The Senior CAD Technician leads the creation, review, and maintenance of high-precision 2D drawings and 3D models for complex aerospace structures, mechanisms, and tooling. This role provides expert-level CAD support across product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance teams. The technician ensures full compliance with aerospace standards, mentors junior designers, and drives best practices in CAD modeling, configuration control, and design documentation.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the development of 3D models and 2D engineering drawings for aerospace parts, mechanisms, and assemblies using advanced CAD tools
Interpret engineering concepts and translate them into manufacturable designs with full GD&T and tolerance analyses
Review and approve drawing packages for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ASME Y14.5, Y14.100, and aerospace-specific standards
Support design teams in root cause analysis and corrective action for drawing or model-related issues
Guide engineering teams through design-for-manufacturability (DFM), design-for-assembly (DFA), and tolerance stack-up assessments
Manage CAD libraries, templates, and design standards across programs using PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, SolidWorks PDM)
Coordinate with manufacturing, suppliers, and quality teams to resolve technical documentation issues
Lead drawing peer reviews and mentor junior CAD technicians in best practices, modeling strategy, and GD&T
Support digital twin integration, 3D model-based definition (MBD), and advanced simulation interface efforts
Champion continuous improvement in CAD workflows, drawing governance, and cross-functional collaboration
Key Focus Areas:
Expert-level 3D modeling and 2D drafting of aerospace hardware and tooling
CAD standardization, documentation quality, and configuration management
Collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and quality
Mentorship and design process improvement
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Associate degree or technical diploma in mechanical design, CAD technology, or related field (required)
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline (preferred)
Experience:
7–12+ years of CAD design/drafting experience in aerospace, defense, or precision manufacturing environments
Proven experience supporting product lifecycle stages from concept through production and sustainment
In-depth knowledge of aerospace components, materials, and manufacturing methods
Technical Skills:
Expert in CAD platforms (e.g., CATIA V5/V6, Siemens NX, PTC Creo, SolidWorks) and PDM/PLM systems
Strong command of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and drawing verification processes
Familiar with Model-Based Definition (MBD), digital thread concepts, and 3D PDF generation
Knowledgeable in part fabrication methods (machining, sheet metal, composites, additive)
Soft Skills:
Detail-driven with excellent documentation and communication skills
Trusted mentor and team contributor in cross-disciplinary engineering environments
Analytical, proactive, and able to resolve complex design/drafting issues independently
Committed to continuous learning and process refinement in design workflows