CAD Designer

CHIPTON-ROSS Inc.; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Chipton-Ross seeks a CAD Designer to develop high-precision tooling and fixtures for aerospace and defense flight components in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Using SOLIDWORKS, the role transforms sketches into detailed production drawings with GD&T compliance.

The ideal candidate will have 3+ years of dedicated CAD design experience, familiarity with machining operations, and a strong grasp of workholding principles and 3-2-1 location methods. This is a full-time contract position onsite.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of CAD design experience focused on fixtures, workholding, or tooling in aerospace/defense/high-precision manufacturing.
• Advanced proficiency in SOLIDWORKS (CSWP/CSWE preferred).
• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and drafting practices.

Responsibilities

• Design high-precision fixtures, tooling, and workholding devices for aerospace/defense components.
• Translate concepts into production-ready 3D models and drawings using SOLIDWORKS.
• Apply GD&T and DFM principles to ensure manufacturability and accuracy.
• Incorporate kinematic concepts and clamping methods into tooling designs.

Skills

CAD design

SOLIDWORKS

GD&T

Machining

Workholding

Education

CADD / Mechanical Tech degree

Tools

SOLIDWORKS PDM

Mastercam

GibbsCAM

Job description

Chipton-Ross is seeking a CAD Designer for a contract opportunity in Santa Fe Springs, CA.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE)

• 3+ years of dedicated CAD design experience specifically focused on machining fixtures, workholding, or precision tooling within the aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing sectors.
• Technical Mastery: Advanced proficiency in SOLIDWORKS (CSWP or CSWE certification preferred).
• Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and drafting best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of conventional and CNC machining operations (milling, turning, wire EDM, grinding) and tooling materials (aluminum, tool steels, stainless, invar, plastics).
• Demonstrated understanding of workholding mechanics, kinematic location principles (3-2-1 rule), and clamping forces.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The CAD Tooling & Fixture Designer develops high-precision machining fixtures, assembly tooling, workholding devices, and specialized manufacturing aids for complex aerospace and defense flight components. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS, this role transforms concept sketches and engineering specifications into full detailed, production-ready 3D models and manufacturing drawings. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and practical machine shop workholding principles.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (DESIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE)

• Experience designing composite manufacturing tooling (trim/drill fixtures, lay-up molds, bond tools, vacuum workholding).
• Proficiency with SOLIDWORKS PDM Enterprise for data management.
• Exposure to CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM) or direct CNC programming experience.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management standards and continuous improvement frameworks.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Accredited Associate Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting/Design (CADD), Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent trade school degree combined with practical experience (BS in Mechanical Engineering preferred).

WORK HOURS

Full-Time