Design Engineer - R&D (Automation) 1st Shift

White Bear Lake, MN - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 85 - 107

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

SUMMARY
A Design Engineer R&D (Automation) combines expertise in mechanical/tooling design with automation technologies to drive innovation in automated tooling systems production processes and advanced manufacturing solutions. This position plays a pivotal role in designing developing and implementing next-generation tooling solutions that leverage automation to improve efficiency precision reducing costs and delivering high-performance automated tooling solutions for our customers.

This role will combine strong mechanical design expertise with knowledge of automation technologies including robotics sensors and control systems to create innovative tooling solutions tailored for high-performance sheet metal manufacturing environments. Beyond design work this role requires collaboration across multiple disciplinesworking closely with electrical engineers embedded systems engineers and production teamsto ensure seamless integration of automated systems into customers tooling and production lines.

This position will make a significant impact on Wilson Tools R&D initiatives by driving automation innovation through a passion for exploring new technologies solving complex engineering challenges and contributing to the companys vision of advancing automated tooling solutions in line with Industry 4.0.

This position offers the opportunity to directly influence Wilson Tools R&D roadmap working at the intersection of tooling innovation and automation to push the boundaries of whats possible in modern manufacturing.

A Design Engineer R&D (Automation) at Wilson Tool will:

Lead automation-driven design projects that enhance tooling performance and manufacturing productivity.
Integrate robotics sensors and control systems into tooling designs to achieve higher precision and consistency.
Support Industry 4.0 initiatives by applying smart manufacturing technologies to tooling solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation & Tooling Development
- Develop and design automation-enabled tooling solutions to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Integrate mechanical pneumatic hydraulic and/or robotic systems into tooling designs.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models assemblies and 2D technical drawings with automation specifications
- Conduct design reviews tolerance analyses and validation of tooling designs.
R&D Innovation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for product innovation.
- Research and evaluate emerging automation technologies including robotics sensors and control systems for integration into tooling solutions.
- Prototype and test automated tooling concepts to validate functionality and efficiency improvements.
- Contribute to the development of smart manufacturing initiatives including Industry 4.0 applications.
Testing & Validation
- Plan and execute design validation through simulations prototyping and real-world testing.
- Troubleshoot and optimize automation components for performance reliability and safety.
- Collaborate with electrical and embedded systems engineers and software specialists to ensure seamless system integration.
- Support prototype builds testing and performance evaluations.
- Iterate designs based on test outcomes and customer feedback.
Manufacturing Support
- Work closely with production teams to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
- Provide engineering support for process improvements and tooling optimization.
- Support customer-facing teams by providing technical expertise in automated tooling systems.
Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including design records and reports.
- Engages in and actively volunteers for Continuous Improvement projects/tasks.
- Participates in and sustains 5S.
- Miscellaneous duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Automation Engineering or related field.
35 years of experience in design engineering preferably in tooling or automated manufacturing systems.
Hands-on experience with automation technologies (robotics sensors PLC integration etc.).
Background in R&D or product development is highly desirable.
Minimum of 3 - 5 years SolidWorks CAD software experience required.
Knowledge of automation hardware (actuators pneumatics robotics) and control systems.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining stamping forming and heat treatment.
Solid knowledge with GD&T FEA and materials engineering.
Ability to work quickly and accurately & communicate as part of a team.
Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
SAP experience helpful.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work independently and in teams.
Good interpersonal communication skills at all levels and strong written and oral communication skills
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes the initiative to identify areas of opportunity and act.
Willingness to work outside your comfort zone and learn new things.
Competence in computer applications including Microsoft Office and the ability to use technology as a decision-support tool.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office and manufacturing environment.

WORK SCHEDULE
Full-time; core-business hours or determined by business needs.

TRAVEL
Travel required on occasion.

COMPENSATION
Exempt $85005 - $107902 DOQ

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

SUMMARYA Design Engineer R&D (Automation) combines expertise in mechanical/tooling design with automation technologies to drive innovation in automated tooling systems production processes and advanced manufacturing solutions. This position plays a pivotal role in designing developing and implement...

Lead automation-driven design projects that enhance tooling performance and manufacturing productivity.
Integrate robotics sensors and control systems into tooling designs to achieve higher precision and consistency.
Support Industry 4.0 initiatives by applying smart manufacturing technologies to tooling solutions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Automation & Tooling Development
- Develop and design automation-enabled tooling solutions to optimize manufacturing processes.
- Integrate mechanical pneumatic hydraulic and/or robotic systems into tooling designs.
- Create detailed 3D CAD models assemblies and 2D technical drawings with automation specifications
- Conduct design reviews tolerance analyses and validation of tooling designs.
R&D Innovation
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for product innovation.
- Research and evaluate emerging automation technologies including robotics sensors and control systems for integration into tooling solutions.
- Prototype and test automated tooling concepts to validate functionality and efficiency improvements.
- Contribute to the development of smart manufacturing initiatives including Industry 4.0 applications.
Testing & Validation
- Plan and execute design validation through simulations prototyping and real-world testing.
- Troubleshoot and optimize automation components for performance reliability and safety.
- Collaborate with electrical and embedded systems engineers and software specialists to ensure seamless system integration.
- Support prototype builds testing and performance evaluations.
- Iterate designs based on test outcomes and customer feedback.
Manufacturing Support
- Work closely with production teams to ensure manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
- Provide engineering support for process improvements and tooling optimization.
- Support customer-facing teams by providing technical expertise in automated tooling systems.
Documentation & Compliance
- Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including design records and reports.
- Engages in and actively volunteers for Continuous Improvement projects/tasks.
- Participates in and sustains 5S.
- Miscellaneous duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering Mechatronics Automation Engineering or related field.
35 years of experience in design engineering preferably in tooling or automated manufacturing systems.
Hands-on experience with automation technologies (robotics sensors PLC integration etc.).
Background in R&D or product development is highly desirable.
Minimum of 3 - 5 years SolidWorks CAD software experience required.
Knowledge of automation hardware (actuators pneumatics robotics) and control systems.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining stamping forming and heat treatment.
Solid knowledge with GD&T FEA and materials engineering.
Ability to work quickly and accurately & communicate as part of a team.
Attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
SAP experience helpful.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work independently and in teams.
Good interpersonal communication skills at all levels and strong written and oral communication skills
The ideal candidate is a self-starter who takes the initiative to identify areas of opportunity and act.
Willingness to work outside your comfort zone and learn new things.
Competence in computer applications including Microsoft Office and the ability to use technology as a decision-support tool.