CAD Designer

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Perform CAD activities under direct supervision

• Utilize Catia V5 CAD hardware and applications software
• Produce engineering diagrams, drawings, layout, and other design documents
• Create 2D detailed components & assembly drawings applying GD&T, Internal Guidelines and Customer Standards
• Develop technically efficient & economically feasible switch designs with CAD
• Develop 3D Parametric Models in accordance with CAD design standards
• Incorporate knowledge of total product costs in design and documentation process
• Balance pressing time demands of several projects
• Work effectively with other departments
• Understand Die design and constraints
• Coordinate with internal and external Associates to create designs from concept to model
• Understand and follow TRAM CAD Design guidelines and requirements
• Understand the engineering change approval process and make drawing changes or updates
• Design creations in CATIA, TCE and C3P environment
• Organize and maintain CAD files, engineering files, references and drawings
• Consult with design engineers to resolve design issues
• Prepare annotated detail drawings
• Use F/S, lighting, soldering, and prototyping tools to assist Engineering activities
• Create preliminary & advanced working layouts and final master drawings
• Analyze specifications, sketches, engineering drawings and related design data
• Maintain knowledge of existing designs and manufacturing processes & limitations
• Research and evaluate competitors’ products and technology
• Create Benchmark report and create cost-reducing ideas
• Understand Die design and tooling constraints
• Evaluate and determine feasibility of product design proposals
• Apply GSD techniques to develop switch designs
• Apply assembly design techniques to develop & manage CAD Assemblies and product files

• Complete projects assigned by department and/or supervisor
• Perform tolerance stackup analysis
• Follow daily, weekly, and monthly Department time reporting, and documentation processes
• Continuously participate in training seminars and complete required T3P courses
• Attend Product Development Team (PDT) meetings
• Lead design explanation and inform on Customer Expectations

• Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Design or Engineering

• 5+ years of experience in Catia V5 2D Drafting and 3D CAD Design.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molding and Electronic Mechanical component design.

TRAM, Inc. is a Japanese owned automotive parts supplier, serving the Japanese Transplants (Toyota, Nissan, Subaru, etc.) as well as the domestic OEMs (Ford and GM). Located in Plymouth, MI, TRAM, Inc. is a subsidiary company of Tokai-Rika Co. LTD, which is located in Nagoya, Japan. TRAM was founded in 1986 and currently employs 2,500+ people at our 5 locations.

We manufacture automotive components such as switch-related products (window regulators, headlights, cruise control, turn signals, multifunction and HVAC switches), security and safety-related products (shift levers, steering wheels, steering locks, seat belts, key cylinders, mechanical and remote keys).

Shift your career into drive and help TRAMmake the driving experience an intuitive connection between the human body and the vehicle.

TRAM, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For additional information about our companies, please see our web site at

This is a great opportunity to join our growing organization and enhance your skills to become a valuable member of our successful team!