Cad Designer

CAD Designer/Drafter

This role focuses on creating precise 3D and 2D designs in Solid Works to support the development of complex mechanical systems, including mooring stations and large steel support structures for aerostat platforms. You will translate concepts and sketches into production-ready models and drawings, revise existing documentation to reflect design changes, and ensure all work aligns with established engineering standards and tolerances.

The position offers the opportunity to contribute to advanced surveillance and early warning systems within a professional engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models in Solid Works from initial sketches, concepts, and engineering input.
• Create accurate 2D production and assembly drawings that clearly define dimensions, tolerances, materials, and manufacturing requirements.
• Revise and update existing engineering drawings and models to incorporate design changes and improvements.
• Ensure all designs comply with internal standards, applicable industry standards, and specified tolerances.
• Support the design of mooring stations and large steel structures that hold and support aerostat systems, similar in complexity to crane and industrial machinery.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other technical staff to resolve design challenges and optimize mechanical solutions.
• Apply knowledge of algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials to produce robust and reliable designs.
• Incorporate manufacturing process considerations into designs to balance performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation in accordance with MIL-STD- and MIL-STD-12, and ANSI Y14.100 series standards.
• Review and verify the completeness and accuracy of drawings and models before release to manufacturing or other stakeholders.
• Communicate design intent, changes, and technical information clearly in both written and verbal form to colleagues and cross-functional teams.

Essential Skills

• Extensive hands-on experience with Solid Works, including 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Experience in the design of machinery or industrial systems, particularly industrial machinery or machine design applications.
• Minimum of five years of drafting experience, including at least three years of experience on one or more CAD systems across multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, or aeronautical.
• Strong skills in algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials.
• Proficiency in creating assembly drawings and detailed mechanical design documentation.
• Good working knowledge of manufacturing processes and an understanding of how design decisions affect cost.
• Familiarity with standards for design, drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing, including MIL-STD-, MIL-STD-12, and ANSI Y14.100 series.
• Effective written and oral communication skills to clearly convey information, ideas, and design processes.
• Ability to work exclusively in Solid Works for all modeling and drafting tasks.
• Experience supporting industrial design or machine design projects, especially those involving large steel structures or crane-like systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting the design of large steel structures, mooring systems, or crane-like mechanical systems.
• Experience working with industrial machinery or complex mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with aerostat systems, surveillance platforms, or related aerospace or defense applications.
• Experience working within structured engineering organizations that follow formal drafting and documentation standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, standards-compliant drawings and models.

Work Environment

This position is based onsite 100% of the time at a headquarters location in Columbia, MD, within a professional engineering environment. The team follows a 9/80 schedule, providing nine-hour workdays with an additional day off every other week. You will work in an office and lab…