CAD Administrator Engineer

Alkar; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar is seeking a CAD administrator to manage CAD/PDM applications, develop utilities, and automate data flows between CAD, ERP, and intranet systems. You will support engineering users, maintain standards, and implement release workflows.

The role requires hands-on experience with SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD Electrical, VBA/VB.NET, and strong SQL skills, with a focus on improving accuracy and reducing manual tasks in a manufacturing context.

Qualifications

• Three+ years in CAD administration or closely related technical role with hands-on user support.
• Proven ability to develop utilities using C#/.NET or VB.NET; C#/.NET preferred.
• Solid SQL and relational database knowledge (joins, data relationships, validation).
• Experience integrating applications via APIs or connectors.
• CAD proficiency with drawings, assemblies, BOMs, file dependencies, revision control, release processes.
• Manufacturing/industrial engineering support experience preferred.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS administration, PDM workflows/APIs, AutoCAD Electrical, VBA/VB.NET scripts preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, intranet app development, and database platforms preferred.
• Experience with Inventor, SOLIDWORKS Manage, DriveWorks, SQL Server, Excel, or Access beneficial.
• CAD migration, document management conversion, licensing, or CAD/PDM training beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Administer CAD/PDM apps: settings, access, licensing, upgrades, troubleshooting; coordinate deployment with IT.
• Maintain templates, title blocks, numbering conventions, libraries, and release workflows with Engineering management.
• Develop utilities and integrations connecting CAD/PDM, ERP, and intranet using C#/VB.NET or similar.
• Automate BOM validation, metadata checks, release package generation, and release-status reporting.
• Use SQL to retrieve/validate data; exchange data via APIs or connectors.
• Support interface with Engineering and MRP/ERP Solutions Consultant; investigate data transfer issues.
• Maintain VBA/VB.NET scripts; improve repetitive design tasks via scripting and workflows.
• Test changes, maintain source control, docs, error handling, recovery instructions for utilities.
• Troubleshoot user issues, coordinate vendor support, and train engineers on standards; write user guides.
• Coordinate installation/licensing of Siemens, Rockwell, and AVEVA software with Controls/IT.
• Work with IT on infrastructure, security, backups, deployments; align with Engineering on standards.

Skills

CAD administration

SQL data handling

APIs integration

C#/.NET

VB.NET

Engineering software support

Documentation & training

Education

Associate degree or higher

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

AutoCAD Electrical

VB.NET

C#.NET

SQL Server

Excel

Access

PDM systems

APIs

Job description

Description

Provide CAD administration, application support, and practical automation that improve engineering release accuracy and reduce manual work. Administer SOLIDWORKS, AutoCAD Electrical, and related CAD/PDM tools, and develop utilities connecting engineering applications, ERP system, and internal intranet systems. Work with Engineering, Controls, Manufacturing, IT, and the MRP/ERP Solutions Consultant to establish consistent standards, resolve application issues, and improve the flow of engineering information into manufacturing.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Administer CAD/PDM applications, including settings, user access, licensing, software upgrades, and troubleshooting; coordinate workstation and application deployment with IT.
• Work with Engineering management to maintain templates, title blocks, numbering conventions, shared libraries, revision practices, and release workflows.
• Develop and maintain utilities, scripts, and integrations connecting CAD/PDM, ERP system, and internal intranet applications using C#/.NET, VB.NET, or other supported languages.
• Automate BOM validation, part and revision checks, required metadata checks, release package generation, and release-status reporting.
• Use SQL to retrieve, join, compare, and validate engineering and manufacturing data; exchange or update data through supported APIs, connectors, or approved import/export methods.
• Support and improve the existing interface with Engineering and the MRP/ERP Solutions Consultant; investigate transfer failures and data discrepancies.
• Maintain existing VBA/VB.NET scripts and improve repetitive design and documentation tasks through configuration, scripting, and workflow enhancements.
• Test application changes before deployment and maintain source control, documentation, error handling, and recovery instructions for custom utilities.
• Troubleshoot user issues, coordinate vendor support, and train engineers and designers on software and company standards; develop practical user guides.
• Coordinate Siemens, Rockwell, and AVEVA software installation and licensing support with Controls and IT.
• Partner with IT on infrastructure, security, access, backups, and deployments, and with Engineering management on standards and improvement priorities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Three or more years of CAD administration, engineering applications, or closely related technical experience, including hands-on support of engineering users.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and support practical engineering or business utilities using C#/.NET, VB.NET, or a comparable programming language; C#/.NET preferred.
• Working knowledge of SQL and relational databases, including joins, data relationships, and validation of data accuracy and completeness.
• Experience integrating applications through APIs, connectors, or supported data interfaces.
• Functional CAD proficiency and understanding of engineering drawings, assemblies, BOMs, file dependencies, revision control, and release processes.
• Experience supporting engineering in manufacturing or industrial equipment preferred.
• Experience with SOLIDWORKS administration, PDM workflows and APIs, AutoCAD Electrical, and VBA/VB.NET scripts preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, intranet application development, and relevant database platforms preferred.
• Experience with one or more of Autodesk Inventor, SOLIDWORKS Manage, DriveWorks, Microsoft SQL Server, Excel, or Access beneficial.
• Experience with CAD migration, document management conversion, software licensing, or relevant CAD/PDM administration training or certification beneficial.

Performance Measures:

• CAD system reliability and timely resolution of user issues.
• Reduced manual effort and fewer data errors or failed transfers in engineering releases.
• Consistent use of approved standards and workflows.
• Successful implementation of integrations and process improvements with verified data accuracy.
• Maintainable utilities with current documentation, controlled source code, and testing before deployment.

Core Competencies:

• Practical problem solving and technical ownership.
• Attention to detail and data accuracy.
• Process improvement and effective prioritization.
• Clear communication, user support, and training.
• Cross-functional collaboration and consistent follow-through

Education:

• Associate degree or higher in Mechanical Design Technology, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.