CAD Designer (Solidworks)

Mechanical Designer (CAD)

Location: Tucson, Arizona or Rochester, NY (Onsite)

Position Type: Direct Hire

Salary: Based on Experience

Residency Status: US Citizen or Green Card Holder ONLY

Position Overview

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Designer to support the design, development, prototyping, and manufacturing of precision mechanical and opto-mechanical systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on designer who enjoys solving complex engineering challenges and can translate engineering concepts into manufacturable, production-ready designs.

The successful candidate will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to create detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, documentation packages, and assembly solutions while applying sound engineering judgment, design for manufacturability principles, and attention to detail throughout the product development process.

Essential Functions

• Design and detail precision mechanical and opto-mechanical assemblies using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• Create preliminary concepts and develop them into production-ready mechanical designs.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings utilizing appropriate tolerancing practices and GD&T principles.
• Generate complete manufacturing documentation packages including bills of materials (BOMs), assembly drawings, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Interpret engineering intent and independently identify potential design, fit, tolerance, manufacturability, or assembly issues early in the design process.
• Design supporting structures and assemblies for ease of fabrication, assembly, installation, and maintenance.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to reduce complexity, cost, and production risk.
• Build, manage, and maintain complex multi-level CAD assemblies while proactively resolving interference, fit, and configuration issues.
• Collaborate with machine shops, fabrication vendors, and manufacturing partners to support component sourcing and production activities.
• Assemble, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate prototypes and production hardware.
• Support manufacturing and production teams in resolving technical issues and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering activities to ensure successful project execution.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience.
• Strong experience with 3D CAD modeling software, preferably SolidWorks or similar parametric CAD platforms.
• Experience creating detailed parts, assembly, and fabrication drawings.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and mechanical tolerancing principles.
• Understanding manufacturing processes including machining, fabrication, assembly, and related production methods.
• Experience generating complete engineering and manufacturing documentation packages.
• Ability to interpret engineering intent and exercise independent technical judgment.
• Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Experience working within cross-functional engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills.
• Comfortable working in hands-on engineering, laboratory, and shop environments.
• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder) required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline.
• Advanced SolidWorks experience including complex assemblies and configuration management.
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems and CAD configuration control.
• Experience designing precision mechanical or opto-mechanical assemblies with tightly controlled tolerances.
• Knowledge of tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Hands-on experience with machining, welding, additive manufacturing, NC programming, or other fabrication processes.
• Experience with large mechanical assemblies and assembly optimization.
• Familiarity with optical systems, optical metrology, interferometry, or related precision measurement technologies.
• Experience supporting aerospace, space hardware, semiconductor, or other high-precision engineering applications.
• Established relationships with machine shops, fabrication vendors, or manufacturing partners.

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