Manufacturing Methods Engineer, Level I at TUUCI in Hialeah, FL

Description

Position Summary:

The Manufacturing Methods Engineer I is a junior-level position on the Manufacturing Methods team, responsible for designing, building, and improving the fixtures, tooling, and workstations used across Tuuci production. This is a deliberately hands-on engineering position: the same person who models a work-holding fixture in CAD is expected to fabricate it, install it on the floor, watch operators use it, and revise the design. Working under the direction of the Methods Manager, the Engineer I turns production pain points into practical shop-floor solutions and builds the documentation that makes those solutions repeatable.

The ideal candidate is mechanically inclined, comfortable in both a CAD seat and a fabrication area and genuinely interested in how products get built.

Location & Reporting Relationships:

This position is based in Miami, FL and reports to the Manufacturing Methods Manager.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Fixture and tooling design

• Design custom fixtures, jigs, templates, work-holding devices, and tooling aids in SolidWorks or an equivalent CAD platform
• Produce detailed engineering drawings, bills of materials, and assembly instructions for each fixture or tool
• Design for buildability with the resources available in-house, and revise based on feedback from production and the Methods team
• Support prototype development, including 3D printed and mock-up iterations, and run fit and function testing before release to production

Build-out and implementation

• Build, assemble, install, and maintain production workstations, jigs, fixtures, and tooling setups as directed by the Methods Manager
• Safely set up and operate hand tools, power drills, drill presses, grinders, and precision measuring instruments
• Assist in the layout and ergonomic configuration of new and existing workstations
• Verify that all tooling and fixtures meet quality and safety standards before release for production use

Process analysis and continuous improvement

• Observe and document current production methods, then identify and propose actionable improvements to cycle time, quality, ergonomics, and material flow
• Support Lean and 5S activities on the floor, including line-side organization and point-of-use tooling
• Evaluate fixture performance in service and recommend design changes that improve reliability and ease of use

Documentation and standards

• Write and update work instructions, standard operating procedures, and setup sheets for the processes and tooling in scope
• Maintain the design library of fixtures, tools, and standard reusable components
• Coordinate with vendors and internal fabrication resources to source or produce designed components

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, or a closely related field
• 0 to 3 years of professional experience; internships, co-ops, capstone projects, and hands-on shop experience count
• Working proficiency in at least one CAD platform, SolidWorks strongly preferred
• Ability to read and create detailed engineering drawings, apply basic GD&T, and build accurate bills of materials
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and correct, safe use of hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments
• Critical thinking and problem-solving ability, with the capacity to break down a process and propose a practical improvement
• Clear written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain a design to both engineers and floor-level operators
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality workmanship
• Preferred: coursework or project experience designing fixtures for assembly, welding, drilling, or machining operations
• Preferred: exposure to machining, CNC turning, or milling, and an understanding of how parts are actually made
• Preferred: experience with 3D printing or rapid prototyping for fixture development
• Preferred: familiarity with Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and ergonomic design principles
• Preferred: experience with sheet metal, aluminum extrusion (80/20), or welded steel fixture construction
• Preferred: prior exposure to furniture, marine, or outdoor products manufacturing

Key Competencies:

• Creative problem-solving, turning production pain points into clean fixture solutions
• Practical, buildable design over theoretical elegance
• Collaborative, works shoulder to shoulder with floor-level technicians and operators
• Continuous improvement mindset and a willingness to be corrected by what happens on the floor

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

This role is split between an engineering workspace and an active production floor. Candidates must be able to stand for extended periods, lift up to 50 lbs., and work safely in a manufacturing environment while wearing required PPE.

Tuuci Offers:

• Welcoming friendly environment
• Culture that encourages diversity of thought
• Support for professional growth and development
• Dynamic and talented staff of creative professionals
• Collaborative environment that welcomes innovative ideas and allows you to make an immediate impact on the team
• Health benefits, matching 401k retirement plan, paid holidays, sick days, personal days

About Tuuci:

For more than 26 years, Tuuci® has revolutionized outdoor living spaces with durable, innovative shade and furniture products featuring nautically inspired designs. Founded by Dougan Clarke in 1998, the Ultimate Umbrella Company, Inc. (simply known as “Tuuci”) was born from his seaside roots in Miami, where Clarke began his career as a marine outfitter for high-performance yachts.

With a keen eye on design and a passion for form and function, Clarke applied his craftsmanship to the shade industry to create Tuuci’s unique brand of marine-grade shade architecture. Today, Tuuci’s distinctive, award-winning parasol designs, luxury indoor-outdoor furniture, cabanas, pergolas, and space-making accessories are enjoyed around the world and sought by leading design professionals within the commercial, hospitality, and residential design communities.

Globally headquartered in Miami, the company owns two additional manufacturing centers in Northern Europe and Southeast Asia and operates showrooms in Miami, Chicago, Atlanta, and The Netherlands.

Tuuci’s sense of community is a cornerstone of the company’s foundation, providing charitable outreach across a host of environmental and humanitarian concerns. The company’s mission is to help people live their best life outdoors through inspiring design, enduring performance, and convivial service.