We are a San Francisco Bay Area staffing agency specialized in recruiting Tool Designers for a variety of industries. Our client is a disruptive force in the robotics and construction technology sector, developing autonomous, AI-driven heavy equipment platforms designed to transform how large-scale infrastructure and solar energy projects are built. By integrating smart manufacturing, robotic control systems, and machine learning, they are building next-generation machines that automate earthmoving, foundation setting, and solar farm construction with extreme precision and efficiency.
As part of their vertically integrated engineering and manufacturing model, the company designs and produces its own custom tools, jigs, and fixtures to support the fabrication, assembly, and operation of their robotic platforms. Their state-of-the-art production facility is equipped with multi-axis CNC machining, automated fabrication cells, and a full-scale prototyping lab to support rapid innovation and scalable product development.
Typical Duties and Responsibilities
As a Senior Tool Designer, you will be responsible for creating and refining highly precise tools, jigs, fixtures, and workholding solutions used in the manufacture and assembly of robotic construction equipment, solar installation systems, and related mechanical subsystems. You will work cross-functionally with mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, and CNC machinists to ensure that tools are efficient, ergonomic, and aligned with high-volume, high-precision production environments.
Key responsibilities include:
- Design production tooling, prototype fixtures, workholding devices, check gauges, and assembly jigs to support manufacturing of large-scale autonomous robotic equipment.
- Create 3D models, detail drawings, and BOMs using advanced CAD software such as:
- SolidWorks
- Siemens NX (Unigraphics)
- PTC Creo
- AutoCAD Mechanical
- Apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure tight alignment with component specifications.
- Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, robotics engineers, and production managers to identify tooling needs for robotic systems and mechanical assemblies.
- Optimize tooling for Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Work closely with CNC programming and machining teams to ensure tool designs align with multi-axis machining, additive manufacturing, and welded fabrication capabilities.
- Support first article inspection (FAI) and tooling validation activities, including root cause analysis for fit-up or tolerance issues.
- Develop and maintain standard tool design libraries, documentation, and revision control in compliance with ISO 9001 standards.
- Participate in design reviews, prototype testing, and continuous improvement initiatives to refine tooling performance and reduce cycle time.
- Interface with external suppliers for specialized tooling components, material sourcing, or off-site fabrication when required.
- Provide technical support during NPI (New Product Introduction) and production ramp-up phases.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Tool Design Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline is preferred.
- Completion of a Tool Design Certification or Journeyman Toolmaker background with design experience is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum 7 years of experience in tool design, fixture development, or precision jig design in a robotics, automation, or heavy equipment manufacturing environment.
- Proven ability to design tools for large, complex mechanical assemblies, including weldments, robotic actuators, or precision-machined parts.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, NX, AutoCAD Mechanical, or other 3D CAD platforms.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, ANSI/ASME standards, and engineering drawing best practices.
- Experience designing tooling used in conjunction with:
- CNC Machining (3, 4, or 5-axis)
- Robotic welding or material handling
- Hydraulic or pneumatic workholding systems
- Familiarity with PLM systems such as Teamcenter, Arena, or Windchill.
- Exposure to ISO 9001, Lean Six Sigma, or 5S standards for tool standardization and workplace efficiency.
- Hands-on experience supporting tool tryouts, fixture verification, and continuous improvement initiatives related to tooling design.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, including root cause analysis and corrective action for tooling-related production issues.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience designing tooling for robotic or autonomous systems, smart construction platforms, or heavy civil infrastructure equipment.
- Familiarity with tools and processes related to solar installation equipment, pile driving automation, or foundation setting robotics.
- Background in sheet metal, plate steel, or large weldment tooling.
- Exposure to FEA (Finite Element Analysis) for tool stress and deflection validation.
- Experience with DFM/A review processes for high-volume production tooling.
- Certification in SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) or Siemens NX Tooling Design module.
- Familiarity with AR/VR visualization tools for 3D tooling review and simulation.
