Associate Prototype Engineer

Purpose

This role is to provide engineering support in the form of manufacturing prototype components, modifying existing parts and assemblies and manufacturing jigs and fixtures within the organization. A successful candidate will be fluent using a variety of fabrication equipment with a knowledge of tools and operating parameters.

• Interpret internal and external customer requirements to meet desired outputs.
• Create prototypes based on engineering designs and specifications to meet quality standards and functional requirements.
• Communicate technical knowledge, specification, and direction to internal and external customers.
• Provide creative solutions to component designs in regard to manufacturability including troubleshooting issues, optimizing production efficiency, and implementing improvements.
• Setup, program, and utilize a variety of fabrication equipment including CNC and manual machines.
• Design and manufacture jigs, fixtures, and tooling to aid in the prototype manufacturing process.
• Recommend appropriate raw material selection for prototype components based on the engineering requirements and material availability.
• Perform routine inspection and preventative maintenance on equipment and tools to ensure optimal performance and maximize up-time.
• Provide training and guidance to other team members on proper equipment usage, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols.
• Create and input data utilizing corporate management system software that include part process documentation.
• Complete assigned tasks using predefined departmental processes.
• Hands on technical support for internal customers.
• Participate on a team to accomplish given tasks or processes.
• Travel mainly for the purpose of training. (minimal)
• All other activities as assigned.
• Record daily activities.

• Capacity to work indoors in an office, laboratory, and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time.
• Capability to lift objects or equipment weighing up to 51 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical aptitude to use basic hand tools in a laboratory and/or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to travel and/or attend meetings domestic and internationally outside of normal business hours.

• Associates degree (preferred) in a technical discipline, or the equivalent in appropriate education and experience as determined by management utilizing internal SMC career development criteria.
• Novice understanding of the product development process.
• Novice understanding to apply project management principles, methodologies, and documentation.
• Novice understanding of CAD software as applied to product development process.
• Novice understanding of CAM software (Mastercam preferred).
• Fluent understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) as applied to the fabrication and inspection process.
• Competent understanding of common assembly processes.
• Fluent ability to comprehend and interpret engineering specifications.
• Fluent in programming CNC mills and lathes (Mazatrol preferred)
• Fluent to create and edit G-code programs.
• Fluent in setting up, operating, and executing all functions of manual fabrication equipment.
• Competent in mathematical and geometric calculations.
• Competent at efficient use of time to effectively plan and execute multiple duties.
• Fluent in the use of proper inspection equipment to verify part to print. (Calipers, micrometers, surface plate, height gage, etc.)
• Competent ability to communicate utilizing corporate office software.
• Competent ability to take verbal and/or written direction on tasks, training, or departmental / company policies.
• Competent ability to communicate, in English, with internal and external customers tactfully and professionally.
• 0+ years (preferred) relevant work experience