Lead CAD Designer

RedBalloon LLC • Full-time • Hawthorne, CA • 2d ago

Job Summary

We’re seeking a CAD Designer to lead our design and drafting efforts. This requires a strong 3D modeling and drafting expertise, deep understanding of mechanical design principles, and experience translating complex engineering concepts into production-ready documentation.

This role is ideal for a designer who thrives in a fast-paced, highly technical environment — and who enjoys solving real engineering challenges through meticulous design execution.

Responsibilities

Design Execution: Develop high-quality 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings for mechanical systems and components using SolidWorks or Creo.
Design for Manufacturability: Collaborate with engineers and fabricators to ensure all designs meet DFM/DFA principles and production constraints.
Documentation: Generate engineering drawings with complete GD&T, tolerances, and BOMs in accordance with ASME standards.
System Integration: Support system-level design by coordinating interfaces across structures, thermal systems, enclosures, and electrical integration points.
Configuration Control: Manage design data, revisions, and release processes using PDM/PLM tools.
Review & Validation: Participate in design reviews, tolerance stack-ups, and fit-check studies to validate form, fit, and function.
Mentorship: Provide guidance and technical support to junior designers and drafters on CAD practices, standards, and design methodologies.
Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the refinement of internal design standards, CAD libraries, and workflows to enhance efficiency and consistency.

Qualifications

Required:

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related discipline.
8+ years of professional experience as a mechanical designer in a hardware development environment.
Expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX).
Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensioning, tolerancing, and drawing standards (ASME Y14.5).
Experience designing machined, sheet metal, and fabricated components.
Ability to collaborate closely with engineers and manufacturers to resolve design challenges.
Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Preferred:

Experience in aerospace, energy, or defense hardware environments.
Knowledge of materials, coatings, and high-performance fabrication methods.
Proficiency with PDM/PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter, SolidWorks PDM).
Hands-on experience with prototype assembly and testing.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or related discipline
8+ years of experience as a Designer in hardware development
3D CAD software
GD&T
Dimensioning
Tolerancing
Drawing standards
Machined components design
Sheet metal components design
Fabricated components design

Nice to Have

Aerospace environments
Energy environments
Defense hardware environments
Knowledge of Materials
Coatings
High-performance fabrication methods
Windchill
Teamcenter
SolidWorks PDM
Prototype assembly and testing

About Us

We are pioneering the New Atomic Age by scaling nuclear energy for heavy industrial power and clean hydrocarbon fuel production. Our company leverages proven technology including Triso, Graphite, and Helium systems, with products like the Ward 250. We're committed to unlocking abundant energy through innovative nuclear solutions. We're building a team dedicated to transforming the energy landscape with sustainable nuclear power. Proudly built in America, we represent a new model for nuclear energy that prioritizes scale and efficiency to meet tomorrow's industrial energy demands.

What We Offer