R&D Fabricator & Designer

R&D Fabricator/Designer **Smittybilt | Ogden, Utah** # About Smittybilt Smittybilt, established 1956, develops and manufactures automotive aftermarket accessories and equipment designed to enhance vehicle functionality, durability, and performance. Our team is committed to developing innovative, high-quality products that meet the demands of today's vehicles and off-road enthusiasts. # Position Summary The R&D Fabricator/Designer is responsible for supporting the research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and production launch of new automotive aftermarket products. This position combines CAD design, hands-on fabrication, vehicle installation, precision measurement, and technical documentation to bring products from concept to production. The ideal candidate has a general understanding of automotive systems, experience with CAD software, strong attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. This individual must be willing to learn new skills, operate development equipment, and work collaboratively to ensure products meet design specifications, vehicle fitment requirements, and manufacturing tolerances. # Essential Duties and Responsibilities - Create and modify 3D models, engineering drawings, and product designs using SolidWorks. - Maintain and organize engineering files, drawings, and revisions using the PDM Vault system. - Develop prototypes, first articles, and production-ready components through hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and refinement. - Remove original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and install prototype, first-article, and final production parts on vehicles for fitment evaluation and testing. - Use precision measurement tools, including 3D scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional measuring scales, to capture dimensions and verify product specifications. - Evaluate vehicle fitment, component clearances, and potential interference with existing vehicle systems and components. - Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to develop products that balance proper vehicle fitment, manufacturing tolerances, quality, and production efficiency. - Understand and account for modern vehicle technologies, including parking sensors, radar-based adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and other integrated electronic systems that may be affected by aftermarket installations. - Identify design issues, troubleshoot fitment challenges, and recommend practical solutions throughout the product development process. - Develop clear, accurate installation instructions that customers can follow using written steps, technical notes, visual cues, photographs, and illustrations. - Create and update technical documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other product development materials using Microsoft Office applications. - Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other team members to support product development and successful production launches. - Learn and operate new software, machinery, tools, and equipment as needed to support research and development activities. - Maintain an organized and safe work environment while properly caring for company-provided tools and equipment. - Perform additional related duties as needed to support Smittybilt's research and development operations. # Required Skills and Qualifications - Working knowledge of SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design modifications, and engineering drawings. - Familiarity with PDM Vault systems for managing engineering files, revisions, and product documentation. - Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. - Familiarity with Microsoft Publisher or similar tools for creating formatted documents and visual instructions. - Ability to operate precision measuring equipment, including scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional scales. - General automotive knowledge, including vehicle components, mechanical systems, and installation procedures. - Understanding of manufacturing processes, production requirements, and Design for Manufacturing principles. - Ability to evaluate fitment and account for manufacturing tolerances when developing new products. - Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify dimensional, mechanical, and installation-related issues. - Ability to create clear, customer-friendly installation instructions using written explanations and visual documentation. - Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. - Willingness to learn new skills, software, equipment, and fabrication techniques. - Ability and willingness to remove OEM parts and install prototypes, first articles, and production components on vehicles. # Work Environment and Physical Requirements - Work in a combination of office, workshop, fabrication, and vehicle development environments. - Perform hands-on work with automotive components, prototypes, tools, and equipment. - Safely use hand tools, measuring instruments, and development machinery as required. - Perform physical tasks associated with vehicle component removal, installation, and prototype evaluation, with or without reasonable accommodation. - Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized workspace. **Tools and equipment will be provided by Smittybilt.** # Preferred Qualifications - Previous experience in automotive aftermarket product development, fabrication, or mechanical design. - Experience with suspension systems, vehicle modifications, off-road accessories, or automotive component installation. - Familiarity with manufacturing methods, prototype development, and first-article evaluation. - Experience creating technical drawings, assembly documentation, and illustrated installation instructions. - Experience with 3D scanning, reverse engineering, or dimensional inspection. # What Success Looks Like - Designs meet vehicle fitment requirements and are practical to manufacture at production scale. - Prototypes and first articles are evaluated thoroughly, and design issues are identified and resolved efficiently. - Engineering documentation and installation instructions are accurate, complete, and easy to follow. - Product development projects progress efficiently from initial concept through final production. - The individual demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to developing reliable, high-quality products.