Overview
Mechanical Designer – Fixtures & Gauges Jobs in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada at Answer Precision Technologies
Title: Mechanical Designer – Fixtures & Gauges
Company: Answer Precision Technologies
Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
Answer Precision Technologies (APT)
Answer Precision Technologies (APT) designs and builds precision checking fixtures, gauges, and custom tooling for high-tolerance manufacturing environments. Our work directly supports product quality — ensuring parts meet specifications before they ever reach the customer.
These are not off-the-shelf solutions. Every fixture and gauge is purpose-built, requiring designers who can interpret requirements, think critically about measurement strategy, and make sound engineering decisions.
If you enjoy precision, problem-solving, and seeing your designs directly impact quality on the shop floor, this role will fit well.
The Role
This is a mechanical design role focused on checking fixtures, gauges, and inspection tooling. Depending on your experience level, you’ll contribute to or lead designs from concept through release and build support.
You’ll work closely with engineering, quality, and manufacturing teams to translate part requirements into practical, repeatable measurement solutions.
This role requires attention to detail, strong understanding of part geometry, and the ability to make judgment calls that balance accuracy, usability, and cost.
What You’ll Work On
- Design checking fixtures, gauges, and inspection tooling using Cimatron and/or SolidWorks
- Interpret part drawings and GD&T requirements to develop effective measurement strategies
- Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and complete BOMs for manufacturing
- Ensure designs are practical for manufacturing, assembly, and repeatable use on the floor
- Support builds by resolving design issues and incorporating feedback from assembly and quality teams
- Participate in design reviews
- Collaborate with customers, quality engineers, and manufacturing to ensure fixtures meet intent
- Support in designing other projects, as needed. (Moulds, Automation, etc)
What We Expect (Must-Have)
- Solid understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing)
- Experience with Cimatron and/or SolidWorks in a mechanical design environment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to design accuracy
- Clear communication of design intent and decisions
- A practical, problem-solving mindset — able to work through ambiguity
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively
Experience Level
We are open to a range of experience levels:
- Junior (0–3 years):
Exposure to mechanical design, CAD proficiency, willingness to learn fixture design principles
- Intermediate (3–7 years):
Hands-on experience designing fixtures or similar tooling, able to work with moderate guidance
- Senior (7+ years):
Strong ownership of fixture design, deep understanding of GD&T and measurement strategy, able to lead designs and mentor others
Nice to Have (Strong Assets)
- Experience designing checking fixtures, gauges, or precision tooling
- Knowledge of metrology principles and inspection processes
- Familiarity with automotive or high-volume manufacturing environments
- Hands-on shop or build experience
Why Engineers Stay at APT
- Work that directly impacts product quality and manufacturing success
- A collaborative team environment with high standards
- Opportunities to grow from junior to senior through real project experience
- A modern, well-equipped facility
- Challenging, non-repetitive projects
- Competitive pay
Requirements
- Authorized to work in Canada
- Able to commute to the Kitchener location
- Primarily onsite role
This is a new position that we are looking to fill, there is one vacancy.
The pay range for this position is estimated to be from $25 – 40/hour, the actual salary will be determined based on experience.
APT does not use AI in their recruitment process.
In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities (AODA) Answer Precision encourages applications from people with disabilities to apply. When possible, we will make the necessary accommodations for applicants with disabilities to support all aspects of the recruitment process.
Answer Precision Technologies is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of – age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, disability, skin colour, relationship status or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.
