CAD Engineer

Ascentt•Plano, TX

About The Position

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior CAD Design & Simulation Engineer with 8+ years of hands-on experience in advanced CAD modeling, engineering simulations, and predictive analysis. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in tools such as SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Lattice, or similar platforms, along with exposure to automotive manufacturing environments. Experience or working knowledge in machine learning applications for engineering simulations or predictive modeling will be a strong advantage. This role requires a combination of deep technical capability, problem-solving skills, and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovative product development and optimization.

Requirements

Education: B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or equivalent experience.
CAD Mastery: 3+ years of advanced surface and solid modeling experience in CATIA V5, Siemens NX, or BricsCAD Mechanical.
Legacy Data Experience: Proven track record of converting 2D technical drawings into 3D models with high dimensional accuracy.
Data Interoperability: Deep understanding of 3D file formats. You know the difference between a Mesh (STL/OBJ) and a B-Rep (STEP/IGES) and when to use which.
Attention to Detail: Ability to decipher older, potentially unclear legacy drawings and make engineering judgments to resolve geometric conflicts.

Nice To Haves

Scripting: Experience with Python (CAD APIs, Blender scripting) or visual scripting (Grasshopper/Dynamo) to automate batch file conversions.
Simulation Exposure: Familiarity with FEA/CFD pre-processing (Ansys, Hypermesh) or corrosion modeling concepts.
AI Tool Familiarity: Interest in or experience with generative design or AI-assisted CAD tools.
Visualization: Experience with Lattice 3D (XVL) or web-based 3D viewers for creating lightweight technical illustrations.

Responsibilities

Develop and optimize complex 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks, PTC Creo, Lattice, or similar tools.
Perform engineering simulations including structural, thermal, fatigue, and flow analysis.
Convert legacy 2D vector drawings (DWG/DXF) into parametric, watertight 3D solid models (B-Rep).
Utilize CATIA V5/3DEXPERIENCE (or similar parametric tools like BricsCAD/NX) to model complex automotive assemblies, including chassis components, suspension arms, and fluid lines.
Strategic Pivot: Pilot and implement AI-accelerated modeling tools (e.g., Leo AI, BricsCAD Mechanical) to semi-automate the conversion of bulk legacy drawings, moving away from purely manual redrawing.
Maintain strict layer management to distinguish between structural components and non-corroding parts (e.g., plastic shields) to aid the ML prediction models.
Collaborate with the Computer Vision/ML team to prepare 3D assets for data overlay.
Export models in dual formats: STEP AP242 for engineering simulation and lightweight OBJ/GLTF meshes for the ML pipeline.
Assist in identifying 2D-3D keypoint pairs (e.g., specific bolt centers) to help train Pose Estimation (PnP) algorithms that automatically align 2D photos with your 3D models.
Prepare and simplify geometry for downstream physics simulations (e.g., Ansys Twin Builder or Siemens Simcenter).
Perform interference checks and "gap analysis" to identify potential crevice corrosion risks in the assembly design.