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Spline Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Creative Designer

$104K - $111K/yr

Design and prototype the subtle moments of delight-fluid button states, haptic feedback pairings ... Spline, or Cinema4D). * Visionary & Autonomous Execution: As a Staff-level designer, you possess ...

Design and order tooling, including holding fixtures, quench plugs and dies, spline and functional gages, gear cutters, and gear grind wheels. * Read schematics/prints, follow procedures, and apply ...

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Spline Design information

See salary details

$80.5K

$139.4K

$182.5K

How much do spline design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for spline design in the United States is $139,368.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $136,000.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Spline Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Spline Designer, you need a strong background in industrial design, CAD modeling, and understanding of geometry and manufacturing processes, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in design software such as Autodesk Alias, Rhino, or Siemens NX, and knowledge of spline modeling tools are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with engineers and clients to meet precise design requirements. These skills ensure the creation of accurate, manufacturable, and aesthetically pleasing products that meet project specifications and industry standards.

What is the difference between Spline Design vs CAD Designer?

AspectSpline DesignCAD Designer
Required CredentialsTechnical training in spline modeling, CAD software proficiencyDegree in engineering, architecture, or related field; CAD software skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceArchitectural firms, manufacturing, engineering companies
Industry UsageSpecialized in creating spline-based models for complex surfacesBroader CAD applications including 2D/3D drafting and modeling

While both roles involve computer-aided design, Spline Design focuses specifically on creating and manipulating spline-based models for complex surfaces, often in automotive or aerospace industries. CAD Designers have a broader scope, working on various types of digital models across multiple industries. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and skill requirements in the design field.

What are spline designers?

Spline designers are professionals who specialize in creating and refining spline curves and surfaces, which are smooth, flexible mathematical shapes commonly used in computer-aided design (CAD), animation, and engineering. They use specialized software to generate and manipulate these curves for various applications, such as automotive design, animation rigging, and industrial modeling. Spline designers must have a strong understanding of geometry, mathematics, and design principles to ensure the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.

What are the typical challenges faced by spline designers when collaborating with cross-functional teams in product development?

Spline designers often work closely with engineers, product managers, and manufacturing teams to ensure precise integration of spline components into larger assemblies. Common challenges include reconciling design intent with manufacturability, adapting to evolving project requirements, and communicating technical specifications clearly across disciplines. Successful spline designers actively participate in design reviews, use CAD tools to share visualizations, and remain flexible to accommodate feedback from multiple stakeholders. Building strong communication channels helps streamline the collaboration process and ensures the final product meets both functional and production standards.
More about Spline Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Spline Design jobs? Cities with the most Spline Design job openings:
What states have the most Spline Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Spline Design jobs include:
Infographic showing various Spline Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 53% Physical, and 47% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,368 per year, or $67 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer II/III - CNC Machining-Niles,Illinois

Manufacturing Engineer II/III - CNC Machining-Niles,Illinois

Woodward, Inc.

Willowbrook, IL

$121K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Woodward Inc. rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

76th of 421 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards.
We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future.
Woodward supports our members' wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.
Level II:
Estimated annual base pay: $77,000 (minimum) - $100,000 (midpoint) - $123,000 (maximum)
Level III:
Estimated annual base pay: $93,000 (minimum) - $121,000 (midpoint) - $149,000 (maximum)
  • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
  • 401(k) match (4.5%)
  • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
  • 12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
  • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
  • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Adoption Assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
  • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
  • Member referral bonus
  • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
  • Voluntary benefits, including:
    • Home / Auto Insurance discounts
    • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

Summary:
Manufacturing Engineer with CNC programing experience preferred. Swiss programing using Esprit software is a plus. Good understanding of manufacturing processes and special processes. Knowledge of gear and spline manufacturing a big plus.
Level II:
Key Responsibilities:
  • Production Support: Monitor production processes and identify inefficiencies through technical analysis. Implement small-scale process improvements, train operators on SOPs, and manage hardware disposition by evaluating defective or non-conforming hardware for repair, rework, or replacement.
  • Manufacturing Process Ownership: Develop and maintain manufacturing processes for assigned areas, ensuring accuracy and consistency in workflows. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine process steps and improve production efficiency.
  • Process Capability and Improvement: Analyze process capability using statistical tools like SPC, identifying opportunities for improvement and driving small-scale enhancements.
  • Production Documentation Management: Create and refine production documentation to ensure alignment with manufacturing standards and compliance requirements. Begin transitioning documentation to digital platforms for improved accuracy, accessibility, and collaboration.
  • Project Support and Leadership: Manage small-scale manufacturing projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met under supervision.

Key Skills:
  • Productivity Improvements: Analyzes production process data to identify bottlenecks, waste, and inefficiencies. Implements small process changes and recommends improvements for throughput, reduce rework, and enhance productivity.
  • Data Analysis: Analyze production data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks using tools like Pareto charts and process control charts.
  • Conducting Cost Analysis and Optimization: Analyze manufacturing costs by evaluating material waste, labor efficiency, and equipment utilization. Perform detailed cost-benefit analyses to identify opportunities for cost savings and waste reduction.
  • Lean Manufacturing: Implement Lean tools, such as Kaizen and Value Stream Mapping, for localized process improvements.
  • Design for Manufacturability & Assembly: Apply DFMA principles to improve product manufacturability and assembly. Analyze designs for material selection, part count reduction, and ease of assembly, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to refine designs.
  • Equipment: Assists in selecting equipment for specific operations, preparing purchase requests, and evaluating vendor proposals for return on investment and in alignment with capital equipment plans. Troubleshoots moderately complex equipment issues and supports maintenance teams to improve reliability
  • Mentorship: Share foundational knowledge with peers and newer hires. Collaborate with others to support mutual learning and contribute to a positive team environment.
  • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking : Analyze production problems using structured methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams) to identify root causes.
  • Knowledge of APQP Tools and Systems: Applies APQP tools to improve process stability and reliability. Supports tooling/fixturing refinements and analyzes process capability metrics (e.g., Cpk) to reduce variability and enhance performance.
  • Communication and Collaboration Skills: Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align goals and share updates on manufacturing improvements.

Other Qualifications:
  • 4 Year Bachelors BS OR 8+ years equivalent experience
  • CNC Programming

Level III:
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead troubleshooting for complex process issues, applying advanced tools to identify root causes and recommend solutions to optimize workflows. Oversee hardware disposition efforts, including root cause analysis of recurring hardware defects and implementation of corrective actions.
  • Lead efforts to create, standardize, and maintain manufacturing processes for assigned areas. Monitor process metrics and implement changes to ensure reliability and alignment with production goals.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives, applying techniques like Six Sigma, DOE, FMEA, and/or simulation tools to improve capability and reduce variation.
  • Lead efforts to standardize and improve documentation across assigned processes, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and accessibility for operators and engineers. Implement digital documentation systems to streamline updates and enable real-time collaboration.
  • Lead medium-sized manufacturing projects, including risk assessments, process improvements, and resource coordination.

Key Skills:
  • Leads medium-sized process improvement projects, focusing on streamlining operations, reducing waste, and improving overall process reliability. Applies tools such as process mapping and root cause analysis to drive measurable improvements.
  • Use data to drive process improvements by identifying root causes of issues and recommending actionable changes to enhance efficiency.
  • Develop cost models to identify high-cost operations, compare alternatives, inventory analysis, and recommend process improvements to reduce waste, and optimize asset utilization.
  • Lead Lean initiatives within a department, addressing inefficiencies and improving flow using advanced techniques.
  • Lead DFMA evaluations for medium-complexity products, identifying opportunities to simplify designs, reduce costs, and optimize assembly processes. Recommend design changes that improve manufacturing efficiency and scalability.
  • Specifies equipment, tooling, and gaging for projects while creating detailed RFPs and RFQs. Integrates equipment needs into value stream and/or site capital plans. Leads troubleshooting efforts for recurring equipment problems and coordinates with vendors to implement solutions. Oversees preventive maintenance schedules for critical systems.
  • Provide guidance to entry-level engineers and interns on projects and problem-solving approaches. Offer constructive feedback to help them grow and develop their skills.
  • Leadership: Experienced in leading teams, mentoring junior engineers. Solve complex production challenges by applying advanced problem-solving methods, such as DOE or Six Sigma tools.
  • Leads implementation of APQP deliverables for medium-complexity projects, optimizing tooling/fixturing designs and improving process capability. Reviews data to ensure processes meet quality and performance standards.
  • Present ideas and recommendations to leadership, facilitating collaboration across departments.

Other Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or 4 years of equivalent experience in a related field.
  • CNC Programming

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee).
Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.
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