Tool Design Tech
Job Summary
The Tool Design Tech, (“TDT”) is responsible for reading and interpreting customer CAD models, engineering drawings and specifications to develop tool requirements to support manufacturing and will create tool designs to best meet these requirements. Tool designs will be developed in CATIA MBD and will range from large complex assembly fixtures and forming dies to small close-tolerance inspection check gages. Additionally, the Tool Designer will serve as a technical resource supporting manufacturing with regard to tool usage, tool improvements, and other special projects such as CI and Kaizen events.
Founded in 1849, Ducommun is the oldest company in California. Starting as a hardware supply store during the California Gold Rush and eventually assisted in the birth of the aerospace industry in Southern California by providing aircraft aluminum to early aerospace pioneers like Lindbergh, Douglas and Lockheed.
Today Ducommun is a global provider of innovative manufacturing solutions for customers in the aerospace, defense and industrial markets. We specialize in electronic and structural systems, producing complex products and components for commercial aircraft platforms, mission-critical military and space programs, and sophisticated industrial applications.
Our Facility in Coxsackie, NY manufactures large, complex contoured structural components and assemblies for aerospace and other applications. Our integrated processes include stretch-forming, thermal-forming, chemical processing, precision fabrication, machining, finishing processes, and integration of components into subassemblies.
Why Ducommun?
• Excellent company culture – as recognized by Newsweek’s Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces
• Opportunity for career growth
• Great benefits including paid vacation and sick time, 401K match, Employee Stock Purchase Program, annual bonus plan, and tuition reimbursement
Essential Functions
• The TDT is required to produce designs of tools that are used in the manufacturing aircraft components. Tools and tool families will be modeled using CATIA (3D modeling software) and may include designing an entire family of tools requiring coordination between tool types. The TDT will provide recommendations regarding blank sizes, perform requirements and process development to assist Project and Planner Engineering. The tool designer will be required to support assembly coordination and manufacturing solutions.
• The TDT will work from engineering drawings, 3D CAD models and refer to manuals to gain a thorough understanding of each part. During the preliminary design phase, the TDT is responsible for identifying specifications for each part, materials to be used, expected production volume and what machinery and or equipment that will be used to manufacture the part. Design consideration must include safety requirements and cost.
• Understand the functionality, engineering data and confer with engineering as well as internal/external customers to resolve design problems relative to material characteristics, dimensional tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures and cost.
• Works within an integrated team environment to decide best method regarding Tool Design requirements.
• Reviews all requests for new tools as well as requests for tooling repairs or modifications and recommend best course of action. Will initiate Tool Orders to facilitate fabrication/repair and provide instructions, sketches and engineering drawings/information.
• Applies knowledge of functions and processes of various departments and capabilities of machines and equipment to determine tool requirements and establish a sequence of operations to fabricate and assemble parts.
• May assist in writing work instructions, load sequencing that describes in detail the process steps necessary to assemble components.
• Selects and recommends standard tool items, such as bushings and tool bits, to incorporate into tool design and will modify tool designs to improve tool life or performance.
• Employee may be required to travel to the customer's facility for Program/Schedule reviews.
• Employee will be required to assist in tool fabrication which will require extended visits to shop floor.
• Understands shop floor operations and the characteristics of the material.
• Is familiar with basic Tool Design standards and Assembly methods.
• Designers must also be familiar with production and inspection procedures.
• Trains other employees as requested or required.
• Responsible for the proper handling and management of hazardous waste generated in their work area.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required by the position.
Required Skills & Qualifications
• 3-4 years’ experience in the aircraft manufacturing field is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Computer skills: CATIA or other CAD software, MS Word, Excel, Project and other basic PC skills.
• Knowledge of shop floor operations and the characteristics of the material
• Basic Tool Design Standards and Assembly Methods
• Designers must also be familiar with production and inspection procedures.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk or sit.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
• Must be able to communicate effectively.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
Required Experience/Education/Training/Certifications
• HS Diploma or equivalent required.
• College degree preferred or 3-5 years of practical experience in tool fabrication or manufacturing environment
Work Environment and Safety Equipment Required
• Working conditions are: 80% office and 20% manufacturing environment.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme heat; and risk of electrical shock.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderate and occasionally loud.
• Hearing protection is required in designated areas.
Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled
