CAD Designer / SolidWorks Drafter
About The Position
The CAD Designer / SolidWorks Drafter translates customer concepts, sketches, drawings, and architectural renderings into accurate 3D models and comprehensive 2D manufacturing drawings using SolidWorks. The role designs custom exhibits, trade show booth layouts, and structural frames using the company’s aluminum extrusion profiles and Snap Tube structural systems. It also programs laser and extrusion-cutting equipment to prepare production files. The position supports projects from initial design and customer approval through manufacturing release and shop-floor assembly. The designer creates Bills of Materials (BOMs), cut lists, assembly diagrams, and production-ready fabrication drawings; verifies drawings for dimensions, hardware, structural integrity, tolerances, and company drafting standards; and coordinates with Sales, Operations, and Production. The position is full-time, non-exempt, and on-site at the manufacturing facility in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Occasional extended hours may be needed based on customer timelines and project volume.
Requirements
- Associate degree, technical certificate in CAD/Drafting or Mechanical Design Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
- 0–3+ years of practical CAD drafting or modeling experience in custom manufacturing, structural aluminum framing, fabrication, or display/exhibit environments.
- Strong hands-on SolidWorks experience, including 3D assembly design, weldments or structural member profiles, and 2D detail drawing creation.
- Ability to read, interpret, and translate 2D customer blueprints, hand sketches, and renderings into buildable 3D models.
- Proficiency in MS Office, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.
- Availability to work full-time on-site in Auburn Hills, Michigan.
Nice To Haves
- Basic familiarity with laser cutting software, CNC cut saws, nesting software, or converting CAD geometry to CNC machine code.
- Experience with T-slot aluminum extrusions, tubular structural framing such as Snap Tube, modular display hardware, or custom sheet metal/fabrication.
- Strong spatial visualization, mechanical logic, and practical understanding of assembly tolerances.
- High precision in creating cut lists and BOMs to minimize material waste and manufacturing rework.
- Ability to communicate design requirements effectively across Sales, Project Management, and shop-floor personnel.
Responsibilities
- Review customer drawings, concept renderings, and hand sketches and create accurate SolidWorks 3D assemblies and parts using company aluminum extrusions and Snap Tube systems.
- Program laser cutting machines and extrusion cut-off equipment by converting SolidWorks models into machine files, optimizing cutting profiles, and minimizing material scrap.
- Prepare 2D detail drawings and 3D views for customer presentations, engineering review, and client approval.
- Create production-ready fabrication drawings, cut lists, assembly diagrams, and Bills of Materials after customer drawing approval.
- Assist with space planning, custom trade show booth configurations, and structural frame designs that account for project and site constraints.
- Verify drawings for dimensions, hardware callouts, structural integrity, tolerances, and compliance with company drafting standards before manufacturing release.
- Work with production staff to clarify drawings, answer assembly questions, assist with test fits, and resolve shop-floor inquiries.
- Maintain organized SolidWorks PDM libraries and drawing files with version control, and coordinate project updates and timelines among Sales, Operations, and Production.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
