Principal CAD Designer

About the role

CesiumAstro is seeking a Principal CAD Designer to support advanced CAD design and drafting throughout the product development lifecycle for leading-edge hardware used in satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, providing technical expertise in SolidWorks, ensuring accuracy and compliance in engineering documentation, and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle using SolidWorks.
• Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and associated technical documentation.
• Ensure drawings and models comply with engineering standards, drafting practices, GD&T requirements, and company documentation procedures.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to support design development and product release activities.
• Support prototype, development, and production design updates as required.
• Manage and maintain mechanical CAD files, engineering drawings, and digital design documentation within Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Administer file structures, version control, and drawing release processes within SolidWorks PDM.
• Prepare, process, and incorporate Engineering Change Orders (ECOs/ECRs) into released documentation packages.
• Maintain accurate bill of material (BOM) structures and associated hardware configurations.
• Ensure proper configuration control and traceability of engineering documentation.
• Review CAD models and drawings for completeness, manufacturability, accuracy, and compliance with design requirements.
• Identify design issues, drawing discrepancies, configuration conflicts, and support corrective actions.
• Partner with engineers and cross-functional teams to resolve technical drafting and documentation concerns.
• Support root cause analysis and corrective action implementation related to drawing or documentation errors.
• Support standardization and continuous improvement of CAD processes, templates, libraries, and documentation workflows.
• Assist in developing drafting standards, best practices, and internal design procedures.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers or drafters as needed.
• Support departmental initiatives focused on efficiency, data integrity, and documentation quality.
• Analyze detailed technical drawings and engineering data.
• Work at a computer workstation for extended periods of time with sustained focus and accuracy.
• Communicate effectively with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Requirements

• 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 a manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, or product development environment.
• 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 technical diagramming and drafting tools such as DraftSight, Lucidchart, Draw.io, or equivalent applications.
• Experience using issue tracking and workflow management tools such as Jira or similar systems.
• Knowledge of engineering change control processes and configuration management principles.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, manufacturing requirements, and technical documentation.
• Experience creating and managing bill of materials (BOM) structures and hardware documentation.
• Exposure to ERP and PLM systems preferred, including SAP, Windchill, ENOVIA, or similar platforms.
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills related to CAD models and engineering documentation workflows.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and commitment to documentation accuracy.

Preferred Experience

• Strong mechanical proficiency and general understanding of manufacturing (CNC, 3D printing, etc.) and mechanical assembly techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable government and industry standards including ASME Y14.5 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and ASME Y14.100 (Engineering Drawing Practices), and its application techniques.
• Previous experience in supporting the design of electronic packages, ground structures, mechanisms, and/or composite structures.
• Aerospace or automotive electronics design experience.

Pay

$46.24 – $55.59 an hour

Benefits

• Company stock options.
• Health, dental, vision, HSA, and FSA benefits.
• Life, disability, and retirement plans.