Lead Fixture Builder

Waltonen Engineering; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Vacation & Holidays

401K Match

Tuition Reimbursement

FSAs

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Employee Referral Program

Voluntary Benefits

Company Events

Job summary

Independence Tooling seeks a Lead Fixture Builder to join our team, overseeing fixture build operations with a hands-on approach in our small-shop environment.

You will interpret drawings, coordinate with engineering, and ensure fixtures meet specifications, budgets, and schedules. Prior assembly experience and a strong mechanical aptitude are essential for success.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of fixture/tool building experience.
• Knowledge of materials, machining, assembly methods, and mathematics.
• Familiar with automotive and aerospace tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges.
• Ability to read blueprints.
• Prior assembly experience required.

Responsibilities

• Build and assemble fixtures, jigs, gauges, and tooling according to drawings, CAD models, and specs.
• Interpret blueprints, GD&T requirements, and technical docs to ensure accurate fixture construction.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the fixture build department in a small-shop setting with hands-on work and team leadership.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for fixture builds, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to meet deadlines and budgets.
• Perform precision fitting, alignment, and adjustment of fixture components to tolerances and quality standards.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and machining equipment to fabricate, modify, and repair fixture parts.
• Conduct functional testing and verification of fixtures to ensure proper operation and repeatability.
• Troubleshoot fixture-related issues to minimize downtime and maintain efficiency.

Skills

Blueprint reading

GD&T understanding

Materials knowledge

Mathematics

Team leadership

Education

1+ year fixture/tool building

Tools

Machining equipment

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Independence Tooling is actively seeking a Lead Fixture Builder to join our team!

Responsibilities

• Build and assemble fixtures, jigs, gauges, and tooling according to engineering drawings, CAD models, and specifications
• Interpret blueprints, GD&T requirements, and technical documentation to ensure accurate fixture construction and assembly
• Manage day-to-day operations of the fixture build department in a small-shop environment, balancing hands-on fixture construction with team leadership, scheduling, and project coordination
• Serve as the primary technical resource for fixture builds, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to customer specifications
• Perform precision fitting, alignment, and adjustment of fixture components to meet required tolerances and quality standards
• Operate hand tools, power tools, and machining equipment to fabricate, modify, and repair fixture components
• Conduct functional testing and verification of completed fixtures to ensure proper operation and repeatability
• Troubleshoot and resolve fixture-related issues to minimize production downtime and maintain manufacturing efficiency

All employees are required to work within the confines and responsibilities of the quality system.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of Fixture/Tool Building
• Knowledge of materials, machining, assembly method and mathematics
• Familiar with automotive and aerospace tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges
• Ability to read blueprints
• Prior assembly experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace, automotive, or defense

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Vacation and Holiday pay
• Employer matching 401KTuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Programs (FSAs)
• Short-Term & Long-Term Disability insurance
• Employee Referral Program
• Additional Voluntary Benefit Programs
• Off-site company events & Employee Luncheons

Who are we?

Independence Tooling is a leader in high-precision custom tooling, jigs, and assembly equipment for the automotive, aerospace, heavy machinery, defense, and energy industries. Our in-house capabilities meet the most stringent industry requirements and deliver high-quality cost-effective solutions. Encouraged by the team approach we foster, our craftsmen proudly commit themselves to meeting client needs on time and within budget.

Waltonen Engineering, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and will consider qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, weight, height, or the presence of a non-job-related medical condition or handicap.