SolidWorks Engineer
About The Position
The SolidWorks Engineer will create detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies for custom metal fabrication projects, supporting designs from concept through production. The role focuses on weldments, flat sheet metal fabrication, and complex welded joints, with work spanning prototypes and high-volume custom orders. The engineer will collaborate with customers, sales, and shop-floor personnel to develop proposals, confirm specifications, and ensure designs meet deadlines and manufacturing requirements. The position also includes quoting, estimating, material takeoffs, and leadership of a three-person design department. Regular interaction with manufacturing teams will help validate designs against laser cutting, press brake forming, welding, and assembly processes. The company is a family-oriented, faith-based custom metal fabrication shop of approximately 23–24 employees, expanding its design capabilities for aluminum and stainless steel fabrication. This is an on-site shop/office hybrid role in Holland, Michigan, with occasional remote laptop access during non-core hours or special circumstances.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of hands-on 3D CAD design experience specifically with SolidWorks; 3D modeling expertise is required, while 2D experience is not necessary.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks weldments, sheet metal design, drawing creation, and library management.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with external clients and internal stakeholders.
- Strong problem-solving, organizational, and multitasking skills, with adaptability in a fast-paced custom fabrication shop.
- Positive, collaborative team-player attitude and ability to fit into a close-knit work environment.
- Ability to work on-site in a shop/office hybrid setting.
- Legal authorization to work in the United States; sponsorship is not available.
Nice To Haves
- Leadership experience or interest in growing into a department head role, including mentoring junior designers and improving processes.
- Familiarity with custom metal fabrication processes, including MIG welding for steel, TIG welding for stainless steel, and basic aluminum handling.
- Experience in material handling or industrial design, including exposure to reverse engineering or on-site assessments.
- Comfort working extended hours, up to 60 hours per week during peak periods, balanced by flexible start times and family-friendly perks.
- A portfolio of SolidWorks designs, especially drawings or examples of weldments and sheet metal.
Responsibilities
- Create detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks, focusing on weldments, flat sheet metal fabrication, and complex welded joints.
- Collaborate with customers, sales teams, and shop-floor personnel through site visits, feedback, and proposal development.
- Perform project quoting, estimating, and material takeoffs while balancing design accuracy, lead time, and cost efficiency.
- Lead and mentor a three-person design department, oversee workflows, support cross-training, and foster problem-solving.
- Interact regularly with the shop floor to validate designs against laser cutting, press brake forming, MIG/TIG welding, and assembly processes.
- Use SolidWorks libraries, advanced features, and best practices to produce repeatable, high-precision designs.
- Organize and prioritize tasks in a deadline-driven environment while adapting to changing customer requirements and production pauses.
Benefits
- 401(k) matching.
- Full health insurance coverage.
- Generous paid time off and holiday observances.
- Flexible start and end times.
- Summer Fridays ending at 2:30 PM.
- Team-building and social events, including Detroit Lions tailgate parties and Friday group outings.
- Clean, modern workstations, with potential minor upgrades.
- Potential remote laptop access during off-hours or special circumstances.
- Growth opportunities in an expanding business, including work on new product lines and visibility to leadership.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
