Junior Designer / CAD Designer

Reno Refractories Inc; Morris (AL); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Reno Refractories Inc. in Morris, Alabama, seeks a motivated Junior Designer / CAD Designer to support the design and development of refractory products, components, and assemblies. This entry‑level role offers hands‑on experience in 3D CAD, SolidWorks, and manufacturing processes, working with engineers and production to create manufacturable designs.

You will develop detailed 3D models and 2D drawings, review designs for accuracy, and visit the shop floor to understand fabrication.

Qualifications

• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings.
• Proficient with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design and manufacturing principles.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to visualize components and assemblies in 3D.
• Ability to create clear, professional manufacturing drawings.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Able to work independently while collaborating with engineering and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Develop accurate 2D manufacturing drawings with dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, notes, and other required information.
• Assist with the design and development of refractory shapes, components, and assemblies.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and documentation for new and existing products.
• Make design revisions based on engineering changes, manufacturing requirements, and production feedback.
• Work closely with engineers, sales, and manufacturing personnel to develop practical and manufacturable designs.
• Review drawings and 3D models for accuracy, completeness, and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews and help identify potential manufacturing, assembly, or installation issues.
• Visit the manufacturing floor to inspect existing components, verify dimensions, troubleshoot design issues, and gain a better understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Maintain organized project files and follow established document‑control procedures.
• Assist with maintaining CAD standards, drawing templates, and standard design practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, drawings, and CAD standards.

Skills

Reading drawings

3D visualization

Attention to detail

Independent work

Communication

Education

Associate degree in Mechanical Design or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Job Overview

We are looking for a motivated Junior Designer / CAD Designer to join our team and support the design and development of refractory products, components, and assemblies.

This position is ideal for a recent graduate or someone early in their design career who wants to develop their skills in 3D CAD, mechanical design, manufacturing, and product development. The role goes beyond simply creating drawings—you will work directly with engineers and manufacturing personnel to understand how components are made, solve design challenges, and develop practical, manufacturable solutions.

We are looking for someone who enjoys solving problems, learning from experienced engineers and production personnel, and developing designs that work in the real world.

This position is particularly well suited for a recent graduate or early‑career designer who wants to build their skills in CAD, mechanical design, manufacturing, and product development.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks or similar software.
• Develop accurate 2D manufacturing drawings with dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, notes, and other required information.
• Assist with the design and development of refractory shapes, components, and assemblies.
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and documentation for new and existing products.
• Make design revisions based on engineering changes, manufacturing requirements, and production feedback.
• Work closely with engineers, sales, and manufacturing personnel to develop practical and manufacturable designs.
• Review drawings and 3D models for accuracy, completeness, and manufacturability.
• Participate in design reviews and help identify potential manufacturing, assembly, or installation issues.
• Visit the manufacturing floor to inspect existing components, verify dimensions, troubleshoot design issues, and gain a better understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Maintain organized project files and follow established document‑control procedures.
• Assist with maintaining CAD standards, drawing templates, and standard design practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, drawings, and CAD standards.

Required Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles and manufacturing/shop practices.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to visualize components and assemblies in three dimensions.
• Ability to create clear and professional manufacturing drawings.
• Strong organizational, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with engineering, sales, and manufacturing personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Design, Engineering, CAD, or a related field, or approximately 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM or another document‑management system.
• Experience with fabrication, welding, machining, or other manufacturing processes.
• Experience creating complex 3D shapes, models, and assemblies.
• Experience with 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate enjoys figuring out how things are made—not simply creating drawings. They are curious, willing to ask questions, and interested in understanding the relationship between design and manufacturing.

Work Environment

This position works closely with engineers and production personnel in both an office and manufacturing environment.

The designer will regularly interact with the manufacturing floor to:

• Review existing components and assemblies.
• Verify dimensions and design details.
• Troubleshoot design or manufacturing issues.
• Understand fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Work with production personnel to improve the manufacturability of designs.