Level 3 Communications, Inc

Manufacturing Tool Designer

Level 3 Communications, Inc$80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree or Graduate Degree with relevant experience or 6+ years of related experience without a degree.
  • Proficient in CAD software, particularly PTC Creo, with familiarity in other CAD tools.
  • Expertise in creating and managing engineering drawings using a PDM system.
  • Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
  • Knowledge of ASME drafting standards and materials including metals and plastics.
  • Previous manufacturing and CNC programming experience highly preferred.
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop parts and tooling for diverse manufacturing processes.
  • Collaborate with Design Engineers and R&D teams to create space-grade products.
  • Participate in design reviews and support documentation processes.
  • Conduct material selection and generate detailed CAD drawings and BOMs.
  • Facilitate clear communication among project stakeholders.
  • Ensure accuracy and manufacturability of engineering designs.

Benefits

  • 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off.
  • Opportunities for cross-training within the department.
  • Collaborative team environment promoting effective communication.
  • Access to advanced manufacturing resources and technologies.
  • Support for professional growth and development through mentorship.
Full Job Description
Job Title: Manufacturing Tool Designer

Job Code: 42760

Job Location: Palm Bay, FL

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off)

Job Description:

Supports the development of custom tooling solutions for Electronics Manufacturing, Environmental Test, Mechanical Ground Support Equipment (MGSE), shipping containers, space antennas, and satellite systems while ensuring compliance with customer requirements, contractual specifications, and industry standards. Provides critical CAD and engineering documentation support to the Tooling Design Engineering team by developing detailed Creo 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and product documentation required for successful tooling development and manufacturing execution. Applies engineering principles, including Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) and drawing standards (ASME Y14.5 / ASME Y14.100), to create clear, accurate, and manufacturable documentation. Responsible for managing drawing updates, approvals, and releases through Product Data Management (PDM) systems while ensuring accuracy, configuration control, and compliance with engineering standards. Partners closely with Tooling Design Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, and cross-functional teams to support design activities, resolve technical challenges, and recommend practical solutions. Assists with design integration, documentation updates, troubleshooting, engineering changes, and product development activities to ensure tooling and mechanical solutions meet requirements for performance, quality, schedule, and manufacturability. Partners with the department's Additive Manufacturing Lab to evaluate form, fit, and function, enabling early design validation and accelerated development. Works closely with the department's Machine Shop to transition tooling designs into fabricated hardware, assisting with tool assembly and providing technical guidance throughout the manufacturing process to ensure custom tooling is produced in accordance with engineering intent. Builds strong internal customer relationships through effective communication, teamwork, and a proactive approach to problem solving. Works collaboratively with Engineering, Manufacturing, Machine Shop, and AM Lab personnel, participates in cross-training opportunities, and contributes to a positive team environment through a professional attitude, adaptability, and willingness to support department goals.

Essential Functions:
• Responsible for the design and development of parts (using Creo), tooling, and fixtures to support various manufacturing processes at L3Harris
• Generate innovative designs by working with Design Engineers, internal program groups, Research and Development teams, and other areas of Engineering and Operations, where products are designed for use in space, aerospace, and ground applications
• Support meetings and peer design reviews with Design Engineers and program team members
• Document the design by performing material selection, creating CAD parts and assemblies, detailed drawings, bills of materials, drawing release, part fabrication, part inspection, integration, and verification of product performance
• Frequent communication required with design staff, Design Engineers, and program and department team members
• Produce precise, detail-oriented engineering designs and documentation

Qualifications:
• Bachelor's Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience; Or, Graduate Degree or equivalent with 0 to 2 years of prior related experience; Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 6 years of prior related experience
• Experience with CAD software: PTC Creo (preferred), Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, etc.
• Expert in drawing creation, release, and revision skills using a Product Data Management system
• Advanced understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Working knowledge of industry and military drafting standards and practices, specifically ASME Y[redacted] and ASME Y14100
• Advanced knowledge of materials: aluminum, stainless steels, plastics, and additive manufacturing materials
• Advanced knowledge of fasteners and mechanical hardware
• Previous manufacturing, CNC programming, and machining experience
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:
• Experience with PTC Creo 80 (60 or higher) and Windchill (110 preferred)
• Ability to mentor and guide other design staff on CAD and drawing best practices
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical shop operations and technology, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, plating processes, and painting
• Previous manufacturing and machining experience
• Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFM/DFMA) experience
• Experience coordinating or performing hardware installation, tooling assembly, fit checks, verification
• Experience coordinating or supporting the procurement of tools and hardware
• Knowledge of mechanical shop operations and technology, including machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding, plating processes, and painting
• Experience with AutoCAD
• Experience with additive manufacturing / rapid prototyping techniques and equipment: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), 3D printing, etc
• Possess a high level of initiative and willingness to learn
• Strong sense of responsibility, ownership, and follow-through
• Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Ability to multitask, work with team members, and independently research design solutions

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