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)