Design Automation Engineer

Wilson Tool Canada; White Bear Lake (MN); On-site; USD 59,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Wilson Tool Canada in Minnesota is seeking a Design Automation Engineer to develop, maintain, and optimize automated design tools, CAD automations, and configurators across product lines. The role leverages SolidWorks, scripting, and CPQ concepts to streamline quoting and manufacturing workflows.

You will collaborate with global teams, build advanced models, and provide training and documentation while advancing automation initiatives across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
• Advanced SolidWorks proficiency with GD&T.
• Ability to manage complex projects with limited guidance.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably tooling or sheet metal.
• Geometry/Algebra/Trigonometry skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain automated design tools and CAD automations.
• Support CPQ and configurator initiatives across product lines.
• Build and maintain SolidWorks models, assemblies, and templates.
• Develop scripts, macros, and process automations to improve productivity.
• Assist IT with PDM/SolidWorks optimization and data structures.
• Collaborate with Sales to improve quoting accuracy and turnaround time.
• Troubleshoot and iteratively improve automation tools.
• Provide documentation, training, and user support, across global teams.

Skills

Strong math skills

Strong communication and collaboration

Strong organization and Troubleshoot

Proven ability to self-manage projects

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

GD&T

DriveWorks

Experlogix

DynaMaker

VBA

TypeScript/JavaScript

PDM Administrator

MS Dynamics 365 ERP

Excel formulas

Job description

Location: White Bear Lake

Department: Design Automation Engineering

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Operations Manager

About Us

We are a global manufacturer specializing in sheet metal tooling. Our engineering and automation solutions support a wide range of product lines across all our international entities, ensuring consistent quality, innovation, and efficiency throughout our global operations.

We are seeking a Design Automation Engineer to help drive innovation through advanced CAD automation, internal and external configurators, and other related efficiency tools. If you thrive on solving complex problems, improving processes, and creating intelligent automated solutions, we want to hear from you.

Position Summary

The Design Automation Engineer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and optimizing automated design, engineering, and sales-driven tools that support all product lines across all international company entities. This role leverages advanced CAD skills, automation tools, programming, and configuration technologies to streamline internal processes, enhance design accuracy and throughput, and innovate internal & external user-facing solutions.

The position requires expert-level SolidWorks capabilities, strong mathematical and analytical skills, and a deep understanding of manufacturing practices. The Engineer will work cross-functionally with all departments and global operations entities to ensure high-performance automation tools and workflows that meet evolving business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and maintain scalable automation tools, including CAD automations, layout tools, sales/industry calculators, and user-facing configurators (internal & external)
• Support automation initiatives across all business units and product lines
• Build and maintain advanced SolidWorks-based models/assemblies/DWGs, templates, etc.
• Develop/maintain scripts, macros, and process automations and related tools to optimize productivity
• Assist IT administrators with optimization of PDM/SolidWorks system, including task automation, data structure improvement, and user/upgrade support
• Collaborate with Sales teams to develop calculators and configurators that enhance quoting accuracy and reduce turnaround time
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, and continuously improve automation tools through root-cause analysis and iterative development
• Work cross-functionally with all business units to ensure automation tools reflect real-world production capabilities and constraints
• Create accurate and reliable engineering formulas within automation tools
• Provide documentation, training, and ongoing support for internal users of automation systems
• Lead problem-solving efforts to find innovative, efficient, solutions to complex internal and external customer challenges
• Stay abreast of evolving AI opportunities to improve current and future automations
• Participate in and sustain 5s efforts
• Miscellaneous duties as required

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Advanced or expert-level SolidWorks proficiency (including GD&T)
• Proven ability to self-manage complex projects and identify optimal design/solution intent for assigned projects with limited guidance
• High-level understanding of manufacturing processes, preferably in precision tooling, machining, or sheet metal manufacturing
• Strong math skills (Geometry/Algebra/Trigonometry)
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Strong organization and troubleshooting skills
• Proven ability to solve complex challenges

Preferred:

• Experience with CPQ tools such as DriveWorks and/or Experlogix and associated technologies (DynaMaker etc.)
• Fluidity writing Excel based rules/formulas
• VBA programming experience
• TypeScript/JavaScript programming experience
• Background as a PDM Administrator (or advanced user) would also be helpful
• Competency with Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP and Experlogix CPQ
• Microsoft applications suite (Word, Excel etc.)

Compensation: Non Exempt - Hourly $43-$58 DOQ

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Inside; Office and some manufacturing floor.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND WORK AIDS

Working knowledge of manufacturing machines and inspection equipment.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Wilson Tool is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to work on high-impact automation projects with global reach
• Collaborative environment with strong support from Operations Management
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Career development opportunities within an innovative, industry-leading company
• Ability to influence the direction of automation across multiple product lines and international teams