CAD Designer

Writing on the Wall; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 450 000; Full time

Job summary

A creative design firm is seeking an Industrial Designer with a strong focus on retail and manufacturing. You will take projects from concept to final manufacturing, producing high-end renders and precise AutoCAD drawings. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in industrial design and proficiency in AutoCAD, 3D rendering, and Adobe Creative Suite. Strong manufacturing knowledge and attention to detail are crucial. This role requires managing tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.

Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in industrial design, shopfitting, or furniture design.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and assembly methods.
• Ability to spot potential production issues before they hit the factory floor.

Responsibilities

• Create high-quality, photorealistic 3D renderings for client presentations.
• Translate approved concepts into detailed technical drawings using AutoCAD.
• Ensure designs are structurally sound and cost-effective.
• Select appropriate materials balancing aesthetics with durability.
• Generate Bill of Materials (BOMs) and troubleshoot fabrication issues.

Skills

AutoCAD (expert level)

3D rendering proficiency (SketchUp / AutoCAD, etc.)

Adobe Photoshop

Manufacturing knowledge

Excellent communication and organisational skills

Technical drawing and drafting

Tools

3D Studio Max

Blender Rendering

Job description

Job title options

Primary : Industrial designer (retail and manufacturing focus)

Secondary : Technical designer / 3D visualization specialist

Descriptive : Mechanical and interior designer (design for manufacture)

About the role

We are looking for a highly skilled designer who sits at the intersection of creative design and engineering. You won't just be making things look good; you will be figuring out how they get built.

In this role, you will take projects from the initial concept phase through to final manufacturing. You will be responsible for producing high‑end photorealistic renders to sell the dream to clients, and then switching gears to create the precise AutoCAD technical drawings and manufacturing specifications required to build it.

Key responsibilities

Concept and visualization : Create high‑quality, photorealistic 3D renderings for client presentations and internal reviews.

Technical detailing : Translate approved concepts into detailed technical drawing packs (AutoCAD) ready for the factory floor.

Design for manufacture (DFM) : Ensure all designs are structurally sound, cost‑effective, and optimized for production. You must understand how materials join, fold, support, and assemble.

Material specification : Select appropriate materials and finishes (wood, metal, acrylics, lighting, etc.) balancing aesthetics with durability and budget.

Production support : Generate Bill of Materials (BOMs), cut lists, and CNC files where necessary. Troubleshoot fabrication issues with the production team.

Requirements and skills

Software proficiency :

AutoCAD (expert level): rapid drafting, layering, and generating shop drawings is non‑negotiable.

3D rendering : Proficiency in SketchUp / AutoCAD and 3D Studio Max / V‑Ray / Blender Rendering.

Adobe creative suite: Photoshop and Illustrator for texture creation and presentation layouts.

Manufacturing knowledge: Strong understanding of manufacturing processes (joinery, metal fabrication, laser cutting, vacuum forming, etc.) and assembly methods.

Experience : 3‑5+ years of experience in industrial design, shopfitting, exhibition design, or furniture design.

Attention to detail : Ability to spot potential production issues before they hit the factory floor.

• Autocad
• 3D Studio Max - design and V‑Ray rendering
• Adobe Photoshop
• Strong knowledge of materials for shopfitting, events and carpentry
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Technical drawing and drafting
• Previous experience in the events field
• Previous experience in shopfitting

Who you are

You are a problem solver who loves figuring out how things work.

You can bridge the gap between a "pretty picture" and a functional product.

You work well under pressure and manage tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and Portfolio to us.

Note : Applications without a portfolio demonstrating both rendering capabilities and technical drawings / shop drawings will not be considered.