Job brief
We are looking for a highly skilled CAD Engineer to join our product development team and take ownership of our mechanical design pipeline. In this role, you will lead the transition from initial prototype modeling to final production prints, ensuring every component adheres to our high-performance standards. You will work closely with manufacturing engineers and industrial designers to iterate on concepts and solve complex integration challenges. If you are a detail-oriented problem solver who thrives in a collaborative design environment, we invite you to help us build the next generation of our mechanical systems.
Key highlights
- Develop complex 3D models and detailed 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks, ensuring adherence to strict GD&T standards.
- Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and static structural simulations to validate component integrity and optimize material usage.
- Create and maintain comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering change orders (ECOs) to ensure production accuracy.
- Execute Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews to identify fabrication constraints before releasing designs for prototyping.
What is a CAD Engineer?
A CAD Engineer is a specialized mechanical professional responsible for translating abstract engineering concepts into precise 3D models and manufacturing-ready technical documentation. By leveraging industry-standard CAD software such as SolidWorks, PTC Creo, or CATIA, a CAD Engineer defines the geometry, material properties, and assembly constraints of complex mechanical systems. Their work is the vital link between conceptual design and physical production, ensuring that all components meet strict tolerance, safety, and functionality requirements.
What does a CAD Engineer do?
On a typical day, a CAD Engineer develops detailed part designs, manages complex assembly hierarchies, and generates comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) for procurement and assembly teams. They perform critical engineering tasks including Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) analysis, conducting Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to simulate structural stress, and refining designs based on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles. Furthermore, they facilitate design reviews, troubleshoot interference issues identified during modeling, and collaborate with shop floor personnel to resolve production bottlenecks.
Key responsibilities
- Develop complex 3D models and detailed 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks, ensuring adherence to strict GD&T standards and internal design specifications.
- Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and static structural simulations to validate component integrity and optimize material usage during the early design phase.
- Create and maintain comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs) and engineering change orders (ECOs) within our PLM system to ensure seamless production handoffs.
- Execute Design for Manufacturing (DFM) reviews to identify potential fabrication or assembly constraints before releasing designs for prototyping.
- Collaborate with manufacturing and procurement teams to select optimal materials and production methods, such as CNC machining, injection molding, or sheet metal fabrication.
- Investigate mechanical failures or performance anomalies by performing root cause analysis and implementing design modifications to improve long-term system reliability.
- Manage large-scale assembly models, utilizing top-down design methodologies to streamline complex multi-component systems and reduce performance-draining file bloat.
- Coordinate with regulatory and safety departments to verify that all mechanical designs comply with relevant industry standards such as ISO or ASME requirements.
Requirements and skills
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field.
- Proven proficiency in 3D CAD modeling software, specifically SolidWorks, CATIA, or PTC Creo, with 3+ years of professional experience.
- Strong technical expertise in applying ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards to engineering documentation.
- Experience performing structural simulations, such as FEA or CFD, to validate mechanical component performance under varying environmental loads.
- Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, die casting, injection molding, and complex weldment assemblies.
- Certification in SolidWorks (CSWP or CSWA) or similar professional CAD credentials is highly preferred for this position.
- Proficiency in Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems like Teamcenter or Windchill for document control and revision management.
- Proven ability to articulate complex technical design decisions and constraints to cross-functional stakeholders including sales, production, and executive management.
FAQs
What does a CAD Engineer do on a daily basis?
A CAD Engineer spends their time creating and modifying 3D models and 2D prints that define how a product is built. Daily tasks include drafting assemblies, running stress simulations to test parts, updating BOMs in PLM software, and troubleshooting design issues found during the prototyping phase. They work as the bridge between theoretical engineering design and the physical reality of the factory floor.
What software skills are essential for a CAD Engineer?
Essential skills include advanced proficiency in industry-standard software like SolidWorks, CATIA, or PTC Creo. Beyond the modeling software itself, a CAD Engineer must be fluent in GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), FEA simulation tools for structural analysis, and PLM platforms for configuration management. Mastery of these tools is critical for ensuring that designs are manufacturable and accurate.
Who does a CAD Engineer work with in a typical project?
A CAD Engineer acts as a central hub within an engineering organization, collaborating regularly with manufacturing engineers to refine production processes, procurement teams to source correct materials, and project managers to meet development timelines. They also work closely with quality assurance teams to ensure that the produced parts align with the original CAD design specifications and safety requirements.
How do I become a successful CAD Engineer?
Becoming a successful CAD Engineer requires a solid foundation in mechanical engineering principles, a deep understanding of manufacturing processes like machining and welding, and significant hands-on time with parametric CAD software. Professionals often pursue professional certifications like the Certified SolidWorks Professional (CSWP) and build a portfolio of complex assemblies to demonstrate their technical competence to employers.