How to Be Aerospace Tooling Specialist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 7, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The aerospace industry is an incredibly complex and demanding field of engineering. As a result, the need for highly-trained and experienced tooling specialists is essential for ensuring the successful completion of projects. These specialists are responsible for the development and maintenance of various tools and equipment that are used in the production of aircraft components.

They must have a strong understanding of the various processes involved in the production of these components, as well as the ability to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. The successful utilization of these tooling specialists can result in the production of high-quality parts and components, which are essential for the successful operation of any aircraft. the use of these specialists can help to improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction by providing a reliable and efficient production system.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. The first step to becoming an Aerospace Tooling Specialist is to earn a high school diploma or GED. Earning a high school diploma or GED is the basic requirement to enter the aerospace industry.
Obtain Aerospace Tooling Certification. To become certified, individuals must complete a basic training program in aerospace tooling and pass a certification exam. Many employers require certification before they will hire aerospace tooling specialists.
Take Aerospace Tooling Courses. Depending on the employer and the specific job, aerospace tooling specialists may need to take additional courses or training programs in order to stay up-to-date on the latest tools and techniques.
Complete an Internship. Completing an internship is an excellent way for individuals to gain valuable experience and make connections in the aerospace industry. Internships can be a great way to gain experience, learn from experienced professionals, and make valuable contacts in the industry.
Work as an Aerospace Tooling Specialist. Once individuals have the necessary qualifications, they can begin looking for employment as an aerospace tooling specialist. Aerospace tooling specialists can work in a variety of settings, including factories, aircraft maintenance facilities, and research laboratories.

Having the right skills and competencies is essential for a successful career in aerospace tooling. If an individual is knowledgeable in the latest industry standards, design practices, and manufacturing processes, they will be able to develop effective tooling solutions to meet customer demands. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the principles of tooling engineering, they will be better able to troubleshoot any issues that may arise while maintaining quality control.

Furthermore, they should also possess a strong aptitude for mathematics and be comfortable working with computers to design and program tools. an aerospace tooling specialist should have excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other members of the team, as well as an understanding of safety protocols to ensure the safety of those on the job site. With the right skills and competencies, an aerospace tooling specialist can make a positive contribution to their organization and help drive innovation in the industry.

You may want to check Aerospace Assembly Technician, Aerospace Structures Technician, and Aerospace Sales Representative for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, modify, and maintain aerospace tooling/fixture designs and plans for production operations.
Utilize CAD software to create 3D tooling models and drawings.
Interface with program management, engineering, and production personnel to ensure tooling requirements are met.
Troubleshoot tooling issues in order to improve overall production efficiency.
Work with vendors to acquire tooling components and fixtures.
Perform tooling installation and maintenance in accordance with established safety standards.
Monitor tooling performance and recommend improvements as needed.
Research new tooling technologies and processes in order to improve productivity and cost effectiveness.
Utilize problem solving techniques to resolve tooling production issues.
Prepare and maintain tooling specifications and records.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials and tooling design
Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings
Familiarity with aerospace industry standards and regulations
Working knowledge of CAD/CAM software
Understanding of assembly and machining techniques
Proficiency in the use of hand tools, measuring instruments and precision measuring instruments
Ability to troubleshoot problems and make necessary adjustments to tooling
Capable of using various aerospace processes such as heat treating, welding, brazing and soldering
Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent problem solving skills
Excellent communication and organizational skills

Having the right skills as an Aerospace Tooling Specialist is essential to success in this field. Effective communication skills are key to ensure that tooling solutions are correctly understood and implemented. Knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles, processes, and materials is also necessary to develop the best solutions for aircraft tooling.

A good understanding of computer-aided design (CAD) software is also essential for creating accurate and efficient tooling designs. problem-solving skills are essential for troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. Lastly, strong organizational skills are needed to keep track of inventory and ensure that all parts are ready for use when needed.

All of these skills together enable Aerospace Tooling Specialists to provide the highest quality products and services for their clients.

Aerospace Project Coordinator, Aerospace Program Manager, and Aerospace Fabricator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Aerospace Tooling?
What processes have you used to develop and implement Aerospace Tooling solutions?
How have you managed Aerospace Tooling projects from start to finish?
Describe your experience with quality control inspections in tooling.
How do you ensure that Aerospace Tooling meets all specifications?
What techniques do you use to troubleshoot Aerospace Tooling problems?
How do you stay up-to-date on new developments in Aerospace Tooling?
What safety protocols do you follow when handling Aerospace Tooling?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with Aerospace Tooling?
What strategies do you use to maximize efficiency while working with Aerospace Tooling?

Common Tools in Industry

Drill Press. A power tool used for drilling holes into materials. (eg: A drill press is used to mount and secure parts during assembly of aircraft. )
Shear. A tool used to cut sheet metal. (eg: A shear is used to cut aircraft components from aluminum sheets. )
Milling Machine. A machine tool used for machining solid materials. (eg: A milling machine is used to mill intricate patterns into aircraft parts. )
Lathe. A machine tool used for shaping metal or other materials by rotating a part on an axis. (eg: A lathe is used to turn aircraft parts to exact dimensions. )
Grinder. A machine tool used for grinding, which is a type of machining using an abrasive wheel as the cutting tool. (eg: A grinder is used to create precise finishes on aircraft parts. )
CNC Router. A computer-controlled machine tool used for cutting and routing materials, such as wood and plastic. (eg: A CNC router is used to cut out foam core parts for composite aircraft construction. )
Press Brake. A machine tool used to form sheet metal into specific shapes by bending it over a die. (eg: A press brake is used to bend aircraft parts into the desired shape. )

Professional Organizations to Know

Aerospace Industries Association
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Society of Automotive Engineers
International Aerospace Quality Group
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
National Business Aviation Association
Aircraft Electronics Association
Royal Aeronautical Society
International Council of Aeronautical Sciences
International Federation of Airworthiness

We also have Aerospace Program Planner, Aerospace Data Analyst, and Aerospace Mechanical Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Tooling Design. The process of designing tools and tooling systems to be used in the manufacture of parts, components, and assemblies.
Tooling Fixtures. Equipment that holds, supports, and locates parts for the production process.
Forming Tools. Tools used to shape and form materials into a desired shape or form.
CNC Programming. The process of using computer numerical control (CNC) machines to create parts and components according to a computer program.
Quality Control. The process of ensuring that products meet or exceed customer requirements.
Assembly Processes. The assembly of components and parts into a completed product.
Inspection Processes. The examination of products to ensure that they meet quality standards.
Metrology. The science of measurement and its application.
Statistical Process Control. The use of statistical methods to control and improve processes.
Lean Manufacturing. A set of principles for improving manufacturing efficiency by reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aerospace Tooling Specialist?

An Aerospace Tooling Specialist is a professional who designs, manufactures, and maintains specialized tools and equipment used in the aerospace industry.

What skills are required to be an Aerospace Tooling Specialist?

Aerospace Tooling Specialists must have knowledge of engineering principles and techniques, metalworking, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and welding processes. They must also be highly organized and detail-oriented.

What is the typical career path for an Aerospace Tooling Specialist?

The typical career path for an Aerospace Tooling Specialist begins with education and training in engineering principles, metalworking, CAD software, and welding processes. After gaining experience in the field, Aerospace Tooling Specialists may progress to supervisory or managerial roles.

What type of work environment is typical for an Aerospace Tooling Specialist?

Aerospace Tooling Specialists typically work in a manufacturing or engineering environment, such as a machine shop or factory. They may also work in an office setting, such as a design center.