Fabrication Fixture Designer & Builder

Peerless Industries; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Peerless-AV is seeking a Fabrication Fixture Designer and Builder to design, fabricate, assemble, and validate fixtures used in manufacturing. The role combines mechanical design with hands-on fabrication to improve product quality and production efficiency.

The ideal candidate will interpret engineering drawings, develop fixture concepts, create CAD models, select suitable materials, and build fixtures that meet specifications and production requirements. The shift is 5:00 am - 1:30 pm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; technical school, associate degree, or equivalent training in mechanical design, manufacturing, or fabrication preferred.
• Experience in fixture design, toolmaking, metal fabrication, welding, or manufacturing engineering.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of mechanical design principles, GD&T, tolerances, and dimensional inspection.
• Hands-on experience with fixture fabrication, assembly, fitting, and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop fabrication fixtures, welding fixtures, assembly fixtures, checking fixtures, and production tooling.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, product specifications, and manufacturing requirements to determine fixture design needs.
• Create 2D drawings, 3D models, assembly drawings, and detailed fabrication drawings using CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent programs.
• Determine fixture dimensions, locating points, clamping methods, support structures, tolerances, and material requirements.
• Apply principles of GD&T, datum referencing, geometric alignment, and dimensional control where applicable.
• Design fixtures for repeatability, ease of use, operator safety, accessibility, and efficient production.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to review and improve fixture designs.
• Modify existing fixture designs to resolve manufacturing issues, improve performance, and reduce production downtime.
• Fabricate, assemble, and install fixtures based on approved designs and engineering drawings.
• Perform layout, measuring, cutting, drilling, grinding, fitting, welding, and machining operations as required.
• Operate fabrication equipment, hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Build fixture bases, frames, brackets, locating systems, clamping assemblies, and support components.
• Ensure fixtures are properly aligned, square, rigid, and dimensionally accurate.
• Work with machinists, welders, and other skilled trades to complete fixture fabrication and assembly.
• Troubleshoot fit-up issues and make adjustments to achieve the required dimensions and functionality.
• Test completed fixtures to verify functionality, accuracy, repeatability, and suitability for production use.
• Inspect fixtures using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other inspection equipment.
• Support first-piece inspections, production trials, and fixture validation activities.
• Identify root causes of fixture-related quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain, repair, calibrate, and improve existing fixtures and tooling as required.
• Maintain accurate records of fixture drawings, revisions, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce fabrication costs, cycle time, setup time, and manufacturing defects.

Skills

Fixture design

Toolmaking

Metal fabrication

Welding

Reading blueprints

CAD (SolidWorks/AutoCAD)

GD&T

Measuring instruments

Fabrication troubleshooting

Problem solving

Time management

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school / associate degree in mechanical design or fabrication

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Peerless-AV® is a leading designer and manufacturer of award-winning audio solutions for over 75 years. Our AV solutions range from interactive kiosks, outdoor displays, video wall mounts and more. You may not know Peerless-AV® by name, but you have likely seen our products in malls, amusement parks, hotels, sport stadiums and/or different restaurant drive-thru.

• We are leading the industry by providing our customers with standard-setting product quality, service and value.
• We strive to create a fun work environment throughout the year, not just during the holiday seasons. Employees look forward to our company parties with raffles, contests, lunch and laughs.

Job Description

The Fabrication Fixture Designer and Builder is responsible for designing, developing, fabricating, assembling, testing, and maintaining fixtures, jigs, and tooling used in manufacturing and production operations. This position combines mechanical design skills with hands-on fabrication expertise to develop accurate, reliable, and cost-effective fixtures that improve product quality, production efficiency, and repeatability.

The ideal candidate can interpret engineering drawings, develop fixture concepts, create CAD designs, select appropriate materials and components, and build and validate fixtures to meet engineering specifications and production requirements.

The position will work 5:00 am - 1:30 pm.

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or GED; technical school, associate degree, or equivalent training in mechanical design, manufacturing, or fabrication preferred.

Experience:

• Experience in fixture design, toolmaking, metal fabrication, welding, or manufacturing engineering.

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of mechanical design principles, GD&T, tolerances, and dimensional inspection.
• Hands-on experience with fixture fabrication, assembly, fitting, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to use precision measuring instruments and standard fabrication equipment.
• Knowledge of welding and machining processes and their impact on fixture accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, organizational, and time-management skills.

ESSENTIAL RESULTS:

• Design and develop fabrication fixtures, welding fixtures, assembly fixtures, checking fixtures, and production tooling.
• Review engineering drawings, CAD models, product specifications, and manufacturing requirements to determine fixture design needs.
• Create 2D drawings, 3D models, assembly drawings, and detailed fabrication drawings using CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent programs.
• Determine fixture dimensions, locating points, clamping methods, support structures, tolerances, and material requirements.
• Apply principles of GD&T, datum referencing, geometric alignment, and dimensional control where applicable.
• Design fixtures for repeatability, ease of use, operator safety, accessibility, and efficient production.
• Select appropriate materials, clamps, pins, bushings, cylinders, locators, and other fixture components.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and production teams to review and improve fixture designs.
• Modify existing fixture designs to resolve manufacturing issues, improve performance, and reduce production downtime.
• Fabricate, assemble, and install fixtures based on approved designs and engineering drawings.
• Perform layout, measuring, cutting, drilling, grinding, fitting, welding, and machining operations as required.
• Operate fabrication equipment, hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments.
• Build fixture bases, frames, brackets, locating systems, clamping assemblies, and support components.
• Ensure fixtures are properly aligned, square, rigid, and dimensionally accurate.
• Work with machinists, welders, and other skilled trades to complete fixture fabrication and assembly.
• Troubleshoot fit-up issues and make adjustments to achieve the required dimensions and functionality.
• Test completed fixtures to verify functionality, accuracy, repeatability, and suitability for production use.
• Inspect fixtures using measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, height gauges, indicators, and other inspection equipment.
• Support first-piece inspections, production trials, and fixture validation activities.
• Identify root causes of fixture-related quality issues and implement corrective actions.
• Maintain, repair, calibrate, and improve existing fixtures and tooling as required.
• Maintain accurate records of fixture drawings, revisions, modifications, and maintenance activities.
• Identify opportunities to reduce fabrication costs, cycle time, setup time, and manufacturing defects.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Must be able to work overtime, including weekends (rare)
• Must be physically capable of standing/bending /stooping/griping 8+ hour shift(s)
• Must lift up to 30 lbs. without assistance. Anything over 30 lbs. will be a team lift.
• Must be able to work in non-climate, non-dust-controlled areas

Must be able to wear required safety PPE equipment and adhere to health and safety protocols

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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