Tooling, Automation & Controls Manager

We are looking for a Tooling, Automation & Controls Manager with 8+ years of experience to lead the strategic direction and execution of all manufacturing tooling, automation, and controls at a fast-scaling hypersonics company. You'll own the decision-making on what tooling needs to be built, how complex it needs to be, and how to deploy it safely and efficiently across production programs — including solid rocket motor operations involving energetic materials. This is not a process-focused role; you need to have built real, complex things and be ready to direct a team doing the same. You'll report to the Director of Manufacturing Capacity Development and manage a growing team of tooling engineers as Castelion transitions from product development into high-rate production. This role is critical to scaling the company's manufacturing capabilities at a pivotal moment — backed by $469M+ in funding and $125M+ in government contracts.

What will you be doing?

Strategically direct all tooling development across Castelion's production programs — determining what fixtures, automated work cells, and robotic systems need to be built, how complex they need to be, and where they fit on the production floor

Solve high-stakes safety and handling challenges for energetic materials operations, including designing tooling for moving and distributing large volumes of propellant mixtures at the Rio Rancho solid rocket motor facility

Manage and mentor a team of tooling engineers, prioritizing projects based on program needs and directing engineers to the highest-value work that unblocks production

Collaborate cross-functionally with facilities, manufacturing, and engineering teams to ensure tooling solutions account for floor layout, dynamic loading, safety requirements, and scalability

Drive end-to-end project execution from concept through commissioning — including vendor management, capital equipment procurement, and controls system deployment (PLC, HMI, SCADA, safety PLC)