CAD Designer

About the role

The CAD Designer is responsible for developing accurate and manufacturable designs of sheet metal panels, structural supports, barriers, and conductive copper bus assemblies for low- to medium- voltage switchgear. This role ensures designs meet customer requirements, regulatory standards, and manufacturing best practices while contributing to efficiency, quality, and company growth. The

Mechanical Designer collaborates with electrical designers, engineers, project managers, and manufacturing personnel, and serves as a key resource in solving complex design challenges.

Accountabilities

• Create detailed 3D models and drawings of sheet metal panels, structural supports, barriers, and bus assemblies using CAD software, specifically AutoDesk Inventor.
• Ensure all designs align with manufacturability, customer specifications, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with electrical designers to accurately integrate structural and copper bus elements into customer drawing packages.
• Partner cross-functionally with project management, manufacturing, sales, estimating, and field service to support project execution and resolve technical issues.
• Prepare bills of materials, assembly drawings, and cut sheets to support manufacturing in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reduce cycle time by reusing or adapting existing designs where applicable.
• Contribute to design reviews and process improvements that enhance quality, reduce costs, and improve reliability.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior mechanical designers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required Knowledge / Experience

• 0-1 years of progressive mechanical design experience, with significant experience in switchgear, power distribution equipment, or related electrical equipment manufacturing.
• 0-1 years of hands-on experience with sheet metal design, structural assemblies, and conductive bus bar design for low- to medium-voltage applications.
• Advanced proficiency with AutoDesk Inventor; familiarity with additional 3D CAD tools a plus.
• Extensive experience preparing parts lists, bills of materials, and assembly drawings for manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining, press brake operations, and CNC punch equipment.
• Understanding of product lifecycle management, quality control, design for manufacturability, and cost optimization.
• Proven ability to lead complex mechanical design projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP/MRP systems such as IFS, SAP, or similar.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to customers, leadership, and cross-functional teams.
• Advanced mathematical skills, including the ability to calculate proportions, dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and integrity.

Education

• High School/GED

Additional Information

• FLSA executive and professional positions paid on a salary basis, where project requirements and tight client deadlines may require workweeks over forty (40) hours (including weekends or holidays)
• This role will work in an office setting, however, frequent visits to the production floor are required to oversee operations, ensure compliance and safety standards, and engage staff.
• Mobility: Ability to move around the manufacturing plant, including walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
• Manual Dexterity: Occasional use of hands to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Lifting: Ability to lift and carry items up to twenty-five (25) pounds. All lifting should be done following OSHA standards.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Must be able to see and hear well enough to navigate the plant safely and communicate effectively with team members.