ENGINEER - FIXTURE DESIGN

Sansera Engineering Limited

PRIME FUNCTION

To design, develop, validate, and optimize manufacturing solutions including machining fixtures, assembly tooling, inspection systems, special-purpose equipment, and process engineering solutions for Aerospace, Defence, and Semiconductor products, ensuring quality, productivity, process capability, compliance, and cost-effective manufacturing.

Job Description / Responsibilities

Fixture Design & Development

• Design and develop machining, assembly, inspection, welding, and special-purpose fixtures for precision components.
• Develop fixture concepts based on component geometry, process requirements, and manufacturing strategy.
• Review engineering drawings, GD&T requirements, customer specifications, and process plans.
• Design advanced work-holding mechanisms using 3-2-1 principles.
• Prepare 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings, BOMs, and design documentation using CAD software.
• Standardize fixture elements and modular tooling concepts to reduce lead time and cost.
• Selection of right materials for fixtures elements.
  
  

Validation & Manufacturing Support

• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis and fixture validation studies.
• Support fixtures prove-out, machine trials, and production implementation.
• Evaluate fixture performance and implement design improvements based on production feedback.
• Coordinate with NC Programming, Production, Quality, Tool Room, and Manufacturing Engineering teams.
• Support First Article Inspection (FAI), process qualification, and production readiness activities.
  
  

Aerospace, Defence & Semiconductor Requirements

• Design fixtures capable of achieving tight tolerances and minimum setups.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace, defence & semi-conductor quality requirements.
• Develop solutions for complex 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining applications.
• Support precision manufacturing of Aluminium, Titanium, Stainless Steel, Inconel, and Semiconductor materials.
• Implement poka-yoke and fool proofing concepts to minimize setup and quality risks.
  
  

Continuous Improvement

• Drive fixture standardization and modularization initiatives.
• Improve accessibility, ergonomics, setup reduction, and machining productivity.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for fixture-related issues.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and process optimization.
• Maintain engineering records, revision control, and documentation.
  
  

AUTHORITY

• Recommend fixture concepts, clamping methods, material selection and design improvements.
• Approve fixture design modifications within assigned responsibilities.
• Coordinate fixture trials and validation activities.
• Escalate technical concerns and design risks to the Engineering Manager.
• Recommend corrective and preventive actions for fixture-related issues.
  
  

JOB SPECIFICATION / COMPETENCY

Educational Qualification

• BE / B.Tech / Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Tool Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or equivalent.
  
  

Experience

• 3–6 years of experience in Fixture Design, Tool Design, Manufacturing Engineering, or Precision Manufacturing.
• Exposure to Aerospace, Defence, Semiconductor, Automotive, or Precision Engineering industries.
  
  

Technical Competencies

• Strong knowledge of fixture design principles and work-holding concepts.
• Expertise in 3-2-1 locating principles and geometric constraint methods.
• Knowledge of CNC machining processes (3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis).
• Proficiency in CAD software such as:
• Siemens NX, CATIA V5/V6, Creo, SolidWorks
• Strong understanding of:
• GD&T, Engineering drawings, Tolerance stack-up analysis, DFM/DFA concepts
• Knowledge of fixture components:
• Locators, Clamps, Hydraulic/Pneumatic systems, Zero-point clamping systems, Modular tooling systems
• Familiarity with Aerospace quality systems such as: AS9100, NADCAP
• Working knowledge of Teamcenter, ERP/SAP and engineering change management systems.
  

Behavioural Competencies

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Innovation and creativity in fixture concepts.
• Attention to detail and technical accuracy.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Project management and prioritization skills.
• Ownership and accountability.
• Continuous improvement mindset
  
  

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• On-time release of fixture designs.
• First-time-right fixture validation success rate.
• Reduction in setup time and machining downtime.
• Improvement in process capability (Cp / Cpk).
• Reduction in fixture-related quality issues.
• Cost savings through fixture standardization.
• Successful support of NPI/NPD programs.
• Customer and internal stakeholder satisfaction.
• Compliance with quality and audit requirements.
• Contribution to productivity and continuous improvement initiatives.
  
  

Skills

Competencies

Adapting to Change

Collaboration and Team building

Communicating Effectively

Attentive Listening

Delivering High Quality Work