Senior Visual Designer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Ward Leonard LLC, 401 Watertown Rd, Thomaston, Connecticut, United States of America

This position supports the Motors Business Unit by handling manufacturing engineering tasks, including creating and maintaining bills of manufacture in the ERP system, designing and sourcing tooling, reviewing drawings for manufacturability, CNC programming, and improving internal manufacturing processes.

• Create and maintain bills of manufacture (engineering masters) in the Visual ERP system.
• Design tools and fixtures, working with logistics to manage in‑house or external manufacturing.
• Troubleshoot shop floor issues by collaborating with manufacturing, QA, logistics, and engineering teams.
• Handle Non‑Conforming Materials (NCM) from both in‑house production and external suppliers.
• Specify and document manufacturing processes to ensure successful part production.
• Review Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and update engineering masters and work orders as needed.
• Research and recommend equipment to meet production and safety requirements.
• Plan and optimize new part processes in collaboration with the CNC manufacturing team.
• Maximize machine efficiency and uptime, aiming for a 90% Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Collect and analyze machine data to identify areas for improvement.
• Use SolidWorks to create operation‑level drawings and prints.
• Read and interpret blueprints using ASME Y14.5 GD&T.
• Troubleshoot and resolve manufacturing issues at both the component and assembly levels.
• Develop work instructions and support Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Assist with estimating labor and material costs for new and existing products.
• Work with CNC and maintenance teams to troubleshoot machine issues and improve performance.
• Make program adjustments in Esprit and write programs when necessary.
• Lead new product integration efforts in the machine shop.

• Develop efficient manufacturing processes, incorporating fail‑safe in‑process inspection methods.
• Design fixtures for both new and existing parts, ensuring optimal manufacturability.
• Create operation sheets and define Key Control Indicators (KCIs) for production processes.
• Set up and program complex jobs on 5‑axis CNC machines.
• Leverage Esprit CAM software for CNC programming.

• Suppliers: Ensure external tooling and fixtures meet specifications and support production needs.
• Sales: Provide technical input on RFQs and customer‑related inquiries.
• Engineering: Collaborate on designs, tooling, testing, and rework recommendations, particularly during new product development.
• Quality Assurance: Partner with QA to review inspection methods and external supplier processes.
• Manufacturing: Work with production teams to resolve issues related to routing, tooling, raw materials, and shop floor processes.
• Materials & Sourcing: Assist purchasing with decisions on in‑house production versus external sourcing.
• Participate in Continuous Improvement Task Teams to refine manufacturing processes.
• Apply new technologies and best practices to reduce production costs.
• Conduct time studies to optimize labor and improve productivity.
• Provide updates and communicate progress or challenges to team leaders.

• Split time between office (50%) and shop floor (50%).
• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, when on the shop floor.
• Occasionally lift to 50 pounds and work near operating machinery.
• Travel to vendor locations for audits or process qualifications as needed.
• Job requires sitting at a desk doing normal office work, including phone communications and using a computer.
• Involves standing and walking in an office and a manufacturing facility.

• Attend relevant training to stay updated on industry trends and improve job performance.
• Assist in training new engineers to ensure smooth transitions and role progression.

• Extensive machining experience preferred.
• Experience with CAD software, particularly SolidWorks.
• Strong understanding of machining processes and best practices.
• Familiarity with rotating machines is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Solid understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T principles.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Experience with ISO standards and Lean Manufacturing (Six Sigma, Kaizen, Kanban, 5S) is a bonus.
• Willingness to travel domestically.

Reports to the Motors Engineering Manager. Ensures that all work is done in accordance with internal and external customer specifications and company policy. Informs Motors Engineering team and ensures awareness of all progress and problems.

Fairbanks Morse Defense offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurances, as well as a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match. Additional benefits include paid time off, paid holidays, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled