SolidWorks - PRODUCT DESIGNER, Manufacturing Position, Located in Ft. Worth, TX

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: SolidWorks Product Designer, Manufacturing Position

Company: The Marco Company

Location: Fort Worth, TX

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Manufacturing Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-07

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop new products and revise existing ones using SolidWorks, focusing on creating accurate solid models and manufacturing-ready sales drawings.

• Engage in cross-functional collaboration with internal departments, vendors, and customers to resolve design-related issues and ensure seamless product integration into production.

• Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles by leading design reviews and providing actionable feedback to optimize production processes and reduce costs.

• Manage a dynamic workload, prioritizing multiple assignments effectively to meet project deadlines while proactively communicating any potential schedule disruptions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role appears to be a core Product Design position within a manufacturing setting, with significant emphasis on the practical application of CAD skills (SolidWorks) for production. The "Manufacturing Position" in the title and responsibilities clearly indicate a focus on tangible product creation and the associated processes, rather than purely conceptual design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain comprehensive SolidWorks 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings for new product introductions and existing product enhancements.

• Execute product design revisions based on customer requests, production feedback, or engineering change orders, ensuring all documentation is updated and version-controlled.

• Lead and facilitate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, incorporating feedback from production, engineering, and quality teams to optimize designs for efficient and cost-effective manufacturing.

• Collaborate closely with the estimating department to generate accurate Bill of Materials (BOMs) and provide timely technical information for quoting purposes.

• Act as a key liaison between design, production, and other departments, ensuring clear communication and a smooth handover of design specifications for successful manufacturing implementation.

• Maintain adherence to company policies, safety regulations, and quality standards, contributing to a safe and efficient manufacturing environment.

• Proactively manage and prioritize multiple concurrent design projects, ensuring all deadlines are met and potential roadblocks are communicated early to relevant stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to product design within a manufacturing context. The emphasis on DFM, BOM creation, and inter-departmental communication points to a role that requires not just technical design skills but also an understanding of the broader manufacturing lifecycle and supply chain.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of demonstrated experience using SolidWorks for product design and creating manufacturing drawings.

• Proven experience within a manufacturing environment, with a strong preference for those who have produced drawings for production.

• Direct experience in Wood, Metal, Plastic, or Glass Manufacturing industries is highly desirable.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, part and assembly design, and 2D drawing creation.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials relevant to wood, metal, plastic, or glass fabrication.

• Excellent technical communication skills, both written and verbal, for interacting with internal teams, vendors, and customers.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, effectively prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and leading design reviews.

• Familiarity with Bill of Materials (BOM) creation and management.

• Knowledge of retail display or store fixture design and manufacturing standards.

• Ability to work extended hours as needed to meet project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 2+ years of SolidWorks experience combined with a Bachelor's degree or 5+ years of relevant experience suggests a mid-level designer role. The explicit mention of manufacturing environment experience and specific material industries (wood, metal, plastic, glass) indicates a need for practical, production-oriented design skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing completed SolidWorks projects, including complex 3D models, detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, and assembly instructions.

• Include case studies or examples of product designs that highlight consideration for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and cost-effectiveness.

• Present examples of Bill of Materials (BOM) generation and how they were integrated into the design process.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented design processes, workflows, or standard operating procedures (SOPs) within a design or manufacturing context.

• Illustrate your approach to version control and revision management for design files and associated documentation.

• Showcase instances where you have contributed to the optimization of design or manufacturing processes through your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role focused on manufacturing, a portfolio should heavily emphasize practical application. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process, highlight their SolidWorks proficiency, and articulate how their designs translate into efficient production. Demonstrating an understanding of DFM and BOMs within the portfolio will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $60,000 - $85,000 annually.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage options.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with potential company matching contributions.

• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training and skill enhancement, potentially including SolidWorks certifications or advanced manufacturing courses.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for personal and professional challenges.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexibility may be required, with the possibility of working extended hours to meet project deadlines or production demands, as noted in the requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on general market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level. The Marco Company's specific benefits package would need to be confirmed directly with the employer. The requirement for extended hours suggests a dynamic work environment where responsiveness is valued.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing, specializing in Store Fixtures and Retail Displays.

Company Size: The Marco Company is likely a medium-sized enterprise, given the typical structure of companies in the custom fixture and display manufacturing sector. This size often allows for a blend of structured processes and a more personal, collaborative team environment.

Founded: Founded in 1959, The Marco Company has a long-standing history in the industry, suggesting stability, established processes, and deep-rooted expertise in their niche.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a broader Engineering or Design department, potentially comprising other designers, drafters, and engineers.

• This role will report to a Design Manager or Engineering Lead, with direct interaction and collaboration required across Production, Estimating, Sales, and potentially Quality Assurance teams.

