Mechanical CAD Designer

Hawkins, Inc.; Loves Park (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 83,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Employee stock purchase program (ESPP)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Hawkins, Inc./WaterSurplus seeks a Mechanical CAD Designer to create layouts, BOMs, and drawings for water treatment equipment. You will model in CAD software and ensure designs meet specifications and standards.

The role requires 5+ years of mechanical design experience, proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD (Inventor preferred), and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or associate degree preferred.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in water/wastewater industry is desired.

Responsibilities

• Design and lay out mechanical assemblies and BOMs for water treatment equipment.
• Use SolidWorks and AutoCAD to create accurate 2D/3D designs and models.
• Design piping layouts and mechanical components per customer specs and standards.
• Review drawings for compliance with company standards and customer requirements.
• Support fabrication and testing on the shop floor with detailed documentation.

Skills

CAD design

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Associates degree in related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Inventor

Job description

Hawkins, Inc./WaterSurplus is a trusted and well-known leader in the chemical industry for over 80 years. We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with our Water Treatment business segment. Our route sales/delivery approach to supplying products and equipment to our customers in 27+ states ensures superb customer service and support. Our customers include water and wastewater treatment systems, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater facilities, and industries like oil/gas and agricultural farmers/growers.

Learn more about us at www.hawkinsinc.com (NASDAQ: HWKN).

To learn more about Hawkins Water Treatment and the sales, delivery and warehouse positions, watch this short video.

About The Job

The Mechanical CAD Designer is responsible for the CAD design of mechanical equipment layouts, fabrication details, drawing files, bill of materials and completion of mechanical design projects within the area of assigned responsibility.

Responsibilities

• Design and layout mechanical assembly and fabrication drawings, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), for water treatment equipment.
• Use CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to create accurate designs and 3D models.
• Design piping layouts and mechanical system components according to customer specifications and engineering standards.
• Analyze engineering sketches, blueprints, specifications, and related data to determine critical design factors (e.g., size, shape, arrangement, tolerances).
• Sketch layouts and calculate angles, dimensions, radii, clearances, weights, surface areas, leverages, and component placements.
• Collaborate with production staff to support fabrication, assembly, and equipment testing on the shop floor.
• Generate detailed shop assembly documentation, purchase order requisitions, and technical drawings.
• Review and verify product designs for compliance with company standards, engineering principles, and customer specifications.
• Evaluate and, where appropriate, approve design changes, drawing releases, and technical specifications.
• Ensure equipment, tools, and manufacturing methods align with design specifications and company objectives.
• Monitor project budgets and control costs to stay within financial constraints.
• Support the sales team by preparing proposal drawings, estimates, and technical content for reports and customer presentations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align project requirements and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Participate in business planning and strategy discussions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About You

• High School Diploma of GED (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Associates degree from a two-year college (preferred)
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably within the water/wastewater treatment industry
• Familiarity with company products, services, and typical industry applications
• Proficient in CAD software: SolidWorks and AutoCAD (required); Inventor (preferred)
• Experience with document management tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and quick to learn new systems
• Knowledge of:
  • Mechanical and electrical system design
  • Control panel and enclosure layouts
  • Fluid dynamics, materials science, thermodynamics, and automation principles
  • Design techniques, blueprints, P&IDs, and production documentation
  • Raw materials, quality control, manufacturing processes, and cost optimization
• Understanding of practical engineering applications, including system troubleshooting and optimization
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, diagrams, and specifications
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills across departments and management levels
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Physical Requirements

• Ground-level office setting
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for 4-6 hours per day
• Ability to lift/move objects over 50 lbs. with assistance or lifting devices
• Must operate office equipment (e.g., computer, fax, printer)
• Close vision and hand-eye coordination required for detailed work

Travel

Occasional travel to field sites for equipment inspection, repair, or testing

Expected Compensation

$56,000-$83,400 + 5% bonus eligibility

Hawkins offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more.

• 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.

For more information on Hawkins benefits, visit: https://www.hawkinsinc.com/careers/benefits/

Ref 2027-096

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace.