CAD Designer

Mission Critical Group • Brookston, IN

2d

About The Position

The CAD Designer develops accurate, manufacturable designs for sheet metal panels, structural supports, barriers, and conductive copper bus assemblies for low- to medium-voltage switchgear. The role ensures designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and manufacturing best practices while contributing to efficiency, quality, and company growth. The designer works with electrical designers, engineers, project managers, and manufacturing personnel, and helps resolve complex design challenges.

The position creates 3D models and drawings using AutoDesk Inventor, integrates structural and copper bus elements into customer drawing packages, and prepares bills of materials, assembly drawings, and cut sheets. The designer supports project execution across multiple functions, reuses or adapts existing designs to reduce cycle time, contributes to design reviews and process improvements, and provides technical guidance to junior mechanical designers. Other duties may be assigned.

The role is based in an office setting, with frequent visits to the production floor to oversee operations, ensure compliance and safety standards, and engage staff. Project requirements and tight client deadlines may require workweeks exceeding 40 hours, including weekends or holidays.

Requirements

• 0–1 years of progressive mechanical design experience, with significant experience in switchgear, power distribution equipment, or related electrical equipment manufacturing.
• 0–1 years of hands-on experience with sheet metal design, structural assemblies, and conductive bus bar design for low- to medium-voltage applications.
• Advanced proficiency with AutoDesk Inventor.
• Extensive experience preparing parts lists, bills of materials, and assembly drawings for manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining, press brake operations, and CNC punch equipment.
• Understanding of product lifecycle management, quality control, design for manufacturability, and cost optimization.
• Ability to lead complex mechanical design projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex technical information to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Advanced mathematical skills, including calculating proportions, dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, detail-oriented, and committed to quality and integrity.
• High school diploma or GED.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with additional 3D CAD tools.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems such as IFS, SAP, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models and drawings of sheet metal panels, structural supports, barriers, and bus assemblies using AutoDesk Inventor.
• Ensure designs meet manufacturability, customer specifications, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with electrical designers to integrate structural and copper bus elements into customer drawing packages.
• Partner with project management, manufacturing, sales, estimating, and field service to support project execution and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare bills of materials, assembly drawings, and cut sheets for manufacturing.
• Reuse or adapt existing designs where applicable to reduce cycle time.
• Contribute to design reviews and process improvements to enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve reliability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior mechanical designers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED