Job Title: Fixture Design Engineer
Hiring Mode: Contract -TP
Location: Boston, MA [Onsite]
Targeted domains from the Automotive, Aerospace or similar industries.
Job Description:
The Senior Fixture Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, validation, and deployment of manufacturing fixtures, assembly tooling, inspection fixtures, test fixtures, robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), gauges, jigs, and production aids supporting new product introduction (NPI) and high-volume manufacturing operations.
This role collaborates closely with Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Operations, Automation, and Production teams to develop robust tooling solutions that meet evolving product and process requirements. The engineer will drive fixture programs from concept development through detailed design, fabrication, validation, installation, and production launch while coordinating activities across global engineering teams, suppliers, and customers.
The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical design expertise, manufacturing process knowledge, fixture design experience, and the ability to lead complex tooling projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
- 7+ years of experience in fixture design, tooling design, manufacturing engineering, automation tooling, or production equipment development.
- Strong experience in concept design, detailed 3D modeling, and 2D detailing of manufacturing fixtures and tooling systems.
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
- Experience creating fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, BOMs and GD&T documentation.
- Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, inspection, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience working in cross-functional engineering and manufacturing environments.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI), manufacturing launches, and industrialization programs.
- Experience coordinating with offshore design teams and global engineering organizations.
- Strong knowledge of fixture locating principles, datum structures, dimensional control, and tolerance analysis.
- Experience designing automation-ready fixtures, EOAT, robotic tooling, and sensor-integrated systems.
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, PFMEA, Control Plans, MSA, and production validation methodologies.
- Experience managing tooling suppliers, fabrication vendors, and equipment procurement activities.
- Knowledge of machine safety standards, ergonomics, and manufacturing risk assessments.
- Experience with PLM systems such as Teamcenter, Windchill, or Enovia.
Key Skills & Competencies
- Advanced fixture and tooling design expertise.
- Strong mechanical design and manufacturing process knowledge.
- Proficiency in GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and dimensional validation techniques.
- Ability to convert evolving product and manufacturing requirements into practical tooling solutions.
- Strong customer-facing communication, presentation, and design review skills.
- Effective project leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience leading global engineering collaboration and offshore design coordination.
- Strong problem-solving, root-cause analysis, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple tooling programs in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- High attention to detail with a focus on quality, safety, manufacturability, reliability, and cost optimization.