Methodology:

• The company likely employs a structured design and manufacturing process, moving from initial concept and sales drawings through detailed engineering, BOM creation, production planning, and final output.

• Data-driven decision-making, particularly concerning manufacturability, cost, and material selection, is expected.

• Emphasis on efficiency and continuous improvement within the manufacturing workflow will be a core operational tenet.

Company Website: https://www.marcocompany.com/ (Assuming this is the correct domain based on the derived domain)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's long history (founded 1959) suggests a stable organization with a proven track record. Their specialization in store fixtures and retail displays indicates a need for designers who understand aesthetics, functionality, and the specific demands of retail environments, alongside manufacturing capabilities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Product Designer with a focus on manufacturing execution. It represents a mid-level opportunity for individuals with foundational CAD skills and a growing understanding of production processes. The responsibilities lean towards detailed design work and problem-solving within established manufacturing frameworks.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Design Manager or Engineering Supervisor. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Production Supervisors, Estimators, and Sales representatives, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills to navigate different departmental needs and priorities.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the company's ability to produce high-quality, cost-effective store fixtures and retail displays. Accurate designs, efficient BOMs, and manufacturability considerations are critical for controlling production costs, ensuring product quality, meeting customer delivery timelines, and ultimately contributing to the company's revenue and profitability.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deeper expertise in specific manufacturing materials (e.g., advanced metal fabrication, complex wood joinery) or product types (e.g., modular display systems, custom retail environments).

• Advanced Design Skills: Progress to more complex design challenges, potentially involving parametric modeling, advanced surfacing, or integration with manufacturing simulation software.

• Leadership Path: Transition into roles like Senior Product Designer, Lead Designer, or Engineering Team Lead, taking on project management responsibilities and mentoring junior designers.

• Process Improvement: Contribute to refining the company's design-to-production workflows, focusing on efficiency gains through improved CAD practices or DFM integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth potential in this role is tied to deepening technical expertise in SolidWorks and manufacturing processes, as well as developing project leadership and process optimization skills. The company's established nature suggests opportunities for stable career progression within the existing structure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position, requiring the designer to work within the company's facilities in Fort Worth, TX. The role will likely involve a combination of office-based work for CAD design and modeling, and potentially some time on the manufacturing floor for observation, problem-solving, and design review meetings.

Office Location(s): Fort Worth, Texas. The specific office location within Fort Worth will be part of the company's manufacturing and administrative complex. Accessibility via local transportation or personal vehicle will be a consideration.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include a dedicated workstation equipped with the necessary hardware and software for SolidWorks operation, along with standard office productivity tools.

• Collaboration spaces for design reviews and meetings with cross-functional teams will be available.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typical for a full-time role.

• Given the manufacturing context and emphasis on timely completion, flexibility to work extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines or address urgent production needs. This suggests a dynamic environment where proactive time management is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement is critical for this role, enabling direct interaction with the manufacturing process and team members. The mention of potential extended hours points to a results-oriented culture that prioritizes project completion and client satisfaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications, particularly SolidWorks experience and manufacturing background.

• Technical Assessment/Portfolio Review: This will likely involve a practical SolidWorks exercise or a detailed review of your submitted portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your design process, explain your engineering decisions, and highlight your contributions to manufacturability and efficiency in past projects.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will focus on your problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, time management, and how you handle pressure or conflicting priorities. Expect questions related to your experience in manufacturing environments.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions with the hiring manager and potential team members to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and understanding of the company's operations and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase SolidWorks Proficiency: Include diverse examples of your SolidWorks work, demonstrating your ability to create complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and robust models.

• Highlight DFM: Clearly articulate how you incorporated Design for Manufacturability principles into your designs. Quantify improvements where possible (e.g., reduced material waste, faster assembly time).

• Demonstrate Process: Walk through your design process for at least one key project, explaining your problem-solving approach and how you integrated feedback from stakeholders.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to show the impact of your designs – cost savings, production efficiency gains, successful product launches, or customer satisfaction improvements.

• Tailor to Manufacturing: Emphasize projects relevant to wood, metal, plastic, or glass manufacturing, and specifically store fixtures/retail displays if applicable.

Challenge Preparation:

• SolidWorks Skills: Be ready for a practical test. Practice creating models and drawings from scratch or modifying existing designs under timed conditions.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to manufacturing constraints, material limitations, or cost targets.

