Fixture Designer

About the Role:

As a Fixture Designer in the durable goods manufacturing industry, you will play a critical role in developing and optimizing custom fixtures that enhance production efficiency and product quality. Your primary focus will be to design, prototype, and refine fixtures that support manufacturing processes, ensuring they meet stringent specifications and safety standards. You will collaborate closely with engineering, production, and quality assurance teams to translate product requirements into practical fixture solutions. This role demands a strong understanding of manufacturing workflows and materials to create durable, cost-effective fixtures that improve assembly accuracy and reduce cycle times. Ultimately, your work will directly contribute to the seamless production of high-quality durable goods, supporting the company’s operational excellence and innovation goals.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar design tools.
• Experience in designing fixtures, jigs, or tooling within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and production workflows.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in durable goods manufacturing or a related industry.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Familiarity with finite element analysis (FEA) or other simulation tools for design validation.
• Certification in CAD software or manufacturing engineering (e.g., Certified Manufacturing Engineer).
• Hands-on experience with prototype fabrication and testing.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop custom fixtures and tooling to support manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, production, and quality assurance to understand fixture requirements and constraints.
• Create detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for fixture fabrication and modification.
• Conduct prototype testing and iterative improvements to ensure fixture functionality, durability, and safety.
• Evaluate existing fixtures for potential improvements in efficiency, ergonomics, and cost reduction.
• Ensure all fixture designs comply with industry standards, safety regulations, and company quality policies.
• Support the manufacturing floor by troubleshooting fixture-related issues and providing technical guidance.
• Maintain documentation and records related to fixture designs, revisions, and performance metrics.

Skills:

The required skills such as CAD proficiency and understanding of manufacturing processes are essential for creating precise and functional fixture designs that meet production needs. Strong collaboration and communication skills enable effective interaction with engineering and production teams to ensure fixture designs align with operational goals. Analytical skills are used daily to troubleshoot fixture issues and optimize designs for efficiency and safety. Preferred skills like knowledge of lean manufacturing and simulation tools enhance the ability to innovate and improve fixture performance, reducing waste and production costs. Overall, these skills combine to support the continuous development of high-quality fixtures that facilitate smooth manufacturing operations.