CAD Designer

Job Description

Job Description

FLAG’s  mission is to show our contractors & clients the best this industry can offer by upholding our principles of leadership, service, and exceptionalism.

For a Best-in-Class experience, partner with FLAG and allow us to demonstrate how we’re changing the industry, and how we can do the same for you.

We are looking to hire a CAD Designer  in the city of Santa Fe Springs, CA.  This is a Direct Hire  opportunity to join an aerospace manufacturing company!

Job Title: CAD Designer (Tooling & Fixtures) – Aerospace & Defense

Department: Tooling Engineering / Mechanical Design

Salary Range: Salary Exempt REPORTS TO:

Position Overview:

The CAD Tooling & Fixture Designer develops high-precision machining fixtures, assembly tooling, workholding devices, and specialized manufacturing aids for complex aerospace and defense flight components. Utilizing SOLIDWORKS, this role transforms concept sketches and engineering specifications into full detailed, production-ready 3D models and manufacturing drawings. The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5), Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and practical machine shop workholding principles.

ITAR REQUIREMENT: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Key Responsibilities

Tooling & Fixture Design

• Design robust, high-precision machining fixtures (3-axis and 5-axis CNC), inspection holding fixtures, drill jigs, bonding tools, and assembly fixtures in SOLIDWORKS.
• Perform 3D modeling, complex surfacing, assembly stack-up analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA) screening where necessary to ensure fixture rigidity and precision under cutting forces.
• Evaluate customer-supplied CAD models (STEP, IGES, Parasolid, Native CATIA/SOLIDWORKS) and flight hardware specs to design dedicated workholding solutions.
• Collaborate directly with machinists, CNC programmers, and manufacturing engineers to optimize tool ergonomics, cycle times, and setup repeatability.

Technical Drawings & GD&T

• Produce production-ready 2D technical drawings for toolmakers and CNC shops in strict compliance with ASME Y14.5 (2009/2018) standards.
• Apply correct Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (datum reference frames, position, profile of a surface, runout) to ensure seamless tool assembly and part interchangeability.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analyses on multi-component fixture assemblies to verify critical clearances and location accuracies.

Configuration Management & Documentation

• Manage CAD file structures, configurations, and revisions within SOLIDWORKS PDM following AS9100 quality guidelines.
• Generate complete Bills of Materials (BOMs), hardware callouts, balloon drawings, and vendor sourcing specifications for off-the-shelf tooling components (Carr Lane, Jergens, McMaster-Carr).
• Initiate and process Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Design Change Notices (DCNs) when component or process modifications occur.

Manufacturing Integration & Shop Support

• Support first-article tool run-offs, tool validation, and initial part proving on the shop floor.
• Troubleshoot tool fitment, part deflection, or vibration issues during initial machining trials and execute rapid tool drawing redlines.
• Assist in defining preventive maintenance and repair criteria for high-wear fixture components.

Qualifications Required:

• Education: Associate Degree in Computer-Aided Drafting/Design (CADD), Mechanical Engineering Technology, or equivalent trade school degree combined with practical experience (BS in Mechanical Engineering preferred).
• Experience: 3+ years of dedicated CAD design experience specifically focused on machining fixtures, workholding, or precision tooling within the aerospace, defense, or high-precision manufacturing sectors.

Technical Mastery:

• Advanced proficiency in SOLIDWORKS (CSWP or CSWE certification preferred). o Expert knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and drafting best practices.
• Strong working knowledge of conventional and CNC machining operations (milling, turning, wire EDM, grinding) and tooling materials (aluminum, tool steels, stainless, invar, plastics). o Demonstrated understanding of workholding mechanics, kinematic location principles (3-2-1 rule), and clamping forces.

Preferred:

• Experience designing composite manufacturing tooling (trim/drill fixtures, lay-up molds, bond tools, vacuum workholding).
• Proficiency with SOLIDWORKS PDM Enterprise for data management.
• Exposure to CAM software (Mastercam, GibbsCAM) or direct CNC programming experience.
• Familiarity with AS9100 quality management standards and continuous improvement frameworks.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Office and shop-floor environment requiring routine interactions with CNC machining centers, toolrooms, and quality labs.
• Ability to inspect fixtures on shop floors; perform dimensional checks with hand tools; work safely throughout our manufacturing facilities; lift/move up to 50 lbs. without assistance, or greater than 50 lbs. with assistance from another person or with appropriate lift/move apparatus.
• Sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, push, and pull as needed for duration of work shift.
• Able to work effectively under pressure of deadlines.
• Able to work full time, at least 8 hours a day and 5 days a week.