Sr Rapid Prototyping Tool Design Engineer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Sr Rapid Prototyping Tool Design Engineer

Company: Textron (Bell)

Location: Wichita, Kansas, United States

Job Type: Full-time, Experienced

Category: Engineering / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: December 11, 2025

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for the development of next-generation aerospace technologies, focusing on rapid prototyping and advanced manufacturing solutions.

• You will be instrumental in designing and refining tooling for complex assemblies, directly contributing to the future of Army Aviation and advanced aircraft programs.

• The position requires a blend of CAD proficiency, deep understanding of manufacturing principles, and strong project management skills to guide projects from concept to completion.

• You will collaborate closely with engineering and production teams, ensuring seamless integration of innovative tooling solutions into the manufacturing process.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is part of Textron's Bell segment, a leader in aerospace innovation. The emphasis on rapid prototyping and advanced programs like FLRAA and HSVTOL indicates a high-paced, cutting-edge environment. The specific mention of "Senior" in the title, combined with the 2-5 years of experience indicated by AI, suggests a role with significant individual contribution and potential for technical leadership within projects, rather than purely managerial oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine 3D models for tooling, fixtures, and molds using CAD software, ensuring precision and manufacturability.

• Apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to design specifications for tooling, ensuring compliance with engineering standards.

• Design and create detailed drawings for various types of tooling, including assembly fixtures, component tooling, molds, and additive manufacturing solutions.

• Conduct surface analysis and review scan data to validate design integrity and ensure dimensional accuracy of manufactured parts and tooling.

• Integrate small subassemblies into larger jig and fixture designs, optimizing for efficient assembly processes.

• Perform producibility analysis and manufacturing trade studies in collaboration with integrated operations teams to identify cost-effective tooling solutions.

• Lead and manage complex tooling design projects, applying disciplined project management methodologies from initiation through closure.

• Coordinate with customers and build teams through regular Microsoft Teams meetings and design reviews to ensure alignment and successful project execution.

• Identify, report, and resolve potential safety and quality hazards associated with tooling designs, ensuring operator safety and product integrity.

• Evaluate discrepancies and anomalies by applying Tool Engineering and Tool Design analysis knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design engineering role with a strong emphasis on manufacturing processes and project execution. "Producibility analysis" and "manufacturing trade studies" imply a need to consider cost, feasibility, and efficiency in tooling design, suggesting collaboration with manufacturing engineers and potentially shop floor personnel. The project management aspect points to an expectation of managing timelines and deliverables for tooling design efforts.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering required.

• 📝 Enhancement Note: While the degree fields listed are Software/Computer Science/Engineering, the core responsibilities and required skills heavily lean towards Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering disciplines. This is a critical point for candidates to clarify with the hiring manager regarding the exact nature of the degree required and its relevance to tool design. It's possible this is a typo in the original listing or that the role requires a unique blend of software/computational skills for advanced manufacturing processes.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in Tool Engineering or Tool Design is required.

• Experience in Assembly Fixture design for large/small assemblies and part handling is preferred.

• Detail Tool Design experience, including molds, trim tools, NC programming, and grind fixtures, is preferred.

• Experience with Additive Manufacturing tooling is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Catia V6 is a mandatory requirement.

• Ability to apply Tool Engineering and Tool Design analysis knowledge to evaluate discrepancies and anomalies.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles and processes relevant to aerospace tooling.

• Experience in creating and refining 3D models for tooling and fixtures.

• Understanding of safety and ergonomic considerations in tool design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Catia 3DX is preferred.

• Proficiency in Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) is preferred.

• Experience in directing customer-facing interactions within Assembly Tool design, Component Tool Engineering, or NC Programming/Machining roles.

• Experience managing complex projects through a disciplined approach.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Software/Computer Engineering degree alongside extensive mechanical/manufacturing tool design experience is unusual. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their software or computer engineering background uniquely qualifies them for advanced tooling design, potentially involving simulation, automation, or data analysis within the design process. The explicit mention of Catia V6 and preferred 3DX strongly indicates a need for expertise in Dassault Systèmes' PLM suite for CAD/CAM/CAE.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase of 3D CAD models for various types of tooling (fixtures, molds, jigs) developed using Catia V6.

• Examples of detailed design drawings incorporating GD&T specifications.

• Case studies demonstrating the design and implementation of assembly fixtures or component tooling.

