Manufacturing Engineer 1 -Tooling & Fixture Design (Entry Level) at MICROBEST INC – Waterbury, Connecticut

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of CNC workholding fixtures (milling/turning/secondary ops) to improve part stability, repeatability, and throughput.
• Create and maintain 2D/3D CAD models and drawings for fixtures, soft jaws, nests, clamps, and related tooling.
• Collaborate with engineers, tool room machinists and CNC operators to review fixture concepts, incorporate feedback, and support build/debug.
• Support fixture prove-outs on the shop floor; document results and implement revisions as needed.
• Assist with process documentation including set-up sheets, work instructions, tooling lists, and basic process flow documentation.
• Support continuous improvement efforts (cycle time reduction, scrap reduction, ergonomic/safety improvements) using structured problem-solving.
• Participate in root cause analysis for fixture- or process-related quality issues (5-Why, fishbone) and help implement corrective actions.
• Help standardize tooling/fixture components and support basic tooling inventory and identification practices.
• Assist with engineering changes affecting fixturing, gaging, and process steps; update documentation accordingly.
• Work cross-functionally with Quality and Inspection to ensure fixtures support print requirements and measurement strategy.
• Follow all safety policies; support EHS requirements related to guarding, clamping forces, pinch points, and safe setup practices.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (0–2 years experience).
• Basic understanding of machining concepts (turning/milling), fixturing fundamentals, and how workholding impacts quality.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, familiarity with basic GD&T concepts.
• Working knowledge of CAD (SolidWorks preferred; equivalent acceptable).
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and willingness to be hands-on in a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel/Word).

Preferred

• co-op in machining, tooling, or manufacturing engineering.
• Exposure to fixture design principles: locating schemes (3-2-1), datum strategy, clamp methods, repeatability.
• Familiarity with common shop measuring tools and concepts (calipers, micrometers, indicators).
• Basic knowledge of machining process planning and tooling selection.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems or basic BOM/tool lists.

Key Competencies

• Practical mechanical aptitude and curiosity
• Clear communication with machinists/operators
• Design-for-manufacturability mindset
• Documentation discipline and follow-through
• Structured problem-solving
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple requests

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

• Combination of office and shop-floor work; PPE required.
• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Will frequently support tool room builds and production prove-outs at machines.

What Success Looks Like (first 6–12 months)

• Designs and releases simple fixtures with supervision, then progressively more complex workholding.
• Builds strong relationships with tool room and operators; responds quickly to production needs.
• Helps reduce setup time, improves repeatability, and contributes to scrap reduction through better workholding.

Tools/Software

SolidWorks (or similar CAD), basic CAM exposure a plus, Excel, and document control practices.

Compensation:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• PTO
• Benefits package includes health, dental, vision, 401(k), 401(k) Company Match, Short and Long term Disability and more.

Microbest is an Equal Opportunity Employer.