Manufacturing Designer

Description The Manufacturing Designer is a hands-on position that can create CAD prints, plan the processing for new parts, and build accurate, cost conscious estimates. This role will translate quotations into machine routing programs and tooling to help operators produce finished parts efficiently and consistently. This position is ideal for someone with functional CAD skills (SolidWorks preferred), strong attention to detail, and a practical understanding of how parts move through a shop. Key Responsibilities Review customer specs, drawings, and tolerances to determine processing steps. Design the manufacturing process for new parts (sequence of operations) to meet requirements. Prepare item cost estimates based on customer drawings, specs and tolerances while considering material yield, machine time, labor and setup. Identify ways to minimize cost (material selection, nesting, setup reduction, process simplification). Collaborate with sales/production to finalize lead times and pricing. Create CAD prints and markups as needed for quoting and production. Generate simple BOMs and routings for production handoff. Maintain clean documentation for revision control and repeatability. Other duties as assigned.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Fluency in English, both written and oral, is required. Ability to read and write reports, business correspondence, and customary business documents.

TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS

Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to analyze and interpret general business or financial reports, professional journals, or technical procedures furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. Design/Engineering Bachelor/Associate degree preferred. CAD proficiency (SolidWorks preferred). Ability to estimate cost using process steps, material usage, and time standards. Microsoft Excel experience. Detail-oriented, organized, and able to follow through from estimate to production launch. Clear communication with sales, production, and operators. Preferred experience with foam processing (e.g., skiving, die cutting, laminating, CNC routing). Preferred experience with manufacturing workflows. Preferred exposure to CNC programming and G code basics. Preferred familiarity with ERP/MRP systems. Benefits Competitive PTO 401(k) Match Health, Life, Dental, and Vision insurance Flexible Spending Account On-the-job training Opportunities for advancement Employee Assistance Program Referral Program Employee Discount Program Financial Wellness Program About American Excelsior Company Since 1888, American Excelsior Company has manufactured and distributed products for packaging, cushioning, engineered foam specialties, erosion control, and a wide variety of engineered wood fibers. AEC's nationwide manufacturing and distribution capabilities ensure efficient delivery from 7 manufacturing plants across the country. Offers for newly hired individuals are contingent on an acceptable result of a Pre-Employment Drug & Alcohol Test, Audiogram, and Background Check. American Excelsior is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. American Excelsior makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.