Mechanical Designer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory•Cambridge, MA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with more than 2,000 employees. Its multidisciplinary teams address national challenges across areas including defense, space exploration, and biomedical engineering. The Mechanical CAD Designer turns designs into detailed, build-ready drawings for prototypes, production parts, fixtures, and test equipment. The role works closely with engineers to create models and layouts that translate to the shop floor. It suits a CAD designer, drafter, or technical specialist with strong CAD knowledge—ideally SolidWorks and/or Creo—and familiarity with product lifecycle management, with 3D Experience PLM preferred. The work involves hands-on, detail-oriented CAD design and supporting designs through realization. The position is based at Draper’s Cambridge, Massachusetts office. Applicants must be U.S. citizens able to receive a government security clearance; an active clearance is a plus but is not required. The stated U.S. base salary range is $28.00–$47.60. Pay within the range depends on location and job-related skills, experience, and education or training. The posting says this base salary does not include bonuses or benefits. Draper describes programs supporting work-life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off-site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Three to five years of experience in technical drafting.
Well-versed in 3D CAD modeling and drafting; Creo and/or SolidWorks preferred.
Proficient in industry and military modeling and drafting standards.
Able to collect, organize, and capture design details in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Able to identify and define parameters by referencing component datasheets.
Excellent oral and written communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.
Must be a U.S. citizen with the ability to receive a government security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or certificate from a two- or four-year technical school in engineering technology or a related discipline; equivalent work experience may be substituted.
Knowledge of 3D Experience PLM.
Active government security clearance.

Responsibilities

Create SolidWorks and/or Creo models and drawings for machine components, cables and wire harnesses, and printed circuit card assemblies.
Manage designs and CAD files using 3D Experience PLM.
Execute drawing revisions specified by engineering change requests.
Perform drafting to accepted company and national standards.
Identify design issues with minimal oversight and bring them to Senior Technical Staff.
Follow established work processes and instructions, and adapt quickly to new processes and work instructions.
Provide feedback on the effectiveness of processes and work instructions.
Communicate project status and issues to management and project team members orally or in writing, as requested.
Perform other assignments at the discretion of the supervisor.