CUSTOM GAUGE BUILDER
This is one of the most difficult positions at NVU and is for someone up for a real challenge. Working with the customer, sales, engineering, design, production and print shop, creating one-off custom instruments, clusters and retrofits for high end builds as well as applying the same skills and techniques to prototype and future products to enhance the product line.
It is the responsibility of the CGB to take the customer concept from idea to reality. Starting with either NVU core components and modifying, or starting from scratch, the CGB must be able to design and assemble the workings of the units, but also must coordinate any outside services (plating, coating, etc.) along with purchasing of specialty items to complete the build.
Starting with base parts or as in a retrofit panel, the CGB will create CAD drawing and patterns associated with installation and fabrication of the parts to be created. Once created, mock-up parts are test-fit, once fitting is satisfactory; parts for assembly can be produced. At this time, the CGB will hand off the rough pattern to design for artwork. There may be iterations based on graphic placement and component parts locations depending on the theme and project. Once the pattern and artwork are aligned and approved by the customer, the next phase can begin.T he CGB will laser cut any plastics required for assembly, test fit and adjust as required, updating the final files as required for future use if needed. Final parts are then checked for fit once more and assembly can begin. It is important that everything be fully mocked up before final assembly to prove out any issues that may arise. Also during the design process, it is important to design for disassembly in the event that there is a fitment of component issue that may have to be resolved later, even after completion in the event of any warranty service.
Instrument meters, circuit boards and stepper motor driver use is at the discretion of the CGB, NVU has a wide range of parts that can be used to perform the required task. It is up to the CGB to decide which components will function best for each custom build to achieve the highest level of quality, with the required function and ease of assembly. Lighting will be installed, indicators, etc as needed per customer requests. Once all meters and parts are assembled, wiring can begin.
Any additional custom fabricated parts such as bezels, pointers, decorative items are the responsibility of the CGB to design, build or source. During the wiring phase, the CGB must also complete a wiring harness and pigtail color-coded plug. There may be multiple plugs involved depending the build, each plug must have its own labelled, corresponding pigtail associated with it. Plug(s) will require a standard NVU wiring diagram to be printed and sent to the customer. A digital copy of the diagram will be saved in the project in Asana.
The instruments can now be calibrated and final assembled by the CGB. Once final assembly is complete, the part(s) can be set up for photography. The kit should be impeccable, ready to ship, pre-wire any lights to be lit for photography so that they can be easily turned on/off.
Once approved by the customer, the kit can be boxed and shipped. Prepare a proper package, pack well with foam, wrap, etc. to prevent damage. Any senders and accessories required (check invoice) will be properly packed and barcoded. All boxed for custom items are to be double boxed and insured during freight.
Additional tasks for the CGB:
