CAD Designer

Job Description:

• Payrate: $30-32/hr W2
• 12 months contract – possible extension based on performance & budget
• 1st Shift: Mon-Fri; 8am to 5pm.
• We are seeking a CAD Designer to support the development of detailed part specification drawings and manufacturing tooling used in precision fabrication processes.
• This role will be responsible for creating and maintaining high-quality CAD models and drawings in Creo, with a focus on tooling and fixtures for grinding, polishing, and metrology applications.
• The ideal candidate will have strong experience in GD&T, detailed manufacturing documentation, and design for manufacturability across both traditional machining methods and FDM additive manufacturing.
• This individual will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and metrology teams to ensure designs are accurate, functional, and optimized for production.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field
• 3+ years of professional drafting/CAD experience in precision mechanical or optomechanical environments
• Proficiency in mechanical CAD software, with strong preference for Creo
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Experience creating detailed manufacturing drawings for machined, fabricated, and precision components
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and assembly drawings, metric and imperial systems
• Experience designing tooling, fixtures, or production support hardware
• Demonstrated understanding of design for manufacturability for traditional manufacturing processes and FDM
• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, release-ready documentation

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Ceramic Engineering, Glass Science, Chemical Engineering, or related
• Experience with optic generation processes and/or optomechanical systems
• Familiarity with FDM 3D printing
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems such as Windchill, Teamcenter, or Agile
• Knowledge of tolerance stack-up analysis, materials, and surface finishes
• Experience supporting precision tooling or metrology-related designs

Day to Day Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models, part drawings, assembly drawings, and tooling documentation using Creo
• Develop part specification drawings that clearly define geometry, tolerances, materials, finishes, and critical functional requirements
• Design tooling, fixtures, and related hardware for grinding, polishing, and metrology operations
• Apply GD&T principles in accordance with ASME Y14.5 to ensure drawings support manufacturing and inspection requirements
• Collaborate with engineers, machinists, technicians, and manufacturing personnel to develop practical, manufacturable design solutions
• Incorporate design for manufacturability (DFM) principles for both conventional manufacturing methods and FDM 3D printing
• Support revision control and maintenance of released drawings and CAD models
• Review and interpret engineering concepts, sketches, legacy drawings, and existing hardware to create detailed and accurate documentation
• Ensure drawings and models comply with internal standards, quality requirements, and configuration management practices
• Support tolerance, fits, and interface considerations for precision components
• Assist in the development of tooling concepts that improve handling, repeatability, throughput, and measurement accuracy in optic production processes

Additional Skills and Attributes

• Strong communication and collaboration skills in cross-functional technical team environments
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and priorities effectively
• Practical understanding of manufacturing processes and inspection requirements
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of working with minimal supervision