Design Technician

Company Overview For over 40 years, American Aluminum Accessories (a Gamber-Johnson Company) has been a leader in precision aluminum fabrication. We proudly serve law enforcement, military, and commercial clients with high-quality, American-made products—including K9 transport units, prisoner containment systems, and custom storage solutions. Built on a foundation of craftsmanship, innovation, and people-first values, we're proud to support those who serve and protect—starting with our own team. Job Summary The Design Technician provides primary engineering and technical support for production operations while assisting with product design, development, and improvement activities. This role works closely with production, sales, and engineering teams to ensure accurate drawings, nesting files, and technical documentation are created and maintained. Production support is the primary responsibility of this role and includes troubleshooting manufacturing issues, maintaining engineering data within the ERP system, and supporting shop floor operations. The Production Support Technician also contributes to prototype work, product improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring designs and documentation remain manufacturable, cost effective, and aligned with company standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Provide primary technical support for production operations, including troubleshooting manufacturing issues and supporting shop floor needs. Generate and maintain nesting programs for punch press sheet metal manufacturing. Create and maintain detailed drawings, models, and technical documentation using CAD software. Manage and maintain engineering data within the ERP system (NetSuite) including item records, bills of materials, and engineering changes. Support engineering and production teams with product updates, revisions, and documentation improvements. Work closely with production teams to ensure designs are optimized for punch and sheet metal forming processes. Assist in troubleshooting design or production issues and recommend practical solutions. Maintain accurate records of drawing revisions, specifications, nesting files, and related documentation. Support prototype development, testing, and evaluation. Participate in hands on R&D activities, including prototype design, testing, and product validation when required. Coordinate with purchasing and production to confirm material specifications, tolerances, and manufacturability. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency and product quality. The information above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Qualifications Experience working in manufacturing, fabrication, engineering support, or technical production environments preferred. Experience with CAD/CAM software preferred. Experience with SolidWorks and JetCam is beneficial but not required. Ability and willingness to learn new engineering and manufacturing software systems is required. Experience supporting sheet metal manufacturing environments preferred. Experience working with ERP systems (NetSuite preferred) for engineering data management. Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as sheet metal punching, forming, and assembly is beneficial. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications. Strong problem solving and analytical skills. Good communication and collaboration skills. Skills and Competencies CAD modeling and drawing creation CAM nesting for punch press manufacturing ERP / NetSuite data management Technical documentation and revision control Manufacturing process understanding Production troubleshooting and support Comfortable working in detail-oriented environments requiring precision and accuracy Project coordination Problem solving and troubleshooting Work Environment Combination of office and production floor work supporting manufacturing operations. Some responsibilities require hands on involvement with prototypes, testing, and product development activities. Some field support travel will be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

It is our policy that there be no discrimination in employment based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person