Fixture Builder (Upgrader)

About us

Sharp Tooling Solutions is a leading full-service supplier for the aerospace, automotive, and defense industries, specializing in the design and construction of checking fixtures and tooling. We are an AS9100 accredited organization interrelated with Sharp Tooling Solutions System (STS OPS), a foundation of culture-focused employees who value teamwork, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Our team is known for its dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

About the role

The Fixture Builder (Upgrader) is responsible for enhancing and refining the building of fixtures, tooling, and assemblies with a focus on precision, process improvements, and high-quality results. This role requires skills in interpreting complex blueprints, optimizing design and fabrication methods, and ensuring that all fixtures meet stringent specifications with minimal errors. The ideal candidate will work autonomously to build fixtures, troubleshoot design issues, and lead improvements in efficiency and quality while ensuring the smooth operation of tooling from initial build through final certification.

Key Responsibilities:

• Blueprint and Design Analysis: Examine and assess blueprints of parts to be upgraded for tooling, ensuring a deep understanding of design specifications and the ability to anticipate potential design flaws or inaccuracies that could affect the build.
• Upgrading Fixture Builds: Utilize advanced measuring tools such as micrometers, calipers, indicators, and height gauges to make fine adjustments to existing fixtures and tooling, ensuring they meet precise tolerances and functionality. Perform enhancements to existing tools, improving their performance and precision.
• Advanced Machine Setup and Operation: Set up and operate various machine tools (lathes, Bridgeport, grinders, etc.) with minimal supervision to modify, upgrade, and refine tooling components. Demonstrate proficiency in selecting and applying the most effective techniques and equipment to meet updated specifications.
• Optimizing Fit and Alignment: Review and fine-tune the assembly of tooling components to improve fit, alignment, and conformance to advanced specifications. Ensure all upgraded tooling systems meet stringent quality standards.
• Efficient Assembly and Modification: Assemble components using fasteners (bolts, pins, screws) or other methods, ensuring assembly is both durable and optimized for performance. Continuously look for ways to streamline assembly processes and reduce cycle times.
• Surface and Finish Enhancement: Upgrade surfaces and finishes by grinding, polishing, or sanding to eliminate defects, refine the overall build, and prepare components for final production stages.
• Documentation and Communication: Maintain clear and precise documentation of all upgrades and improvements, communicating updates and any irregularities to relevant teams across shifts. Collaborate to maintain continuity in the build process and identify areas for process improvement.
• Safety and Best Practices: Ensure compliance with safety procedures, regulatory standards, and best practices, with a focus on ITAR/FOD requirements for aerospace-related tooling. Actively contribute to a safe working environment by adhering to and enhancing safety protocols.
• Continuous Improvement and Ownership: Take proactive ownership of the upgrade process, continuously exploring and implementing opportunities to add value. Lead efforts to improve tooling effectiveness and reduce waste, helping to meet the organization’s goals for efficiency and product quality.
• Physical and Operational Flexibility: Adapt to evolving job duties as needed. Perform physical tasks associated with tooling upgrades and fixture modifications, contributing to an efficient workflow.

Key Skills and Qualifications:

• Technical Skills: Proficient in reading complex blueprints, specifications, and 3D drawings. Strong understanding of trigonometry (Sine-Cosine-Tangent) for accurate measurement and alignment.
• Precision Measurement: Experience in using precision instruments like micrometers, calipers, height gauges, and indicators to detect minute deviations and correct them during the build process.
• Machining and Tooling Expertise: Experience with proto-track systems, surface grinders, lathes, and Bridgeport equipment. Skilled at making precise adjustments and modifications to tools and fixtures.
• Independent Operation: Capable of completing fixture builds from start to finish with minimal supervision, while ensuring high-quality results and timely completion of projects.
• Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting: Able to detect and resolve issues in drawings or tooling designs early in the process, minimizing delays and errors in certification departments.
• Timeliness and Reliability: Consistently meets deadlines for fixture builds, with minimal rework required in the certification phase.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to detect and address potential issues early in the build process to ensure a smooth handoff to the certification department.
• Comfort with both independent and collaborative work environments.
• A focus on continuous self-improvement and staying current with industry best practices for fixture building and tooling upgrades.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or a combination of relevant experience that will allow successful performance of job expectations.
• This position must meet Export Control compliance requirements; therefore, it is required that the candidate must be a “US Person” as defined by 22. C.F.R. §.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Prescription drug insurance
• Profit sharing
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Night shift

Ability to Commute:

• Romeo, MI 48065 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20 - $30