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Forkardt Hardinge

Job Title: Design Engineer I
 
Department: Engineering/Manufacturing
 
Location: Forkardt Hardinge – Elmira NY (Onsite)
 
Shift: 1st Shift
 
Employment Type: Full-Time
 
Exemption Status: Exempt
 
Company Overview
 
Forkardt Hardinge is a leading provider of precision manufacturing solutions and tooling systems. We are committed to delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to our customers in the machining and manufacturing industries. Our team is dedicated to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. At our Elmira location, we specialize in Workholding solutions. We offer a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can contribute to cutting-edge projects and grow your career.
 
Position Overview
 
The Design–Manufacturing Liaison serves as the critical link between the Engineering/Design team and Manufacturing Operations. This role ensures that Workholding products, including fixtures, vises, chucks, custom tooling, and modular clamping systems, move smoothly from concept through production. The Liaison translates design intent into manufacturable solutions, resolves technical issues on the shop floor, and supports continuous improvement initiatives related to manufacturability, quality, and cost efficiency
 
Key Responsibilities
 
Design–Manufacturing Coordination
 
Communicate design intent, technical specifications, and engineering changes to manufacturing teams.
 
Collaborate with design engineers to review drawings, models, and tolerance schemes to ensure manufacturability.
 
Provide feedback and recommendations to optimize designs for CNC machining, assembly, and inspection processes.
 
Assist in developing and refining work instructions, process documentation, and tooling strategies for new products.
 
New Product Introduction (NPI)
 
Facilitate smooth handoff of prototypes and new Workholding products into production.
 
Participate in design reviews, manufacturability assessments, and pilot runs.
 
Identify risks in early project stages and propose corrective or preventive actions.
 
Technical Support on Shop Floor
 
Troubleshoot design-related manufacturing issues, including tolerance stack-ups, material selection, fit/form/function, and machining methods.
 
Work directly with machinists, toolmakers, and quality technicians to interpret complex drawings and GD&T requirements.
 
Recommend process improvements or fixture modifications to enhance repeatability and efficiency.
 
Quality & Continuous Improvement
 
Collaborate with Quality to address nonconformances, implement root-cause analysis, and drive corrective actions.
 
Support continuous improvement efforts targeting cycle time, scrap/rework reduction, cost savings, and improved product reliability.
 
Ensure compliance with engineering standards, Workholding performance requirements, safety regulations, and ISO/AS quality systems.
 
Cross-Functional Collaboration
 
Serve as a communication hub between Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Project Management.
 
Coordinate with suppliers regarding manufacturability concerns, special processes, or deviations.
 
Support customer-facing teams with technical insight on Workholding products when needed.
 
Qualifications
 
Required
 
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience in a machining/manufacturing environment.
 
Strong understanding of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, and assembly processes.
 
Proficiency in interpreting engineering drawings, 3D models, and GD&T.
 
Hands-on experience with metalworking materials such as tool steels, aluminum, hardened components, and precision ground features.
 
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
 
Preferred
 
Experience in workholding, tooling, fixtures, or precision mechanical products.
 
Knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion, Creo, etc.).
 
Familiarity with CAM considerations and manufacturing ERP/MRP systems.
 
Experience participating in DFMA, Lean, Six Sigma, or similar programs.
 
Work Environment
 
Split between engineering office and manufacturing floor.
 
Collaboration with machinists, engineers, quality staff, and project teams.
 
Travel between Michigan and New York required
 
Compensation and Benefits
 
Pay Range: $60,000-$70,000 (depending on experience)
 
Comprehensive benefits package including: 
Health insurance
 
Life insurance
 
401(k) retirement plan
 
Paid time off
 
Paid holidays
 
Long-term disability insurance
 
Work Environment
 
Location: This position is onsite at our Elmira, NY facility
 
Forkardt Hardinge Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Veteran/Disability

Design Engineer I

Join Forkardt Hardinge and explore 1   exciting career opportunities. They're hiring for various roles with options for remote or on-site work. Apply today and become part of their innovative team.

Forkardt Hardinge

ABOUT_COMPANY

Design Engineer I