CAD Designer

Chipton-Ross is seeking a CAD Designer for a contract opportunity in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

• 3+ years of dedicated CAD design experience specifically focused on machining fixtures, work holding, or precision tooling within the aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing sectors.
• Technical Mastery:
  Advanced proficiency in SOLIDWORKS (CSWP or CSWE certification preferred).
• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and drafting best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of conventional and CNC machining operations (milling, turning, wire EDM, grinding) and tooling materials (aluminum, tool steels, stainless, invar, plastics).
• Demonstrated understanding of work holding mechanics, kinematic location principles (3-2-1 rule), and clamping forces.

The CAD Tooling & Fixture Designer develops high-precision machining fixtures, assembly tooling, work holding devices, and specialized manufacturing aids for complex aerospace and defense flight components. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS, this role transforms concept sketches and engineering specifications into full detailed, production-ready 3D models and manufacturing drawings. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and practical machine shop work holding principles.

• Experience designing composite manufacturing tooling (trim/drill fixtures, lay-up molds, bond tools, vacuum work holding).
• Proficiency with SOLIDWORKS PDM Enterprise for data management.
• Exposure to CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM) or direct CNC programming experience.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management standards and continuous improvement frameworks.

Accredited Associate Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting/Design (CADD), Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent trade school degree combined with practical experience (BS in Mechanical Engineering preferred).

Full-Time