Cad Designer

Actalent; Kentucky; On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Job summary

Actalent in Ohio is seeking a CAD Designer to transform engineering concepts into production-ready designs using SolidWorks. You will create detailed 2D and 3D models, drawings, and assemblies from sketches and specs, supporting custom industrial equipment and machinery in a hands-on environment.

The role requires at least 2 years of CAD experience, strong GD&T knowledge, and the ability to read blueprints.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2+ years CAD design and detailing experience.
• Strong 3D modeling skills within SolidWorks.
• Proficient understanding and application of design tables in SolidWorks.
• Proficient understanding of GD&T and drafting standards.
• Experience designing metal, steel, and/or Inconel components and fixtures.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, areas, and volumes and apply basic algebra and geometry.
• Strong understanding of geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in creating production-ready drawings and models.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, project management, and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise detailed 2D and 3D models and assembly drawings from sketches, design notes, and specifications.
• Develop and update models using SolidWorks, including the effective use of design tables.
• Apply appropriate tolerances and GD&T to ensure parts can be manufactured and assembled reliably.
• Translate design requirements into precise dimensions and tolerances suitable for production.
• Ensure all drawings clearly communicate dimensions, materials, and assembly intent for production teams.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and project management teams to manage design changes and updates.
• Process and document Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 standards and internal documentation practices.
• Revise and optimize designs based on feedback from engineering, production, and manufacturing teams.
• Incorporate knowledge of geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes into design decisions.
• Support the design of custom industrial equipment, including metal, steel, Inconel components, and fixtures.
• Perform basic calculations for dimensions, areas, and volumes using algebra and geometry to validate designs.

Skills

CAD design

3D modeling

reading blueprints

GD&T

algebra & geometry

team collaboration

attention to detail

production drawings

Education

Associate's degree or higher in Engineering/Drafting

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: CAD Designer

Job Description

This CAD Designer position focuses on transforming engineering concepts into clear, accurate, and production-ready designs using SolidWorks. You will develop detailed 2D and 3D models and drawings from sketches, notes, and specifications, supporting custom industrial equipment and machinery. The role combines strong CAD skills with practical engineering knowledge to support design modifications, documentation, and production processes in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise detailed 2D and 3D models and assembly drawings from sketches, design notes, and specifications.
• Develop and update models using SolidWorks, including the effective use of design tables.
• Apply appropriate tolerances and GD&T to ensure parts can be manufactured and assembled reliably.
• Translate design requirements into precise dimensions and tolerances suitable for production.
• Ensure all drawings clearly communicate dimensions, materials, and assembly intent for production teams.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and project management teams to manage design changes and updates.
• Process and document Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) in accordance with internal procedures.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 9001 standards and internal documentation practices.
• Revise and optimize designs based on feedback from engineering, production, and manufacturing teams.
• Incorporate knowledge of geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes into design decisions.
• Support the design of custom industrial equipment, including metal, steel, Inconel components, and fixtures.
• Perform basic calculations for dimensions, areas, and volumes using algebra and geometry to validate designs.

Essential Skills

• Minimum 2+ years of CAD design and detailing experience.
• Strong 3D modeling skills within SolidWorks.
• Proficient understanding and application of design tables in SolidWorks.
• Proficient understanding of GD&T and drafting standards.
• Experience designing metal, steel, and/or Inconel components and fixtures.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Ability to calculate dimensions, areas, and volumes and apply basic algebra and geometry.
• Strong understanding of geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in creating production-ready drawings and models.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, project management, and production teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher in Engineering, Drafting, or a related field (preferred).
• Experience designing custom equipment or machinery (preferred).
• Experience with press machine design (preferred).
• Experience with custom industrial equipment and machinery design.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and a methodical approach to design challenges.
• Strong organizational skills for managing design changes and documentation.
• Comfort answering technical questions related to tolerances, GD&T callouts, and SolidWorks functionality such as display states and configurations.

Work Environment

You will work in a 65-person facility that includes approximately 12 machinists and a mix of electrical and mechanical staff, creating a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment. The workflow centers on SolidWorks, with extensive use of both 2D and 3D design tools to support custom industrial equipment. The culture is family-owned in spirit, casual, and deeply people-focused, with many employees building long-term careers and some staying for several decades. The environment is hands-on and production-oriented, providing regular interaction with manufacturing and shop-floor personnel as you bring designs from concept to finished equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Piqua, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)