Computer Aided Design (CAD) Designer
Kratos Unmanned Systems, Auburn Hills, MI, United States
GENERAL JOB SUMMARY
The Computer Aided Design (CAD) Designer provides drafting and design support to engineering by developing and maintaining 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation required for product design, manufacturing, testing, and customer deliverables.
This role supports engineering teams by translating engineering concepts, sketches, and requirements into accurate CAD models, drawings, and associated documentation. The CAD Designer works closely with Design Engineers, Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Configuration Management, and Production to ensure design documentation is technically accurate, manufacturable, and properly controlled within engineering data systems.
The position plays an important role in maintaining the engineering digital thread, ensuring CAD models, drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering documentation are accurately created, maintained, and configuration‑controlled within PDM/PLM systems.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
CAD Modeling & Drawing Development
Produce accurate 3D CAD models and detailed mechanical drawings in support of engineering design and manufacturing
Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and technical requirements to develop design layouts
Generate 2D drawings from 3D models including dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing notes
Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with engineering standards
Develop assembly models and drawings showing part relationships and installation requirements
Engineering Documentation & Design Support
Create illustrations, diagrams, and technical graphics for engineering documentation, manuals, proposals, and technical data packages
Prepare and update engineering documentation supporting design reviews and program deliverables
Assist engineering teams with prototype design documentation and product development activities
Configuration Control & Engineering Change Management
Prepare drawing revisions in accordance with Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)
Maintain configuration control of drawings, models, and engineering documentation
Coordinate with Configuration Management to ensure proper document control and revision tracking
Support engineering release processes within PDM/PLM systems
Bill of Materials (BOM) & Engineering Data Management
Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) throughout the design process
Update parts lists, part numbers, and related documentation within engineering systems
Ensure design data and BOM structures remain consistent between CAD systems and ERP systems
Manufacturing & Production Support
Design components with manufacturability considerations, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and welding processes
Support manufacturing teams by clarifying drawings and resolving design questions
Assist production floor teams with interpretation of engineering drawings and design documentation
Recommend design improvements to enhance manufacturability and product performance
Program and produce 3D prototypes and models with SLS printer
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work collaboratively with Design Engineers, Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Configuration Management, Production & Assembly teams
Assist other engineering disciplines in resolving design issues and improving product designs
Problem Solving & Design Improvement
Work independently to resolve design documentation issues or technical discrepancies
Support continuous improvement of design documentation practices and standards
Identify opportunities for design improvements that enhance manufacturability and product reliability
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibility
Keyword: CAD design, SolidWorks, 3D modeling, 2D drawings, GD&T, engineering documentation, BOM management, PDM/PLM, configuration control, mechanical drafting, CNC manufacturability, SLS prototyping
Required Experience: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Strong understanding of mechanical design documentation and drafting standards
Ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize work effectively
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and manufacturing teams
Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government and ITAR regulations
Preferred
Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding processes
Familiarity with MIL Standards and IPC Standards
Experience working with PDM/PLM engineering data systems
Experience supporting aerospace, propulsion, or complex mechanical systems
Education and Experience
Associate’s degree or technical certification in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related technical field, or equivalent experience
Minimum 6 years of CAD drafting and design experience
Proficiency with SolidWorks
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Preferred
Experience supporting engineering teams in aerospace, defense, or high‑precision manufacturing environments
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Primarily office‑based engineering environment
Frequent interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive tasks using computer and input devices
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines
Travel Requirements
Limited travel may be required (domestic or international) to support engineering activities, supplier visits, or program requirements
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.
A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.
EEO/M/F/D/V
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The Computer Aided Design (CAD) Designer provides drafting and design support to engineering by developing and maintaining 3D models, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation required for product design, manufacturing, testing, and customer deliverables.
This role supports engineering teams by translating engineering concepts, sketches, and requirements into accurate CAD models, drawings, and associated documentation. The CAD Designer works closely with Design Engineers, Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Configuration Management, and Production to ensure design documentation is technically accurate, manufacturable, and properly controlled within engineering data systems.
