Computer Aided Design Engineer

PowerBlock Inc.; Owatonna (MN); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

PowerBlock Inc. is seeking a detail-oriented CAD Designer to join our Product Development team.

You will create accurate 3D models, production drawings, and engineering documentation using SolidWorks, and collaborate across Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain to ensure designs are manufacturable and cost-effective. The role requires a strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of manufacturing processes, and the ability to develop moderate to complex mechanisms and assemblies.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent experience in mechanical design or drafting.
• 3+ years of professional SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing drawings, GD&T, and tolerancing.
• Experience designing mechanical assemblies and production components.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings using SolidWorks.
• Create manufacturing-ready drawings including dimensions, GD&T, tolerances, materials, finishes, and assembly requirements.
• Design and document moderate to complex mechanical assemblies, components, and mechanisms.
• Review designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, serviceability, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with engineers, quality, manufacturing, and suppliers through product development.
• Maintain ECOs, revision history, and engineering documentation.
• Assist with prototype development, product validation, and design improvements.
• Develop exploded views, assembly instructions, BOMs, and supporting documentation.
• Maintain CAD standards, templates, and best practices.
• Organize engineering files within PDM or alternative system.
• Convert legacy drawings to current SolidWorks standards when required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in design reviews.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

Manufacturing drawings

Mechanical design

Documentation

MS Office

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical Design

Tools

PDM systems

Job description

Reports To: Director of Research and Development

Position Summary

PowerBlock is seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled CAD Designer to join our Product Development team. This individual will play a key role in transforming product concepts into manufacturable designs by creating accurate 3D models, production drawings, and engineering documentation using SolidWorks.

The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical aptitude, a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to develop moderate to complex mechanisms and assemblies. This position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Product Management to ensure products are designed for performance, manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings using SolidWorks.
• Create manufacturing-ready drawings including dimensions, GD&T, tolerances, materials, finishes, and assembly requirements.
• Design and document moderate to complex mechanical assemblies, components, and mechanisms.
• Review designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, serviceability, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with engineers, quality personnel, manufacturing, and suppliers throughout the product development process.
• Maintain Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), revision history, and engineering documentation.
• Assist with prototype development, product validation, and design improvements.
• Develop exploded views, assembly instructions, bills of materials (BOMs), and supporting documentation.
• Maintain company CAD standards, drawing templates, and engineering best practices.
• Organize and maintain engineering files within the Product Data Management (PDM) system or designated alternative.
• Convert legacy drawings into current SolidWorks standards when required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in design reviews.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Design, CAD Technology, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional SolidWorks experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing drawings, dimensioning practices, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience designing mechanical assemblies and production components.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

• Injection molded plastic components
• Weldments and fabricated assemblies
• Machined components
• Product Data Management (PDM) systems
• Fitness equipment or consumer product development
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)

Core Competencies

• Mechanical aptitude
• Critical thinking and problem solving
• Manufacturing knowledge
• Organization and time management
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Continuous learning and adaptability

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may have supervisory responsibilities in the future.

This position is primarily office-based with regular interaction in manufacturing and prototype areas. Occasional exposure to production equipment, assembly operations, and warehouse environments may occur while supporting product development, testing, or manufacturing activities. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment will be provided when required. Partial work from home options can be discussed.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods working at a computer workstation.
• Frequently communicate with team members in office and manufacturing environments.
• Occasionally walk throughout the office, laboratory, warehouse, and manufacturing areas.
• Occasionally lift or move materials, prototypes, or components up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to inspect small components and engineering drawings requiring close visual attention.

Position Type

Full-time, Exempt

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to support project deadlines, testing activities, or production schedules.

Travel

Occasional local travel may be required. Limited domestic or international travel (less than 10%) may be necessary to support suppliers, trade shows, testing, or manufacturing partners.

PowerBlock is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may evolve as business needs change.