CAD Designer

Chipton-Ross, Inc.; Santa Fe Springs (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chipton-Ross, Inc. seeks a CAD Designer in Santa Fe Springs, CA to develop high-precision tooling for aerospace components using SOLIDWORKS. Emphasis on GD&T (ASME Y14.5), workholding design, and manufacturability.

You will convert sketches and specs into production-ready 3D models and drawings, collaborating with engineering and manufacturing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop high-precision machining fixtures, assembly tooling, workholding devices, and specialized manufacturing aids for aerospace/defense components.
• Transform sketches and engineering specs into production-ready 3D models and drawings using SOLIDWORKS.

Skills

CAD design

SOLIDWORKS

GD&T ASME Y14.5

Workholding mechanics

Machining knowledge

3-2-1 rule

Education

Associate Degree in CADD/Mechanical Eng Tech

BS in Mechanical Engineering preferred

Tools

Mastercam

GibbSCAM

Job description

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

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Employment will be contingent on clearing a drug screen and background check. Both must clear prior to start date.
• Candidates responding to this posting must currently possess the eligibility to work in the United States. No third parties please.

Company Description

Join Chipton-Ross, one of the nation's leading staffing firms supporting the aerospace, defense, engineering, and technology industries.

Company Description

Join Chipton-Ross, one of the nation's leading staffing firms supporting the aerospace, defense, engineering, and technology industries.