The position plays an important role in maintaining the engineering digital thread, ensuring CAD models, drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering documentation are accurately created, maintained, and configuration‑controlled within PDM/PLM systems.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
CAD Modeling & Drawing Development
Produce accurate 3D CAD models and detailed mechanical drawings in support of engineering design and manufacturing
Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and technical requirements to develop design layouts
Generate 2D drawings from 3D models including dimensions, tolerances, and manufacturing notes
Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with engineering standards
Develop assembly models and drawings showing part relationships and installation requirements
Engineering Documentation & Design Support
Create illustrations, diagrams, and technical graphics for engineering documentation, manuals, proposals, and technical data packages
Prepare and update engineering documentation supporting design reviews and program deliverables
Assist engineering teams with prototype design documentation and product development activities
Configuration Control & Engineering Change Management
Prepare drawing revisions in accordance with Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)
Maintain configuration control of drawings, models, and engineering documentation
Coordinate with Configuration Management to ensure proper document control and revision tracking
Support engineering release processes within PDM/PLM systems
Bill of Materials (BOM) & Engineering Data Management
Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) throughout the design process
Update parts lists, part numbers, and related documentation within engineering systems
Ensure design data and BOM structures remain consistent between CAD systems and ERP systems
Manufacturing & Production Support
Design components with manufacturability considerations, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and welding processes
Support manufacturing teams by clarifying drawings and resolving design questions
Assist production floor teams with interpretation of engineering drawings and design documentation
Recommend design improvements to enhance manufacturability and product performance
Program and produce 3D prototypes and models with SLS printer
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work collaboratively with Design Engineers, Product Engineers, Manufacturing Engineering, Configuration Management, Production & Assembly teams
Assist other engineering disciplines in resolving design issues and improving product designs
Problem Solving & Design Improvement
Work independently to resolve design documentation issues or technical discrepancies
Support continuous improvement of design documentation practices and standards
Identify opportunities for design improvements that enhance manufacturability and product reliability
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
No direct supervisory responsibility
Keyword: CAD design, SolidWorks, 3D modeling, 2D drawings, GD&T, engineering documentation, BOM management, PDM/PLM, configuration control, mechanical drafting, CNC manufacturability, SLS prototyping
Required Experience: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions
Working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
Strong understanding of mechanical design documentation and drafting standards
Ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize work effectively
Strong attention to detail and documentation accuracy
Ability to work collaboratively across engineering and manufacturing teams
Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by government and ITAR regulations
Preferred
Knowledge of manufacturing processes including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, welding processes
Familiarity with MIL Standards and IPC Standards
Experience working with PDM/PLM engineering data systems
Experience supporting aerospace, propulsion, or complex mechanical systems
Education and Experience
Associate’s degree or technical certification in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related technical field, or equivalent experience
Minimum 6 years of CAD drafting and design experience
Proficiency with SolidWorks
Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office tools
Preferred
Experience supporting engineering teams in aerospace, defense, or high‑precision manufacturing environments
Work Environment / Physical Requirements
Primarily office‑based engineering environment
Frequent interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive tasks using computer and input devices
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines
Travel Requirements
Limited travel may be required (domestic or international) to support engineering activities, supplier visits, or program requirements
THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK BEING PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS CLASSIFICATION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE CONSTRUED AS AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND SKILLS REQUIRED OF PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.
A REVIEW OF THIS CLASSIFICATION HAS EXCLUDED THE MARGINAL FUNCTIONS OF THE CLASSIFICATION THAT ARE INCIDENTAL TO THE PERFORMANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL JOB JUTIES. ALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS AND ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES TO PERFORM THIS JOB PROFICIENTLY. THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED IN THIS DOCUMENT ARE THE MINIMUM LEVELS OF KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS OR ABILITIES.
EEO/M/F/D/V
#J-18808-Ljbffr