Senior CAD Designer - Aerospace & SolidWorks Lead

CesiumAstro, Inc.; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health, dental, vision insurance

HSA and FSA programs

Retirement plans

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal CAD Designer to lead advanced CAD drafting for satellites and aerospace systems. You will develop, modify, and maintain 3D models, drawings, and documentation, ensuring GD&T conformance and configuration control.

The role requires deep SolidWorks proficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring of junior designers in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail is essential.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting experience in manufacturing, aerospace, or product development.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and engineering drawing creation.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, mechanical drafting standards, and engineering documentation best practices.
• Proficiency with DraftSight, Lucidchart, Draw.io, or equivalent drafting tools.
• Experience with issue tracking and workflow tools such as Jira; knowledge of engineering change control and configuration management.
• Ability to interpret engineering specs, manufacturing requirements, and technical documentation.
• Experience creating and managing BOM structures and hardware documentation.
• Exposure to ERP/PLM systems (SAP, Windchill, ENOVIA) preferred.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills related to CAD and docs.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support using SolidWorks throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Generate, modify, and maintain 3D models, assemblies, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Ensure drawings comply with GD&T, standards, and company procedures.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams for design development and release.
• Support prototype, development, and production design updates as required.
• Manage CAD files and documentation in PDM systems, including version control and drawing releases.
• Prepare and incorporate ECOs/ECRs into released documentation packages.
• Maintain BOM structures and hardware configurations with traceability.
• Review CAD models for completeness, manufacturability, and accuracy.
• Support standardization and continuous improvement of CAD processes, templates, and workflows.
• Mentor junior designers and assist in developing drafting standards and internal procedures.

Skills

GD&T

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting/Design Technology/Mechanical Design/Engineering Technology

Tools

SolidWorks

DraftSight

Lucidchart

Draw.io

Jira

SAP

Windchill

ENOVIA

Job description

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal CAD Designer to lead advanced CAD drafting for satellites and aerospace systems. You will develop, modify, and maintain 3D models, drawings, and documentation, ensuring GD&T conformance and configuration control.

The role requires deep SolidWorks proficiency, cross-functional collaboration, and mentoring of junior designers in a fast-paced environment. Strong attention to detail is essential.