R&D Fabricator & Designer

Teraflex Inc; Ogden (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tools provided

Job summary

Smittybilt in Ogden, Utah, is seeking an R&D Fabricator/Designer to support the design, fabrication, testing, and production launch of automotive aftermarket products. You will build 3D models, create drawings, and assemble prototypes for fitment on vehicles.

The role blends CAD, hands-on fabrication, and documentation; use SolidWorks, PDM Vault, and precision measuring tools to ensure components meet specs, tolerances, and manufacturing requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drawings.
• Familiarity with PDM Vault for file management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office components and Publisher.
• Operate precision measuring equipment (scanners, micrometers, calipers).
• General automotive knowledge and installation procedures.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and DFMA principles.
• Ability to evaluate fitment and tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and communication.
• Willingness to learn new software, equipment, and fabrication techniques.
• Ability to remove OEM parts and install prototypes and production components.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks and revisions.
• Develop prototypes, first articles, and production-ready components via hands-on fabrication.
• Install prototypes on vehicles and evaluate fitment and clearances.
• Use precision measurement tools to verify specifications and tolerances.
• Apply DFMA to balance fitment, tolerances, quality, and production efficiency.
• Prepare installation instructions with photos, notes, and diagrams.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality teams to support launches.
• Learn and operate new software, machinery, and fabrication techniques.
• Maintain a safe, organized workspace and care for tools.

Skills

SolidWorks

Precision measurement

Automotive knowledge

Design for Manufacturing

Problem solving

Documentation

Collaboration

Learning mindset

Tools

PDM Vault

3D scanners

Calipers / micrometers

Microsoft Office (Excel/Word/PowerPoint)

Publisher

Job description

R&D Fabricator/DesignerSmittybilt | Ogden, UtahAbout SmittybiltSmittybilt, established 1956, develops and manufactures automotive aftermarket accessories and equipment designed to enhance vehicle functionality, durability, and performance. Our team is committed to developing innovative, high-quality products that meet the demands of today's vehicles and off-road enthusiasts.Position SummaryThe R&D Fabricator/Designer is responsible for supporting the research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and production launch of new automotive aftermarket products. This position combines CAD design, hands-on fabrication, vehicle installation, precision measurement, and technical documentation to bring products from concept to production.The ideal candidate has a general understanding of automotive systems, experience with CAD software, strong attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. This individual must be willing to learn new skills, operate development equipment, and work collaboratively to ensure products meet design specifications, vehicle fitment requirements, and manufacturing tolerances.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesCreate and modify 3D models, engineering drawings, and product designs using SolidWorks.Maintain and organize engineering files, drawings, and revisions using the PDM Vault system.Develop prototypes, first articles, and production-ready components through hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and refinement.Remove original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and install prototype, first-article, and final production parts on vehicles for fitment evaluation and testing.Use precision measurement tools, including 3D scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional measuring scales, to capture dimensions and verify product specifications.Evaluate vehicle fitment, component clearances, and potential interference with existing vehicle systems and components.Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to develop products that balance proper vehicle fitment, manufacturing tolerances, quality, and production efficiency.Understand and account for modern vehicle technologies, including parking sensors, radar-based adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and other integrated electronic systems that may be affected by aftermarket installations.Identify design issues, troubleshoot fitment challenges, and recommend practical solutions throughout the product development process.Develop clear, accurate installation instructions that customers can follow using written steps, technical notes, visual cues, photographs, and illustrations.Create and update technical documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other product development materials using Microsoft Office applications.Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other team members to support product development and successful production launches.Learn and operate new software, machinery, tools, and equipment as needed to support research and development activities.Maintain an organized and safe work environment while properly caring for company-provided tools and equipment.Perform additional related duties as needed to support Smittybilt's research and development operations.Required Skills and QualificationsWorking knowledge of SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design modifications, and engineering drawings.Familiarity with PDM Vault systems for managing engineering files, revisions, and product documentation.Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.Familiarity with Microsoft Publisher or similar tools for creating formatted documents and visual instructions.Ability to operate precision measuring equipment, including scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional scales.General automotive knowledge, including vehicle components, mechanical systems, and installation procedures.Understanding of manufacturing processes, production requirements, and Design for Manufacturing principles.Ability to evaluate fitment and account for manufacturing tolerances when developing new products.Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify dimensional, mechanical, and installation-related issues.Ability to create clear, customer-friendly installation instructions using written explanations and visual documentation.Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.Willingness to learn new skills, software, equipment, and fabrication techniques.Ability and willingness to remove OEM parts and install prototypes, first articles, and production components on vehicles.Work Environment and Physical RequirementsWork in a combination of office, workshop, fabrication, and vehicle development environments.Perform hands-on work with automotive components, prototypes, tools, and equipment.Safely use hand tools, measuring instruments, and development machinery as required.Perform physical tasks associated with vehicle component removal, installation, and prototype evaluation, with or without reasonable accommodation.Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized workspace.Tools and equipment will be provided by Smittybilt.Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience in automotive aftermarket product development, fabrication, or mechanical design.Experience with suspension systems, vehicle modifications, off-road accessories, or automotive component installation.Familiarity with manufacturing methods, prototype development, and first-article evaluation.Experience creating technical drawings, assembly documentation, and illustrated installation instructions.Experience with 3D scanning, reverse engineering, or dimensional inspection.What Success Looks LikeDesigns meet vehicle fitment requirements and are practical to manufacture at production scale.Prototypes and first articles are evaluated thoroughly, and design issues are identified and resolved efficiently.Engineering documentation and installation instructions are accurate, complete, and easy to follow.Product development projects progress efficiently from initial concept through final production.The individual demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to developing reliable, high-quality products.