Laboratory Tooling Designer

Location: Elgin, IL

Salary Range: $ 65,000.00 to $ 74,000.00

About SKF:

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Required Language:

Ability to speak (conversational), read, and write in English.

Education:

Associate in Engineering Science (AES) degree or minimum 3rd year undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

Key Qualifications:

• Tool Design.
• CAD & Analysis: High proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo Parametric (preferred), SolidWorks, or Autocad).
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance analysis.
• Materials & Manufacturing: Knowledge of machining processes, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and materials science.
• Strong understanding Of Machine Shop processes and materials, including knowledge of machining and fabrication techniques.

General Knowledge needs:

• Ability to design, create, and approve CAD drawings and assembly models; prior experience with CREO Parametric 10.0 is a plus.
• Advanced mechanical skills.
• Capable of using precision measurement instruments.
• Ability to create written instructions.
• Basic knowledge of sealing technology is a plus but not required.
• Basic understanding of PLC programming and VFD control is a plus but not required.
• Basic knowledge of calibration and verification activities is a plus but not required.
• Six Sigma green belt certification is a plus but not required.

Hard Skills needs:

• Skilled in basic use of Microsoft Office software (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Active use of analytical thinking.
• Read, understand, and create mechanical drawings.
• Design Optimization.
• Drafting Standards. GD&T knowledge is a plus (Y14.5)

Soft Skills needs:

• High integrity, highly responsible, methodical, and open-minded.
• Good coordination, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Organization.
• Adaptability.
• Customer and result oriented.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team and to work on an interdisciplinary base.
• Driven by continuous improvement and self-development.

Duties:

• Design & Modeling: Create detailed 2D/3D CAD models and production drawings for lab test stations and tooling.
• Fixturing & Workholding: Develop specialized jigs and fixtures to hold, assemble, or test components.
• Product lifecycle management (PLM): Interact with data management software to create, revise, and manage part drawings.
• Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, technicians, and vendors to ensure tools meet rigorous operational, safety, and precision standards.
• Specification & Procurement: Select appropriate engineering materials, manage Bill of Materials (BOMs), and oversee the fabrication or sourcing of tools.
• Verification: Develop methods and work standards to validate that the designed tooling performs accurately under laboratory conditions in compliance with quality standards and customer specifications.
• Management of tooling stock: Responsible for design, supplier RFQs, quote comparison, vendor choice, purchasing activities (purchase requisitions, purchase orders, and receipts), receiving inspection, non-conformance management, and vendor corrective actions for the procurement of tooling used to mount test samples onto machinery.  Additionally, inventory control of the stock tooling to 5S standards (right part in the right quantity at the right place in the right time).
• Promote improvements and development of product/techniques based on observations from test results.
• Perform testing on prototypes, existing, and competitor products based on test procedures and instructions on test request.
  • Setup up test samples on machines using dial indicators and gauges
  • Program test cycles into machine programmers to run cyclic test schedules.
  • Monitor and collect test data using data acquisition systems.
  • Maintain accurate daily logs of temperature, oil leakage, etc. as defined by test request.
  • For environmental tests, maintain all auxiliary test equipment throughout the duration of the test.

• Perform routine maintenance of lab test equipment and tools.
• Participate in SKF's safety practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Actively nourish a culture of continuous improvement to improve the efficiency of the laboratory activities in the interest of SKF (Familiar with: Maintenance excellence program, 5S, VSM is a plus, but not required).
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and instructions for efficient use of the laboratories equipment and facilities to ensure reliability, accuracy, and traceability of the results (Familiar with the Lab quality systems: ISO 9001, ISO 17025 is a plus, but not required).
• Other activities as directed by Lab Management.

Environment:

• Industrial Laboratory: Shop floor and office settings.
• Required safety equipment: Safety glasses with side shields; Safety-toe shoes; Hearing protection.
• Potential chemical exposures: Contact with engineered rubber products; Industrial lubricants (i.e. hydraulics, oil, grease); Contaminants (i.e. mud, dust, salt, fertilizer).

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation.

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more!

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.