 

Clearance:   Ability to Obtain or already have an active Security Clearance   

What you will be doing: 

Read and interpret conceptual designs, drawings, blueprints, engineering orders, sketches, tool orders, manuals, charts and graphs to layout and draw tool designs utilizing drafting techniques including computer-based design or drafting systems.

Perform mathematical calculations using shop math, including geometric and trigonometric formulas to compute and locate dimensions, angles, contours, convex and concave surfaces, reference lines, center points and machining guidelines. Understand and apply results from stress analysis.

Design a variety of production, engineering and developmental tools to be used in machining, fabrication, and processing, applying knowledge of the working properties and machining characteristics of various metals, plastics, ceramics and composite materials.

Coordinate tool requisition, design concepts, changes, modifications and requirements with Tool Engineers as required.

Collaborative Spirit: Coordinate with Product Definition Engineers to meet tool requisitions and implement design changes to ensure modifications align with requirements.

Assist shop personnel in understanding the tool design drawing as required.

Record manufacturing data and statistics manually or with the use of a computer or computer-based systems.

 Qualifications You Must Have: 

Hold a BS in Engineering or have commensurate years of experience in a relevant discipline.

Proficient in the use of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), and modeling skills using NX

Read and interpret information from engineering documents, sketches, drawings, blueprints, engineering models, conceptual designs and verbal discussions.

Prior knowledge and a minimum of 3 years of experience interpreting and applying Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerance (GD&T) to support tool fixture design and fabrication process.

Apply machining theory, best practice, mechanical systems, welding and assembly to design tooling in support of turbomachinery repair and manufacturing.

Complete understanding of product tolerance stack ups and datum structures and how these apply to designing appropriate tooling fixtures.

Must have excellent math skills, specifically shop math (i.e. Trigonometry).

Must exhibit behaviors that reflect our Safety Values and understand factory process safety rules and requirements.

Ability to interact with employees/managers at all levels with strong oral and written communication skills

Ability to effectively contribute to and perform within a team while possessing the capability to work independently with minimal supervision

Ability to review, interpret and upgrade heritage/legacy tooling designs to modern standards, applications and practices.

Ability to discuss, comprehend and adhere to established or agreed-to budgets for the design of tooling (models and drawings).

Requires U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain DOD clearance

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience in adoption and/or integration of emerging technologies (e.g., generative AI, automation platforms, digital assistants) into day-to-day operations for continuous improvement.

 The QDSS Advantage:  

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You’ll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. 

What You’ll Find Here 

Work That Matters – Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. 

Growth That’s Supported – Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. 

A Culture That Works – A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. 

Benefits Include 

Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. 

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications

Pay Ranges$67,000—$75,000 USDAt Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don’t just build technology — we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart — not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we’re not just leading the industry — we’re revolutionizing it.

Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Source: Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc. careers

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