Assembly CAD Technician

About the role

The Assembly CAD Technician supports digital manufacturing within the final assembly production engineering department, with a strong focus on using advanced digital tools to enhance manufacturing preparation for new model introductions. This role contributes to project planning, simultaneous engineering, and 3D studies by creating and managing digital environments, simulations, and layouts. The technician collaborates closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure robust, efficient, and accurate assembly processes for new and existing vehicle models.

Responsibilities

• Support digital manufacturing initiatives for final assembly by using advanced CAD and simulation tools to improve manufacturing preparation for new model introductions.
• Plan and support upcoming model changes, including creating and updating project plans, digital layouts, and relevant documentation (approximately 20% of the role).
• Perform simultaneous engineering activities for vehicle assembly, including data management, design studies, and coordination with cross-functional teams (approximately 40% of the role).
• Conduct 3D studies, simulations, and finite element analysis (FEA) to validate assembly concepts, improve manufacturability, and identify potential issues before physical builds (approximately 40% of the role).
• Create, update, and manage 3D assemblies, digital layouts, and virtual environments to support production engineering and assembly planning.
• Use 3D printing and 3D scanning technologies to support prototyping, validation, and digital model accuracy for assembly processes.
• Develop and maintain detailed mechanical and CAD drawings using geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and standard drafting techniques.
• Collaborate closely with internal and external groups, including regional manufacturing centers, technical centers, production engineering support shops, and other divisions, to align digital manufacturing activities and project objectives.
• Apply strong mechanical design, drafting, and engineering principles to ensure that digital designs and simulations reflect realistic manufacturing constraints and quality standards.
• Leverage simulation software and 3D CAD tools to create digital environments that support assembly studies, ergonomic checks, and process optimization.
• Use data and results from FEA, simulations, and 3D studies to provide recommendations that improve assembly processes, reduce risk, and enhance production efficiency.
• Maintain organized digital files, models, and documentation to ensure accurate version control and easy access for project stakeholders.
• Travel up to approximately 20% of the time to other locations to support on-site digital manufacturing activities, coordination, and implementation.
• Operate a company-approved vehicle as needed for travel, adhering to driving standards required by the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology, Computer Integrated Technology, CAD, or a closely related field.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for creating and managing 2D and 3D drawings and layouts.
• Proficiency in at least one major 3D CAD platform such as CATIA, SolidWorks, or Inventor.
• Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to apply it to detailed mechanical drawings.
• Strong understanding of drafting techniques and familiarity with engineering terminology and standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word, for communication, reporting, and data management.
• Background in 3D printing, either personal or professional, with the ability to support prototyping and model validation.
• Fluency in 3D scanning technologies and an understanding of how to use 3D scanning for digital model creation and verification.
• Ability to travel up to approximately 20% to various locations as required by project needs.
• Ability to meet company driving standards and maintain a motor vehicle record acceptable under organizational policies.

Skills

• Experience using FEA tools and performing FEA analysis to support mechanical and structural evaluations.
• Experience with layout design and 3D assembly management in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printers and related hardware for producing prototypes and test parts.
• Experience with simulation software for digital manufacturing, assembly simulations, or process modeling.
• Familiarity with Navisworks and Revit for coordination, model review, and digital layout visualization.
• Experience in mechanical design, mechanical engineering, and mechanical drafting in an industrial or automotive context.
• General proficiency with 3D CAD tools and digital simulations for manufacturing and assembly.
• FEA certification, demonstrating formal training and proficiency in finite element analysis.
• CAD certification in platforms such as CATIA, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar tools.
• 3D modeling or simulation certifications that validate advanced capability in digital modeling and virtual environment creation.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $27.00 - $34.00/hr.

Benefits

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Schedule

This is a Contract, fully onsite position based in Princeton, IN.