CAD Designer

Air Tractor, Inc.; Olney (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Air Tractor, Inc. invites an experienced CAD Designer to independently develop aircraft parts, assemblies, and installations. You will transform high-level concepts into production-ready 3D models using Inventor, with a strong grasp of manufacturing processes and aircraft structure.

Ideal candidates have 5–7+ years in mechanical CAD design, an associate degree or equivalent, and expert command of Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, including Vault data management. This on-site role requires U.S.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5–7+ years as a mechanical CAD Designer or Design Technologist.
• 2-year technical degree or associate degree with relevant Autodesk credentials.
• Expert-level Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD proficiency.
• Strong working knowledge of Autodesk Vault database.

Responsibilities

• Design and model complex 3D aircraft parts and assemblies in Inventor with minimal oversight.
• Evaluate interfaces and tolerances, adjusting designs without detailed guidance.
• Create 3D models and production prints using Inventor and AutoCAD.
• Manage design data with Autodesk Vault for version control.
• Coordinate with shop floor and fabrication teams to optimize geometry.

Skills

Independent problem solving

Manufacturing awareness

Excellent communication

Reading engineering drawings

Education

2-year technical/associate degree

CADD/Mechanical Engineering Technology

Autodesk credential / equivalent

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Autodesk Vault

Job description

Job Summary

Air Tractor, Inc. currently has an available full-time position for a highly experienced CAD Designer. Unlike a traditional drafting role, this position requires a design champion who can independently develop aircraft parts, assemblies, and installations with minimal engineering oversight.

As our resident Autodesk Inventor expert, you will have the mechanical maturity to take high-level concepts and transform them into production-ready 3D models. You will possess a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and aircraft structures, allowing you to make independent design decisions regarding fit, form, and function.

Job Responsibilities

• Aircraft Design: Independently design, model, and develop complex 3D components, sheet metal parts, and large top-down assemblies/installations in Autodesk Inventor with minimal engineering intervention.
• Independent Problem Solving: Evaluate structural interfaces, spatial constraints, and tolerance stack-ups on the aircraft, making proactive design adjustments without needing detailed engineering instructions.
• Drawing & Layout Creation: Create and maintain highly accurate 3D CAD models, layout drawings, and production-ready manufacturing prints using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
• Data & Vault Management: Manage, structure, and check design data files utilizing the Autodesk Vault database to ensure strict version control and data integrity.
• Manufacturing Integration: Coordinate directly with the shop floor, toolmakers, and fabrication teams to optimize part geometry for production and resolve manufacturing issues seamlessly.

Applicant Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 5 - 7+ years of dedicated experience working as a mechanical CAD Designer or Design Technologist in a manufacturing or product development environment.
• Education: 2-year Technical or Associate degree in Mechanical Design, Computer-Aided Drafting/Design (CADD), Mechanical Engineering Technology, Certified Autodesk AutoCAD or Inventor Professional credential or equivalent field experience.
• Autodesk Inventor: Expert-level proficiency in Autodesk Inventor, specifically with advanced parametric modeling, sheet metal design, and large assembly management.
• Autodesk AutoCAD: Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD, specifically with 2D drafting, drawing setup and layouts.
• Autodesk Vault: Strong working knowledge of the Autodesk Vault database environment.
• Minimal Supervision Drive: A self-starter with a track record of owning design projects from initial concept through final production release with low oversight.
• Legal Requirement: Applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined by the ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).

Preferred Attributes

• Must be highly organized, an effective communicator, and possess an exceptional mechanical aptitude.
• Expert-level capability in reading, interpreting, and validating engineering and technical drawings.
• Experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access Database, and Outlook.