Hands-On Tooling & CAD/CAM Engineer: Molds & Fixtures

Accelera; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Accelera is seeking a practical Mechanical Engineer focused on Tooling, Fixtures, and CAD/CAM to support a growing precision manufacturing facility. You will transform client 3D models into manufacturing workflows, designing production tooling and CAM strategies while aiding CNC operations and supplier coordination.

You will balance desk‑based design work with hands‑on problem solving on the shop floor, ensuring high quality processes across aerospace, defense, medical devices, and industrial

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years designing production equipment, molds, fixtures, or tooling.
• Strong 3D CAD skills and ability to translate drawings into 3D models.
• CAM programming experience for CNC equipment.
• Ability to read engineering blueprints and GD&T standards.
• Hands-on problem solving on the production floor preferred.
• Clear communication with machinists, suppliers, and engineering staff.
• U.S. Person criteria to handle ITAR‑regulated projects.

Responsibilities

• Create designs for molds, fixtures, mandrels, trim guides, and gauges.
• Translate STEP files and drawings into functional 3D models and manufacturing plans.
• Generate CAM programming for routers and CNC mills and assist with prove‑out.
• Perform tolerance stack‑ups to guide material and clamping choices.
• Resolve fit and tooling issues directly at the machine to keep production moving.
• Collaborate with quality and production to address nonconforming components.
• Evaluate drawings and GD&T to address manufacturing hurdles.
• Assist development of measurement strategies including CMM/FARO requirements.
• Estimate labor hours, tooling needs, and costs for customer projects.
• Manage procurement by soliciting bids from suppliers and shops.
• Oversee customer initiatives from design to final production.

Skills

2+ years experience

3D CAD

CAM programming

GD&T interpretation

On-floor problem solving

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

Autodesk Fusion 360

Haas CNC

PolyWorks

CMM / FARO

3D printing for jigs/fixtures

Job description

Accelera is seeking a practical Mechanical Engineer focused on Tooling, Fixtures, and CAD/CAM to support a growing precision manufacturing facility. You will transform client 3D models into manufacturing workflows, designing production tooling and CAM strategies while aiding CNC operations and supplier coordination.

You will balance desk‑based design work with hands‑on problem solving on the shop floor, ensuring high quality processes across aerospace, defense, medical devices, and industrial