• Communication & Teamwork: Practice articulating technical concepts clearly and concisely, and be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with diverse teams (e.g., production, sales) in previous roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize practical SolidWorks skills and manufacturing relevance. A well-curated portfolio that showcases DFM and BOM creation, along with the ability to articulate design decisions, will be critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• SolidWorks: This is the core CAD software requirement. Proficiency in 3D modeling, part and assembly design, 2D drawing creation, and potentially SolidWorks Simulation or PDM (Product Data Management) systems is expected.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for general productivity, documentation, and communication. This includes Word for reports, Excel for BOMs and data analysis, and Outlook for email and scheduling.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to this design role, but understanding how design data feeds into CRM (Customer Relationship Management) or ERP systems for sales and production planning is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around SolidWorks. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency, as it's the primary tool for design and manufacturing drawing creation. Understanding how this design data integrates with other business systems (like ERP) is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality: A commitment to producing accurate, well-engineered designs that meet high manufacturing standards.

• Efficiency: A drive to optimize designs for manufacturability, reduce waste, and contribute to streamlined production processes.

• Collaboration: A strong belief in teamwork and open communication across departments to achieve common goals.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a positive attitude, demonstrating urgency, and acting with integrity in all interactions.

• Safety & Compliance: Adherence to company policies and legal guidelines to ensure a safe and orderly work environment.

Collaboration Style:

• The culture likely fosters a collaborative environment where designers work closely with manufacturing, sales, and estimating teams.

• Expect a practical, results-oriented approach to problem-solving, with an emphasis on clear communication and mutual respect for different departmental expertise.

• Openness to feedback and a willingness to iterate on designs based on input from diverse stakeholders will be valued.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values emphasize practical execution, teamwork, and adherence to standards, reflecting a typical manufacturing environment. The designer is expected to be a team player who can translate technical designs into tangible, high-quality products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Aesthetics with Manufacturing Constraints: Creating visually appealing and functional products while adhering to cost targets, material limitations, and production capabilities.

• Managing Multiple, Competing Priorities: Effectively juggling design tasks for various projects, ensuring timely delivery without sacrificing quality.

• Resolving Design-Related Production Issues: Quickly diagnosing and solving problems that arise during the manufacturing process, often under time pressure.

• Keeping Pace with Evolving Manufacturing Technologies: Staying informed about new materials, fabrication techniques, and CAD software updates to maintain design relevance.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced SolidWorks Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific SolidWorks modules or advanced features.

• Material Science & Manufacturing Processes: Learning about new materials and fabrication techniques relevant to wood, metal, plastic, and glass manufacturing.

• DFM Workshops: Participating in or leading sessions focused on improving design for manufacturability.

• Project Management Basics: Developing skills in managing project timelines, resources, and stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a manufacturing design role, requiring a blend of technical skill, problem-solving, and interpersonal effectiveness. Growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise and expanding into project leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a demanding design project with tight production deadlines. How did you manage your priorities?" (Assesses time management, prioritization, and urgency).

• "How have you incorporated Design for Manufacturability (DFM) into your product designs? Provide a specific example and the impact it had." (Evaluates understanding of DFM and ability to articulate its benefits).

• "Walk me through your process for creating a Bill of Materials (BOM) from a SolidWorks model. What are the critical elements to ensure accuracy?" (Tests practical knowledge of essential manufacturing documentation).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about The Marco Company and our products? What interests you about working here?" (Tests research and genuine interest).

• "How do you approach collaboration with teams outside of engineering, such as production or sales?" (Evaluates teamwork and communication style).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each key project, outline the problem, your solution (design process, SolidWorks features used), and the outcome (impact on manufacturability, cost, quality).

• Visual Aids are Key: Use clear screenshots, renderings, and 2D drawing snippets from SolidWorks to illustrate your points. Show assemblies and exploded views where relevant.

• Quantify Achievements: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced assembly time by 15%", "saved $X in material costs").

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, material properties, manufacturing tolerances, and SolidWorks functionalities.

• Connect to Marco's Business: Briefly explain how your skills and experience align with The Marco Company's focus on store fixtures and retail displays.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical SolidWorks skills, an understanding of manufacturing realities (DFM, BOMs), and strong collaborative abilities. The portfolio is the primary tool to showcase these qualifications.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this SolidWorks Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ultipro link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest SolidWorks projects that best demonstrate your skills in 3D modeling, 2D manufacturing drawing creation, and ideally, showcase your understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and BOM creation. Tailor the selection to highlight experience with wood, metal, plastic, or glass manufacturing if possible.

• Optimize Your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your SolidWorks experience, years of manufacturing involvement, and any relevant industry experience (store fixtures, retail displays). Use keywords from the job description such as "SolidWorks," "Product Design," "Manufacturing Drawings," "DFM," and "BOM." Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected portfolio projects. Be ready to discuss your design process, technical decisions, challenges overcome, and the impact of your work. Rehearse explaining how your designs contribute to efficient manufacturing.

• Research The Marco Company: Familiarize yourself with their history, product offerings (store fixtures, retail displays), and company values. Understand their position in the manufacturing industry.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.