Tool and Fixture Design Engineer

Molex; Hudson (WI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Retirement

Paid time off

Educational assistance

Infertility assistance

Parental leave

Adoption assistance

Job summary

Molex, LLC in Hudson, WI is seeking a Tool & Fixture Design Engineer to design, develop, and implement fixtures, tooling, and work holding solutions supporting production, NPI, and quality initiatives.

You will create 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and documentation while collaborating with manufacturing and product teams to improve ergonomics, repeatability, and efficiency. This role emphasizes DFx, process improvements, and adherence to standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Experience designing fixtures and tooling for manufacturing environments.
• Proficiency with CAD software to create 3D models and drawings.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop production fixtures, assembly tooling, test fixtures, inspection gauges, and work holding devices.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and drawings with BOMs.
• Develop fixture concepts to improve ergonomics, repeatability, and efficiency.
• Apply DFM and DFA principles to fixtures and tooling.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and product teams to identify fixturing needs and improvements.
• Troubleshoot tooling and fixtures to resolve production issues.
• Support continuous improvement through cycle time reduction and quality gains.
• Generate engineering documentation and participate in NPI fixture work.
• Ensure designs comply with standards and safety regulations.

Skills

Mechanical design

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

Your Job

Molex, LLC is seeking a Tool & Fixture Design Engineer to join our team in Hudson, WI. You may not see our name on the shelves, but our electronic solutions are inside the products you use every day. We work together with the world's innovators to design and manufacture electronic solutions that solve complex technical challenges.

The Tool & Fixture Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and implementing manufacturing fixtures, tooling, and work holding solutions that support production, assembly, testing, inspection, and new product introduction (NPI) activities. This role works closely with manufacturing, quality, production, and product engineering teams to improve safety, quality, productivity, and process repeatability.This position will also partner with our Automation team to improve current and future automated equipment.

Our Team

Molex is an industry leader in transforming optical network infrastructure with an unwavering commitment to speed, reliability, and performance. We proudly engineer high-performance systems for critical, fast-growing industries including data centers, telecom, medical, and industrial automation. Our team develops an advanced portfolio of optical solutions, ranging from cutting-edge optical connectivity products-such as expanded beam connectors, fiber management, adapters, and hybrid copper/fiber solutions for medical systems-to end-to-end optoelectronic solutions featuring cages, connectors, optical transceivers, and cable assemblies. Supporting extreme data rates from 100 Mbps to 1.6 Tbps across long-haul distances up to 80km+, we deliver complete wavelength management and turnkey OEM solutions. Come join Molex and help build the future of global connectivity.

What You Will Do

• Design and develop production fixtures, assembly tooling, test fixtures, inspection gauges, and work holding devices.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) for designed fixtures.
• Develop fixture concepts that improve operator ergonomics, process repeatability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers and production teams to identify fixturing needs and process improvements.
• Troubleshoot existing tooling and fixtures to resolve production issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on cycle time reduction, quality improvement, and cost savings.
• Conduct root cause analysis of fixture-related problems and implements corrective actions.
• Support NPI projects through fixture and tooling development from concept through production launch.
• Participate in process development, pilot builds, and validation activities.
• Develop prototype fixtures and assist with process qualification.
• Generate and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, specifications, assembly instructions, and change notices.
• Support fixture qualification, gage R&R studies, and process validation activities.
• Ensure all designs comply with company standards, safety requirements, and applicable industry regulations.

Who You Are (Basic Qualifications)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related engineering discipline.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or AutoCAD.
• Experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings and GD&T
• Understanding of machining, fabrication, welding, additive manufacturing, and assembly processes.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

What Will Put You Ahead

• 3+ years of experience in fixture design, tooling design, manufacturing engineering, or related field
• Proficiency with SolidWorks
• Experience in automated assembly systems, robotics, or industrial automation.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies
• Experience with vision systems, sensors, and test equipment integration.
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems.
• Experience in regulated industries such as medical devices, aerospace, telecommunications, or fiber optics.

This position is not eligible for VISA Sponsorship.

In order to comply with U.S. export control laws and regulations, this position requires applicants to either provide proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident status or be eligible to receive an export authorization (a license) under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and/or the Export Administration Regulations.

All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.

As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.

At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.

Our Benefits

Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most.

• medical
• dental
• vision
• flexible spending and health savings accounts
• life insurance
• ADD
• disability
• retirement
• paid vacation/time off
• educational assistance
• infertility assistance
• paid parental leave
• adoption assistance

Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.

Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aqui, or tu).

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