Designer - Robotics

HDT; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

HDT in Fredericksburg, VA, seeks an experienced design engineer for supporting engineering and manufacturing departments with design tasks using SolidWorks CAD software. Responsibilities include creating parts and engineering drawings, guiding quality inspections, and leading best practices for engineering drawings. A minimum of an associate degree in Design or Mechanical Design and 5-7 years of relevant experience are required. U.S. citizenship is necessary due to ITAR regulations.

Qualifications

• 5 - 7 years relevant work experience.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Knowledge of a variety of manufacturing processes.

Responsibilities

• Supports engineering and manufacturing with design tasks.
• Guidance and assistance with inspection process.
• Leads application of best practices for engineering drawings.

Skills

SolidWorks CAD software

Engineering drawing layout

GD&T

Communication skills

Independent work

Teamwork

Technical capability

Quality orientation

Education

Associates degree in Design or Mechanical Design

Tools

Microsoft Office (especially Excel)

Job description

Some jobs aren’t just tough — they’re brutal. Too toxic. Too remote. Too dangerous for humans to handle. That’s where we come in.

At HDT, we build robotic arms and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) with military‑grade strength and precision engineering, built for the extremes and adaptable to any challenge. Behind the toughest hardware is a team energized by complex problems. Bring us a challenge, and we’ll engineer the solution.

That’s the mindset. That’s the mission. That’s Built for Brutal.

• Supports the engineering and manufacturing departments with design tasks, by creating parts, engineering drawings, and assemblies, using SolidWorks CAD software.
• Supports the quality department with guidance and assistance with the inspection process of custom manufactured parts.
• Executes instructions from engineers, pertaining to design and drawing tasks.
• Leads the departments in the application of best practices for engineering drawings, and GD&T, including teaching and training engineers.
• Reviews and edits existing drawings, across multiple projects and products.
• Assists with developing concepts and selecting components for new and existing product designs.
• Assists with creating and maintaining a bill of materials for various prototypes and products.
• Assists with the assembly of prototypes, and evaluation of the functional performance of certain aspects of the prototypes, especially pertaining to part fitment.
• Complies with engineering playbook and best practice procedures
• Interfaces well with team members, especially assigned engineers

Years Experience

5 - 7 years relevant work experience

Level of Education

Associates degree required in Design or Mechanical Design, or equivalent experience.

Experience / Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Able to work independently and in teams
• Competent technical capability
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively with management and personnel at all levels
• Must be able to speak, read and understand English
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with, vendors, employees and managers at all levels within the company
• Expert in SolidWorks CAD software
• Expert in engineering drawing layout
• Expert in GD&T
• Knowledgeable of a variety of manufacturing processes (milling, turning, welding, sheet metal fabrication, surface finish processes, coatings)
• Knowledgeable of a variety of available materials used to make parts
• Strong computer skills including demonstrated proficiency in standard business software packages (e.g., Microsoft Office, especially Excel)
• Quality orientation and high attention to detail

Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this role.

This position requires access to or use of export‑controlled technical data or technology controlled by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Accordingly, applicants must be U.S. Persons or must be eligible to obtain the required export authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. A U.S. Person is defined as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, or a person who is a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. 1324(b)(a)(3).

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.