Job Description:
- The Fixtures Design Engineering is responsible for the Design and Engineering of all New Product Fixtures from start to finish (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles & Lifts).
- Designs fixtures for fabrication of metal products to produce quality parts and templates for modifications to OEM components.
- Ensure models/prints are accurate and source/build fixtures to completion. Must work concurrently with vehicle/lift design engineering.
Responsibilities:
- Develop/Design Inventor models of fixtures/tools/gauges/templates
- Lead the Engineering & Design of new fixtures in CAD (Inventor), based on datum structure, dimensions, and tolerances on the print.
- Ensure fixtures are designed to meet part & assembly requirements, as well as manufacturing constraints (i.e. robotic welding), quality and cost targets, collaborating with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Manufacturing & Quality)
- Verifying fixture prints are accurate and up to date, validating fixtures will produce quality parts within specs
- Plan for design, procurement, assembly, and validation requirements that align with overall Project Timing, Stage Gate (APQP) and Mitigation Strategies.
- Source and Build fixtures.
- Lead design reviews to ensure all fixtures are developed and engineered to meet or exceed requirements.
- Works in conjunction with the Welding, Machining, and Forming to produce fixtures.
- Provides instruction for how to use the tools by operators.
- Update fixtures/models to accommodate revision changes to part.
- Maintains regular contact and provides technical support to fixture suppliers to ensure fixtures meet quality, safety, and production objectives.
- Visits tooling vendors to build relationships, broaden knowledge of product usage.
- Provides direct contact for the production shop floor as needed to answer questions and resolve fixture issues.
- Safety and ergonomic improvements.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Fixture Design knowledge is preferred, and how to integrate it into the design, considering all tolerances involved.
- Vehicle Fixture Engineering and Integration and knowledge of what is required for a reliable fixture design preferred
- Proficiency in sheet metal fabrication, welding processes, LEAN principles.
- Experience designing fixtures for different joining methods, like Resistance Spot Welding, MiG-welding, riveting, using adhesives, screws, and bolts, etc.
- Understanding of vehicle systems like floor structures, doors, fuel, exhaust, cooling, braking systems, etc. for materials and industry standards.
- Knowledge of materials and benefits of utilizing one type over the other.
- Solid working knowledge of quality, design and validation tools Dimensional Management, GD&T and Tolerance Stack-up.
- Must possess the ability to function well under the demands of project due dates.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills needed.
- Extremely organized, accurate and possesses a strong attention to detail required and self-starter.
- Demonstrate ability to effectively solve and analyze problems.
- Desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
- Prototype fabrication and welding knowledge preferred.
- Windows, Outlook (email), Inventor, AutoCad, Vault, MS Office, and Epicor (ERP).
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering is required.
- A minimum of 2 years' work experience in Fixture design is required, using GD&T.
- Previous assembly plant launch experience preferred.
- Dimensional Management and Understanding of GD&T preferred.
- Experience with Mechanism, Steel and Aluminum part design and manufacturing.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Proven record of teamwork.
Competencies:
- Safety Focused
- Communication proficiency and organizational skills
- Self-motivated with initiative and Team Player
- Logical Decision Making, technically minded and data driven
- Hands-on with manufacturing equipment
- Must be able to read welding symbols and welding prints
- Must be able to use inspection and measurement equipment (tapes, calipers, gauges, etc.)