Job Description
Job Title: CAD Drafter
Essential Duties:
- Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for transit bus structures, chassis components, brackets, mounting systems, and mechanical subsystems using SolidWorks.
- Produce manufacturing-ready drawings with appropriate GD&T, tolerancing, weld symbols, and revision control.
- Translate conceptual layouts and engineering requirements into release-ready CAD models and drawings.
- Administer SolidWorks PDM best practices, including file structures, workflows, revision control, metadata, and release processes.
- Oversee drawing and CAD release processes from WIP through production, ensuring accuracy and traceability.
- Create, maintain, and improve CAD standards, templates, libraries, and naming conventions.
- Support BOM creation, ensuring alignment between CAD, PDM, and ERP systems.
- Serve as a subject-matter expert for SolidWorks and PDM, assisting with software implementation, optimization, and user training.
- Mentor and train junior draftsmen/designers on CAD modeling, drawing practices, and PDM disciplines.
- Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams to meet project needs.
- Interface with suppliers to review drawings, models, and manufacturing feasibility.
- Contribute to prototype builds, address production issues, implement drawing corrections, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Mechanical Design, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree a plus).
- 5+ years of professional experience in CAD design, specifically within automotive, heavy-duty vehicles, or industrial equipment environments.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks.
- Extensive hands-on experience with SolidWorks PDM or equivalent systems.
- Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerancing, and manufacturing drawing standards.
- Proven ability to manage large assemblies and complex CAD file structures.
- Excellent organizational skills with keen attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the transit bus or heavy-duty vehicle industries.
- Experience supporting BOM release and ERP integration.
- Familiarity with vehicle structures and mounting systems.
- Experience establishing or enhancing CAD/PDM standards.
- SolidWorks PDM Administrator experience.
- Exposure to regulatory-driven design environments.