R&D Fabricator & Designer

Job Details: Job Location: Readylift

• Ogden, UT, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: Undisclosed, R&D Fabricator/Designer Smittybilt | Ogden, Utah About Smittybilt Smittybilt, established 1956, develops and manufactures automotive aftermarket accessories and equipment designed to enhance vehicle functionality, durability, and performance. Our team is committed to developing innovative, high-quality products that meet the demands of today's vehicles and off-road enthusiasts.

Position Summary

The R&D Fabricator/Designer is responsible for supporting the research, design, development, fabrication, testing, and production launch of new automotive aftermarket products. This position combines CAD design, hands-on fabrication, vehicle installation, precision measurement, and technical documentation to bring products from concept to production.

The ideal candidate has a general understanding of automotive systems, experience with CAD software, strong attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. This individual must be willing to learn new skills, operate development equipment, and work collaboratively to ensure products meet design specifications, vehicle fitment requirements, and manufacturing tolerances.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Create and modify 3D models, engineering drawings, and product designs using Solid. Works. Maintain and organize engineering files, drawings, and revisions using the PDM Vault system. Develop prototypes, first articles, and production-ready components through hands-on fabrication, assembly, testing, and refinement. Remove original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components and install prototype, first-article, and final production parts on vehicles for fitment evaluation and testing.

Use precision measurement tools, including 3D scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional measuring scales, to capture dimensions and verify product specifications. Evaluate vehicle fitment, component clearances, and potential interference with existing vehicle systems and components. Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to develop products that balance proper vehicle fitment, manufacturing tolerances, quality, and production efficiency.

Understand and account for modern vehicle technologies, including parking sensors, radar-based adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and other integrated electronic systems that may be affected by aftermarket installations. Identify design issues, troubleshoot fitment challenges, and recommend practical solutions throughout the product development process.

Develop clear, accurate installation instructions that customers can follow using written steps, technical notes, visual cues, photographs, and illustrations. Create and update technical documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and other product development materials using Microsoft Office applications. Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other team members to support product development and successful production launches.

Learn and operate new software, machinery, tools, and equipment as needed to support research and development activities. Maintain an organized and safe work environment while properly caring for company-provided tools and equipment. Perform additional related duties as needed to support Smittybilt's research and development operations.

Qualifications

Required Skills

and Qualifications Working knowledge of Solid. Works for 3D modeling, design modifications, and engineering drawings. Familiarity with PDM Vault systems for managing engineering files, revisions, and product documentation. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Microsoft Publisher or similar tools for creating formatted documents and visual instructions.

Ability to operate precision measuring equipment, including scanners, micrometers, calipers, gauges, and fractional scales. General automotive knowledge, including vehicle components, mechanical systems, and installation procedures. Understanding of manufacturing processes, production requirements, and Design for Manufacturing principles.

Ability to evaluate fitment and account for manufacturing tolerances when developing new products. Strong attention to detail and the ability to identify dimensional, mechanical, and installation-related issues. Ability to create clear, customer-friendly installation instructions using written explanations and visual documentation.

Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. Willingness to learn new skills, software, equipment, and fabrication techniques. Ability and willingness to remove OEM parts and install prototypes, first articles, and production components on vehicles. Work Environment and Physical Requirements Work in a combination of office, workshop, fabrication, and vehicle development environments.

Perform hands-on work with automotive components, prototypes, tools, and equipment. Safely use hand tools, measuring instruments, and development machinery as required. Perform physical tasks associated with vehicle component removal, installation, and prototype evaluation, with or without reasonable accommodation. Follow established safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized workspace.

Tools and equipment will be provided by Smittybilt.

Preferred Qualifications

Previous experience in automotive aftermarket product development, fabrication, or mechanical design. Experience with suspension systems, vehicle modifications, off-road accessories, or automotive component installation. Familiarity with manufacturing methods, prototype development, and first-article evaluation. Experience creating technical drawings, assembly documentation, and illustrated installation instructions.

Experience with 3D scanning, reverse engineering, or dimensional inspection. What Success Looks Like Designs meet vehicle fitment requirements and are practical to manufacture at production scale. Prototypes and first articles are evaluated thoroughly, and design issues are identified and resolved efficiently. Engineering documentation and installation instructions are accurate, complete, and easy to follow.

Product development projects progress efficiently from initial concept through final production. The individual demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to developing reliable, high-quality products.