Manufacturing Fixture & Tooling Designer

Manufacturing Fixture & Tooling Designer

The Manufacturing Fixture & Tooling Designer is a creative and technically skilled member of the Manufacturing Methods team responsible for designing custom fixtures, jigs, work-holding devices, and production tooling.

Working closely with the Manufacturing Methods Manager, Methods Technicians, and production teams, this role translates production challenges into smart, practical design solutions that improve efficiency, quality, safety, and ergonomics on the production floor. The ideal candidate combines strong CAD design skills with hands-on manufacturing awareness and a continuous improvement mindset.

Key Responsibilities

• Design custom fixtures, jigs, templates, work-holding devices, and tooling aids using CAD software such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, CATIA, or equivalent.
• Collaborate closely with Methods Technicians and production team members to ensure designs are practical, buildable, and effective for floor-level implementation.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, and assembly instructions for fixtures, tools, and related components.
• Iterate and improve designs based on feedback from production, quality, and Manufacturing Methods teams.
• Analyze current workstation layouts, production processes, and operator challenges to identify fixture or tooling solutions that simplify or improve the process.
• Maintain a design library of fixtures, tooling, standard components, and reusable design concepts.
• Support prototype development and participate in fit, function, and usability testing of new fixtures and tools.
• Ensure designs meet safety standards, ergonomic guidelines, manufacturability requirements, and production needs.
• Work with vendors, internal fabrication teams, or external resources to source, quote, or produce designed components.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to productivity, repeatability, quality, and operator experience.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field; or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Proficiency in at least one CAD platform, such as Solid Works, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, CATIA, or similar.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create detailed engineering drawings, GD&T, and Bills of Materials.
• Strong spatial reasoning, mechanical aptitude, and practical design sense.
• Experience designing for real-world manufacturing or production environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present design ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical team members.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing fixtures for assembly, welding, drilling, machining, or related manufacturing operations.
• Background in machining, CNC turning, CNC milling, or general fabrication.
• Familiarity with 3D printing, rapid prototyping, or low-volume fixture development.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, ergonomic design principles, and continuous improvement methods.
• Experience working with sheet metal, aluminum extrusion systems such as 80/20, welded steel fixture construction, or similar materials.
• Prior experience in furniture, marine, architectural products, outdoor products, or custom manufacturing environments is a plus.

Key Competencies

• Creative problem-solving with the ability to turn production pain points into effective fixture and tooling solutions.
• Detail-oriented design approach with a focus on practical, buildable outcomes.
• Strong collaboration skills and willingness to work hands-on with floor-level technicians and operators.
• Continuous improvement mindset focused on safety, quality, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Ability to balance creativity with manufacturability, cost, timing, and production needs.
• Strong ownership, follow-through, and organizational skills.

Work Environment

This position operates in both an office/design environment and a manufacturing floor environment. The role requires regular interaction with production teams, technicians, engineers, vendors, and internal fabrication resources. The Manufacturing Fixture & Tooling Designer should be comfortable observing production processes, gathering feedback from operators, and validating designs directly on the production floor.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the manufacturing floor as needed.
• Ability to review and evaluate workstations, fixtures, tooling, and production processes in an active manufacturing environment.
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, or handle prototype components, fixture parts, or tooling materials, within safe lifting guidelines.
• Ability to use a computer and CAD software for extended periods.

Tuuci Offers

• Welcoming, friendly environment.
• Culture that encourages diversity of thought.
• Support for professional growth and development.
• Dynamic and talented staff of creative professionals.
• Collaborative…