Senior Cad Designer

Spanner; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Spanner is seeking a Senior CAD Designer to work on-site in Sunnyvale, CA. The role focuses on translating concepts into detailed 3D models and production-ready drawings, collaborating with engineers and industrial designers.

Responsibilities include creating CAD assemblies, drafting docs, supporting reviews, and ensuring manufacturability across mechanical, electrical, and industrial domains.

Qualifications

• Degree is required in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• Experience creating CAD assemblies and production-ready drawings.
• Familiarity with GD&T, BOMs, tolerances and manufacturing specs.
• Experience with manufacturability processes (injection molding, CNC, sheet metal, die casting).
• Ability to collaborate with mechanical, electrical and industrial design teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine CAD assemblies and production drawings.
• Prepare engineering documentation and participate in design reviews.
• Ensure manufacturability and adherence to mechanical/electrical/industrial requirements.
• Iterate designs based on feedback and coordinate with prototyping partners.
• Maintain organized CAD data and revision control throughout development.

Skills

3D CAD proficiency

Drafting & documentation

DFM/DFT knowledge

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Product development experience

Strong problem-solving

PLM/PDM familiarity

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Design

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Job description

Company Description Spanner is a Silicon Valley product strategy, design, and development studio focused on creating high-impact, user-centric products. Its in-house team of Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, and Industrial Designers delivers end-to-end product services, from early concept generation through prototyping and production launch. Spanner collaborates with leading global brands across sectors such as Consumer Electronics, Medical Tech, FoodTech, AgTech, Industrial, Robotics, Automotive, and Home Appliances. With roots at Apple and Stanford’s Product Design program, the studio brings a holistic, design-first approach that aligns rigorous product development processes with clients’ business objectives to create successful, delightful products.

Role Description

The Senior CAD Designer will work on-site in Sunnyvale, CA in a contract capacity, collaborating closely with engineers and industrial designers to translate product concepts into detailed 3D models and production-ready drawings. Day-to-day responsibilities include creating and refining CAD assemblies, preparing engineering documentation, supporting design reviews, and ensuring manufacturability and adherence to mechanical, electrical, and industrial design requirements. The role involves iterating designs based on feedback, coordinating with prototyping and manufacturing partners, and maintaining organized CAD data and revision control throughout the development cycle. The Senior CAD Designer will contribute to projects across multiple industries, helping the team deliver innovative, high-quality products on schedule.

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) and experience modeling complex assemblies and detailed components.
• Skills in drafting and documentation, including creation of GD&T-compliant drawings, BOMs, tolerance analysis, and clear manufacturing specifications.
• Background in mechanical design for manufacturability, with experience in common production processes such as injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, and die casting.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with mechanical, electrical, and industrial design teams, incorporating ergonomic, aesthetic, and functional requirements into CAD models.
• Experience working through product development phases from concept and prototype builds to pilot and production ramp, preferably in consumer or hardware products.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, on-site environment.
• Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems and version control for CAD data; experience with DFM/DFT reviews and collaboration with suppliers is a plus.
• Prior work with cross-functional teams in sectors such as consumer electronics, medical devices, robotics, or automotive is highly beneficial.