• Documentation of projects involving additive manufacturing tooling, highlighting design considerations and material selection.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of a structured approach to tooling design, from concept to detailed design.

• Examples of producibility analysis and manufacturing trade studies performed to inform tooling decisions.

• Evidence of managing tool design projects, including planning, execution, and closure phases.

• Documentation of safety and quality hazard analysis performed on tooling designs.

• Examples of collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams (e.g., customers, build teams) during the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Sr" role, a portfolio is crucial. Candidates should prepare to present detailed case studies that not only show the final design but also the problem statement, the design process, the trade-offs considered, the challenges encountered, and the quantifiable results (e.g., improved cycle time, reduced errors, enhanced safety). The emphasis on rapid prototyping suggests a need for examples demonstrating speed and iteration in design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Work Schedule Flexibility: 9/80 work schedule, offering every other Friday off.

• Paid Time Off: 80 hours of Personal Time Off (PTO), 120 hours of Vacation time, and 12-13 paid holidays per year.

• Family Support: 6 weeks of parental leave.

• Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement program.

• Health & Wellness: Competitive health insurance, access to the Plane Healthy Wellness Center.

• Employee Engagement: Access to more than 11 Employee Resource Groups.

• Compensation: Competitive salary.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are expected, likely aligning with the 9/80 schedule which averages 40 hours per week. The 9/80 schedule typically involves working longer hours Monday-Thursday and on alternating Fridays, with a full day off every other Friday.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on publicly available data for similar engineering roles in the aerospace sector in the Wichita area, factoring in the "Senior" title and specific technical requirements. The 9/80 schedule is a significant perk for work-life balance in this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing. Textron (Bell) is a key player in developing advanced rotorcraft and VTOL aircraft for both military and commercial applications.

Company Size: Textron is a large, publicly traded aerospace and defense conglomerate with tens of thousands of employees globally. Bell, as a segment of Textron, is also a substantial organization.

Founded: Bell Helicopter was founded in 1935. This long history signifies deep expertise and a strong legacy in aviation innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Rapid Prototyping Team, Tool Design segment likely operates within the broader Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering department.

• This team will comprise engineers specializing in various aspects of tool design, potentially including fixture design, mold design, additive manufacturing, and NC programming.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on advanced manufacturing techniques, including rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing, to accelerate development cycles.

• Application of structured engineering principles for tool design, ensuring safety, quality, and producibility.

• Utilization of advanced CAD/CAM software (Catia V6/3DX) for design and simulation.

• Project management discipline to ensure timely and successful delivery of tooling solutions for complex aerospace programs.

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing surface analysis and scan data for design validation and problem-solving.

Company Website: https://www.textron.com/ and https://bellflight.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Textron's culture, particularly within Bell, is deeply rooted in engineering excellence, innovation, and a commitment to pioneering advancements in aviation. The mention of "challenging what's possible" and "pioneers" in the job description points to an environment that values forward-thinking and pushing technological boundaries. The strong focus on military programs (FLRAA) also implies a culture of precision, reliability, and adherence to stringent quality standards.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Engineer role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position requiring significant technical expertise and the ability to work independently or lead small project teams. It's a step beyond entry-level or junior engineering roles, focusing on complex problem-solving and design execution.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports to a Tool Design Manager or an Engineering Lead within the Rapid Prototyping or Advanced Manufacturing group. Collaboration will be cross-functional, involving close work with manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and potentially program managers.

Operations Impact: The designs created by this role directly impact the efficiency, cost, and quality of manufacturing complex aerospace components and assemblies. Successful tooling designs enable faster production cycles, reduce manufacturing defects, enhance worker safety, and ultimately contribute to the successful delivery of advanced aircraft programs like FLRAA and HSVTOL. This role is foundational to the company's ability to innovate and produce cutting-edge aircraft.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced manufacturing techniques like additive manufacturing tooling, complex fixture design, or high-precision machining applications.

• Project Leadership: Transition into leading larger or more complex tooling design projects, managing timelines and resources.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop broader knowledge in manufacturing processes, quality assurance, and program management by working closely with other departments.

• Mentorship: As a senior engineer, there's an opportunity to mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge transfer within the team.

• Career Path: Potential progression to Lead Tool Design Engineer, Engineering Specialist, or management roles within manufacturing engineering or advanced manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "rapid prototyping" aspect suggests opportunities to work on bleeding-edge technologies and see designs come to life quickly. The company's focus on major defense programs provides stability and the potential for long-term engagement on impactful projects.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, indicating a traditional office environment within Bell's facilities in Wichita, Kansas. It will likely involve a mix of desk work for CAD design and virtual collaboration, with potential for occasional visits to manufacturing floors or labs.

Office Location(s): Wichita, Kansas, USA. This is a major hub for aerospace manufacturing.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires regular collaboration with customers and build teams, suggesting an open or semi-open office layout that facilitates communication, potentially utilizing shared design review spaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with Catia V6/3DX software, and potentially other design, simulation, and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with experienced engineers, manufacturing specialists, and project stakeholders, fostering a learning and problem-solving culture.

Work Schedule: The 9/80 schedule is a significant aspect of the work environment, providing extended weekends every other week. This offers a unique balance between demanding project work and personal time.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical. Candidates should be prepared for a structured work environment typical of large aerospace manufacturers, with a strong emphasis on process, safety, and collaboration. The 9/80 schedule is a key benefit that should be highlighted for its impact on work-life balance.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements, particularly Catia V6 experience and relevant engineering background.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth questions focusing on your experience with tool design principles, GD&T, CAD software (Catia V6), manufacturing processes, and problem-solving methodologies. You may be asked to walk through specific design challenges from your past experience.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session where you will present selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design choices, challenges, solutions, and the impact of your work.

• Behavioral/Situational Interview: Questions assessing your collaboration skills, ability to work in a team, problem-solving approach under pressure, and how you handle project management tasks.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A final discussion to assess cultural fit, motivation, and overall suitability for the team and company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best showcase your skills in tool design, GD&T application, Catia V6 proficiency, and experience with rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem or objective, your role and responsibilities, the design process and tools used (highlighting Catia V6), challenges faced, innovative solutions implemented, and quantifiable outcomes (e.g., efficiency gains, cost savings, quality improvements).

• Highlight Process & Results: Emphasize your understanding of the tooling design lifecycle, from concept to production readiness. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, material selection, manufacturing considerations, and how you applied GD&T.

• Address the Degree Discrepancy: Prepare to articulate how your educational background (Software/Computer Engineering) uniquely equips you for this role, especially concerning advanced manufacturing technologies or data-driven design.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical design challenges related to creating tooling for complex aerospace parts. Think about how you would approach fixture design for unconventional shapes or how to incorporate additive manufacturing for rapid iteration.

• CAD Proficiency Demonstration: While not always a live test, be ready to discuss your workflow and proficiency in Catia V6, potentially describing how you would model specific components or assemblies.

• Problem-Solving: Practice explaining how you diagnose and solve technical issues in design, using examples from your experience. Focus on logical, step-by-step approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize technical skills, especially Catia V6. Candidates with a non-traditional degree for this role must have a compelling narrative about their transferable skills and specific experience. A well-prepared portfolio is non-negotiable for a Senior Engineer role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Catia V6 (required), Catia 3DX (preferred). This is the core tool for 3D modeling and design.

• PLM System: Likely a Dassault Systèmes' ENOVIA or similar Product Lifecycle Management system integrated with Catia for data management, version control, and collaboration on design data.

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams is explicitly mentioned for meetings and design reviews.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Scan Data Software: Tools for analyzing and processing scan data (e.g., PolyWorks, Geomagic) may be used for surface analysis and quality verification.

• ERP/MES Systems: While not directly used for design, understanding how tooling designs integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for production planning and tracking is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software: Tools like Jira, Asana, or Microsoft Project might be used for managing project timelines and tasks, although Textron may have its own internal systems.

• Simulation Software: Potentially used for stress analysis or kinematic simulations of tooling, though specific tools are not listed.

📝 Enhancement Note: Expertise in Catia V6 is paramount. Understanding of integrated PLM systems is also a key differentiator for roles in large, structured engineering environments like Textron/Bell.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: A drive to push boundaries and develop novel solutions, as emphasized by Textron's mission.

• Excellence & Precision: A commitment to high-quality engineering and manufacturing standards, critical in the aerospace industry.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams to achieve complex project goals.

• Safety & Integrity: A strong focus on ensuring the safety of personnel and the integrity of products through robust design processes.

