Mechanical Designer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper’s Cambridge, MA office seeks a Mechanical CAD Designer to turn concepts into build-ready drawings for prototypes, production parts, fixtures and test equipment. You’ll create SolidWorks/Creo models and manage CAD data, collaborating with engineers to ensure designs translate cleanly to the shop floor.

The role requires 3–5 years in technical drafting, strong CAD knowledge, and experience with PLM systems.

Qualifications

• 3D CAD modeling and drafting expertise.
• Proficiency with industry and military drafting standards.
• Ability to capture design details from datasheets and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Create SolidWorks and/or Creo models and drawings for machine components, cables & wire harnesses, and PCB assemblies.
• Manage designs and CAD files using 3D Experience PLM.
• Execute drawing revisions per engineering change requests.
• Draft to accepted company and national standards.
• Identify design issues with minimal oversight and escalate to Senior Technical Staff.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

Drafting standards

Detail-oriented

Parameter identification

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree or certificate in engineering tech

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

A Mechanical CAD Designer, turns designs into detailed, build-ready drawings for prototypes, production parts, fixtures and test equipment. Works closely with engineers and focus on creating models and layouts that translate cleanly to the shop floor. The opportunity is best suited for CAD designers, drafters, or technical specialists with a deep understanding of CAD (ideally SolidWorks and/or CREO) and good knowledge of PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) 3DX preferred. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on, detail-driven CAD work and wants to see designs come into reality.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Create Solidworks and/or Creo models and drawings for machine components, cables & wire harnesses, and printed circuit card assemblies.
• Manage designs and CAD files using 3D Experience PLM
• Execute drawing revisions as specified by engineering change requests.
• Perform drafting to accepted company and national standards.
• With minimal oversight identify design issues and bring any issues to Senior Technical Staff.
• Follow established work processes and instructions and adapt to new processes and work instructions quickly.
• Provide feedback on the effectiveness of processes and work instructions.
• Communicate project status and issues to management and members of the project team in oral or written form as requested for the project.
• Responsible for other assignments at the discretion of the supervisor.

Job Qualifications

Skills/Abilities

• Well versed in 3D CAD modeling and drafting, preferably Creo and or Solidworks.
• Proficient in industry and military modeling and drafting standards
• Ability to collect, organize and capture design details in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Able to properly identify and define parameters by referencing component datasheets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.

Education

• High school diploma or Equivalent is required.
• Associates degree or certificate from a two- or four-year technical school in engineering technology or related discipline. May be substituted with equivalent work experience.

Experience

• Requires 3-5 years of experience in the field of technical drafting.

Additional Job Description

• Active government security clearance is a plus but not required.
• Must be a US Citizen with the ability to receive a government security clearance.
• The job opportunity is at Draper's Cambridge, MA office.

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Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$28.00 - $47.60

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].