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CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal CAD Designer to join their aerospace and space technology company. The company develops advanced communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms.
In this role, you will serve as a key technical resource providing advanced CAD design and drafting support throughout the product development lifecycle. You will develop, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation while ensuring accuracy, configuration control, and compliance with engineering standards.
Key responsibilities include:
- Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support using SolidWorks throughout product development
- Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
- Ensure all drawings and models comply with engineering standards, GD&T requirements, and company documentation procedures
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to support design development and product release
- Manage and maintain mechanical CAD files and digital design documentation within PDM systems
- Administer file structures, version control, and drawing release processes in SolidWorks PDM
- Prepare, process, and incorporate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs/ECRs) into released documentation
- Maintain accurate bill of material (BOM) structures and hardware configurations
- Review CAD models and drawings for completeness, manufacturability, accuracy, and compliance
- Identify design issues and support corrective actions
- Support standardization and continuous improvement of CAD processes, templates, and workflows
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers or drafters
- Support departmental initiatives focused on efficiency, data integrity, and documentation quality
The role operates in a fast-paced product development environment with frequent collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams. You will work primarily in an office and engineering development environment, with extended periods at a computer workstation.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Associate's degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field (preferred)
- 7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting experience in manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, or product development environments
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and engineering drawing creation
- Strong understanding of GD&T, mechanical drafting standards, and engineering documentation best practices
- Proficiency with technical diagramming and drafting tools such as DraftSight, Lucidchart, Draw.io, or equivalent
- Experience using issue tracking and workflow management tools such as Jira or similar systems
- Knowledge of engineering change control processes and configuration management principles
- Ability to interpret engineering specifications, manufacturing requirements, and technical documentation
- Experience creating and managing BOM structures and hardware documentation
- Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills related to CAD models and engineering documentation workflows
- Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to documentation accuracy
- Exposure to ERP and PLM systems preferred (SAP, Windchill, ENOVIA, or similar)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
- Strong mechanical proficiency and understanding of manufacturing (CNC, 3D printing, etc.) and mechanical assembly techniques
- Knowledge of ASME Y14.5 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and ASME Y14.100 (Engineering Drawing Practices)
- Experience supporting design of electronic packages, ground structures, mechanisms, and/or composite structures
- Aerospace or automotive electronics design experience
NOTE: Applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, conditional resident, asylee, or refugee, or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State due to U.S. Government Space Technology Export Regulations.