• Continuous Improvement: A culture that encourages learning, adaptation, and optimization of processes and technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Engineers are expected to work closely with manufacturing, quality, and program management to ensure designs are practical and meet program objectives.

• Data-Driven Discussions: Design reviews and problem-solving often involve presenting and discussing data from analyses, scans, and simulations.

• Structured Communication: While collaborative, communication is often structured through formal reviews, meetings, and documentation within a PLM system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values technical expertise and a proactive approach to problem-solving. The emphasis on "pioneers" and "challenging what's possible" suggests an environment where innovative thinking is encouraged, provided it aligns with stringent aerospace engineering standards.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Integrating Novel Technologies: Designing tooling for advanced manufacturing processes like additive manufacturing or for entirely new aircraft concepts (e.g., HSVTOL, FLRAA) presents unique engineering challenges.

• Complex Design Constraints: Aerospace projects often involve tight tolerances, stringent material requirements, and highly complex geometries, demanding meticulous design work.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring that tooling designs meet the needs and constraints of various departments, from design engineering to production floor operations, requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

• Rapid Iteration: The "rapid prototyping" aspect means designs may need to be developed, tested, and iterated upon quickly, requiring adaptability and efficient workflow management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Tooling Technologies: Gaining hands-on experience with cutting-edge tooling for advanced aircraft programs.

• Industry-Leading Software: Mastering Catia V6 and potentially other advanced CAD/PLM/CAM tools used in the aerospace industry.

• Aerospace Manufacturing Processes: Deepening knowledge of specific manufacturing techniques relevant to rotorcraft and advanced VTOL systems.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing complex engineering projects from conception to implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers exposure to some of the most advanced projects in aviation. The challenges are significant but also represent substantial opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a highly sought-after industry.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for designing a complex assembly fixture from initial concept to final production-ready drawings. What are the key considerations at each stage?" (Focus on structured approach, GD&T, Catia V6 workflow).

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a time you encountered a significant discrepancy or anomaly in tool design. How did you analyze it, what solution did you propose, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight analytical skills, problem-solving methodology, and impact).

• Collaboration: "How do you ensure your tooling designs meet the needs of both the design engineering team and the production floor? Describe a situation where you had to balance conflicting requirements." (Focus on communication, cross-functional awareness, and compromise).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in working for Bell/Textron, specifically on rapid prototyping and advanced aircraft programs like FLRAA?" (Research Bell's mission, current projects, and articulate your passion for aerospace innovation).

• Teamwork: "Describe your preferred collaboration style when working on a design team. How do you contribute to a positive and productive team environment?" (Highlight your collaborative spirit and ability to work with diverse teams).

• Innovation: "The job description mentions 'pioneers' and 'challenging what's possible.' Can you give an example of a time you proposed an innovative solution or approach in a previous role?" (Showcase your forward-thinking mindset).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, your approach, the solution, and the result.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced assembly time by X%", "improved part accuracy by Y%", "enabled production of Z components").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to explain your design choices, the specific features of Catia V6 you utilized, and how you applied GD&T principles.

• Address the Degree: If your degree is in Software/Computer Engineering, be ready to clearly articulate how your skills and experience in that field directly translate to success in this tool design role, perhaps by discussing automation, data analysis, or computational design aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also a clear understanding of how your designs contribute to the larger manufacturing and program goals within an aerospace context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Sr Rapid Prototyping Tool Design Engineer position:

1. Submit Application: Navigate to the Textron Taleo careers portal and submit your application through the provided link. Ensure your resume is up-to-date and tailored to this role.

2. Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience with Catia V6, GD&T, fixture/tool design, and any relevant rapid prototyping or additive manufacturing projects. Prepare concise case studies for 2-3 key projects.

3. Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description, such as "Catia V6," "Tool Design," "GD&T," "Rapid Prototyping," "Additive Manufacturing," and "Aerospace." Quantify your achievements where possible.

4. Interview Practice: Review common interview questions for engineering roles, focusing on technical design challenges, problem-solving scenarios, and behavioral questions. Practice articulating your experience and portfolio projects clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss your unique educational background and its relevance.

5. Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Textron and Bell's current projects, company mission, and values, particularly their work in advanced aviation and military programs. Understand the significance of roles in rapid prototyping and tool design within this context.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.