3D CAD Designer

TypeDirect PlacementExperience-1Salary$110,000-$125,000 / yearPosition OverviewOur client is a leading provider of highly engineered process equipment and modular process systems serving the chemical, pharmaceutical, industrial, energy, and specialty manufacturing markets.The Process Systems team designs and fabricates complete custom process systems, including reactor systems, distillation systems, wiped film evaporator (WFE) systems, and other specialized process solutions. Every project is engineered to meet a client's unique production requirements, ranging from pilot-scale process development to full commercial manufacturing systems.We are seeking an experienced Senior 3D CAD Designer to lead the design and modeling of complex modular process systems. This individual will own the complete 3D modeling process—from concept through fabrication support—creating detailed models, fabrication drawings, piping layouts, structural steel designs, and bills of materials used to construct custom process systems.This is a highly visible role that works closely with Process and Project Engineers and offers the opportunity to see designs move from concept to fabrication and installation.Key ResponsibilitiesProcess System Design & ModelingDevelop complete 3D models of modular process systems including: Process equipmentPiping systemsStructural steelInstrumentationUtility systemsDesign systems ranging from small skid-mounted units to large multi-module process installations.Collaborate with Process and Project Engineers to develop: Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs)Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs)Utilize equipment and instrumentation specifications to create or modify 3D CAD components.Create custom CAD components when vendor models are unavailable.Structural Steel & Piping DesignDevelop preliminary structural steel support systems for equipment and piping.Design equipment support structures, operating platforms, access stairs, and modular steel frameworks.Model process and utility piping systems using Autodesk Plant 3D.Coordinate equipment, piping, and steel layouts to ensure constructability and maintainability.Fabrication DeliverablesGenerate all fabrication documentation required for manufacturing and assembly, including:Steel fabrication drawingsOrthographic piping drawingsIsometric piping drawingsModule arrangement drawingsGeneral arrangement plans and elevationsSpool drawingsBills of Materials (BOMs)Project SupportSupport fabrication shops during construction.Troubleshoot fabrication and installation issues.Implement customer-requested and field-required design revisions.Create final as-built models and drawings upon project completion.CAD AdministrationAssist with:Project templatesPipe specificationsCAD catalogsStandardization initiativesContinuous improvement of design tools and processesRequired QualificationsExperience10+ years of piping design and 3D process system modeling experience.5+ years of Autodesk Plant 3D experience.Candidates with significant piping and structural design experience using comparable 3D CAD platforms will also be considered.5+ years of structural steel modeling experience, including equipment support structures and modular steel frameworks.Experience creating fabrication drawings and construction documentation.Experience generating piping isometrics and orthographic drawings.Strong understanding of process equipment and instrumentation commonly used in industrial process systems.Industry ExperienceExperience designing systems within one or more of the following industries:Chemical ProcessingPharmaceutical ManufacturingSpecialty ChemicalsPetrochemicalsNutraceuticalsIndustrial Process SystemsPolymers or Related Manufacturing EnvironmentsSoftware ExperienceRequired:Autodesk Plant 3DMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordPreferred:Autodesk Advance SteelSmart P&IDCAESAR II or other pipe stress analysis softwareEducationAssociate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in CAD Design, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.Equivalent industry experience will be strongly considered.Desired SkillsStrong understanding of process equipment layouts and piping systems.Ability to interpret engineering specifications and process documentation.Excellent communication and collaboration skills.Ability to work directly with engineers, fabrication teams, vendors, and customers.Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.Detail-oriented with a focus on constructability and fabrication efficiency.Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with occasional visits to fabrication facilities and customer/vendor sites.Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.Hybrid or remote flexibility may be considered for highly experienced candidates.Why This Opportunity?Design highly customized, real-world process systems rather than repetitive production drawings.Work on projects from concept through fabrication and commissioning.Collaborate directly with engineers and fabrication teams.Join a stable and growing organization serving critical industrial markets.Opportunity to make a visible impact on complex, engineered systems used across multiple industries.