SW North America, Inc. · 13 hours ago
Mechanical Engineer – CNC Fixture Design (4 & 5-Axis Machining)
Lyon, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expSW North America, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer specializing in CNC Fixture Design. The role involves designing, analyzing, and delivering precision part-holding fixtures for 4-axis and 5-axis milling applications, collaborating with various stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
Machinery
Responsibilities
Design custom part-holding fixtures for 4-axis and 5-axis horizontal CNC milling machines using SolidWorks 3D CAD
Develop fixture concepts that optimize part access, rigidity, accuracy, chip evacuation, and cycle time
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) to validate fixture stiffness, clamping forces, and deformation under machining loads
Create detailed drawings, assemblies, bills of materials (BOMs), and design documentation to support manufacturing and inspection
Perform collision studies between tooling and fixture, design applicable clearance within the fixture when feasible, and advise tooling changes as necessary
Identify and specify standard clamping, locating, and workholding components (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical clamping systems)
Balance performance, cost, availability, and lead time when selecting off-the-shelf components
Drive standardization of fixture components where possible to improve cost, quality, and delivery
Source and manage suppliers for fixture components and fabricated parts
Evaluate supplier quality, capability, and performance; address non-conformances and corrective actions as required
Track supplier timelines and ensure components are delivered in alignment with project schedules
Work directly with the Project Engineering Group to align fixture designs with machining processes, tooling strategies, and project schedules
Participate in design reviews and provide technical input during proposal development and cost estimation
Interface with customers to present fixture concepts, incorporate feedback, and obtain design acceptance
Support fixture build, tryout, and troubleshooting during internal or customer machining trials
Manage fixture design tasks across multiple projects while meeting quality, cost, and delivery targets
Ensure all designs comply with internal engineering standards, customer specifications, and safety requirements
Provide documentation and support for fixture installation, operation, and maintenance as needed
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline beneficial but not required based on experience
3+ years of experience designing fixtures, tooling, or workholding solutions for CNC machining applications
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and drawings
Experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) for structural validation
Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, particularly 4-axis and 5-axis horizontal milling
Familiarity with standard workholding, clamping, and locating components
Preferred
Experience working in an OEM, automation, or turnkey manufacturing environment
Knowledge of GD&T and fixture-related tolerance stack-up analysis
Exposure to hydraulic and pneumatic clamping systems
Experience interacting directly with customers and suppliers in a project-based environment
Company
SW North America, Inc.
SMART MANUFACTURING SOLUTIONS The multi-spindle machining centers from SW enable highly efficient and precise production of components for vehicle powertrains, mechanical engineering and precision engineering.
New Hudson, Michigan, US
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase