CAD Engineer Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a CAD engineer. You can use our job description template in this article to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a CAD engineer.
Who is a CAD Engineer?
CAD simply means Computer-aided design. This is a technology that allows engineers to formulate and change designs digitally, rather than utilize manual or traditional tools. CAD software is utilized by different industries that are from automotive, and aerospace to construction. It is a very important part of the engineering process.
CAD engineers are mainly responsible for creating and also making digital designs. They may also be saddled with the responsibility of formulating new features for the software. This requires that they possess some salient skills such as strong knowledge of computer programming languages, graphic design principles, and database management systems.
They are experts in applications such as AutoCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, and SolidWorks. They possess an in-depth understanding of science, materials mathematics, and engineering principles. CAD engineers work in various industries to decide how to build a product from the scratch and also how to design it. They are also responsible for deciding if a product is very easy to accomplish or not. Their planning progress is very rigorous because their designs are created to depict new life.
CAD engineers depend on technology to run their operations. This has led to the fact that more businesses are on the lookout for CAD engineers, who can assist in designing and developing systems so that t a business runs smoothly. Most businesses are looking for various ways to build their efficiency and also enhance their productivity, CAD engineers are responsible for building the systems that they need. They also need to understand the work and improve on it.
In recent times, the collaboration between design and engineering is growing rapidly to produce products that are functional and beautiful. This trend will continue as customers engage their discernment in buying the right product.
CAD engineers can take advantage of this trend through designing and engineering. This will allow them to create products that will meet up with the necessity of their customers and their aesthetic expectations.
CAD Engineer Associate Job Description
Below are the CAD engineer job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The following are the duties and responsibilities of a CAD Engineer:
- Formulating new manufacturing techniques or improving existing methods to make production more efficient
- Experimenting with new designs in computer simulations before building prototypes or constructing new facilities or machinery
- Developing schematics, flow charts, and diagrams of machinery and equipment design concepts
- Evaluating customer needs and recommending design solutions that meet those needs
- Designing models and prototypes to test new designs before they are implemented
- Utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) software to create and modify designs
- Conveying with engineers and other team members to coordinate projects and resolve issues
- Troubleshooting difficulties with existing equipment or facilities to identify issues and create solutions
- Designing and formulating new equipment or process to help companies operate more efficiently or produce new products
- Collaborating with industrial and packaging engineers to formulate, manufacture, and market products
- Preparing time and expense estimates on a project basis
- Developing two and three-dimensional technical drawings
- Designing floor plans, renderings, and elevations utilizing computer software
- Selecting materials to use for a products
- Supervising assistant drafters and others involved in a project design
- Coding and testing software
- Formulating procedures and standards for a design team
- Discovering technical solutions to meet a client’s goals
- Equipping and offering support and guidance to their team
- Conducting engineering work related to configuring, deploying, maintaining, and upgrading CAD models
- Designing, formulating, and engineering high-quality models using 3D and 2D CAD tools
- Generating designs that meet targets for feasibility, performance, costs, safety, quality, legislation, and timing
- Guaranteeing that all work carried out complies with company designs, quality, safety, and environmental compliance and procedure
- Interacting with architect and client when essential to obtain critical design information necessary to complete a project within the stipulated time
- Editing and maintaining product design files
- Helping in improving daily processes to ensure that the CAD systems meet up with the customers’ requirement
- Training and supervising production engineers on engineered design
- Specifying limitations, assumptions, and solutions in the design and development of CAD models
- Boosting the implementation of CAD engineering applications
- Specifying design specifications and parameters for CAD models
Qualifications
Education: The basic qualification that most employers demand is at least a two-year associate degree in computer-aided design, computer-aided engineering, or a similar product. Some employers prefer candidates who have a bachelor’s degree in engineering or computer science. A master’s degree is also highly beneficial because it can help you hone some salient skills. You should consider acquiring a master’s degree.
Training & Experience: CAD engineers receive job training from their employers once they are recruited. This training helps the engineer learn the company’s software and procedures. It also gives room for the engineer to become familiar with the company’s policies and procedures. They also get to be comfortable working with other engineers.
Certifications & Licenses: Certifications for CAD engineers are very important because it shows that they are competent for the job they are applying for. Certifications for CAD engineers depend on the industry they want to work and the specific responsibilities they want to undertake.
Essential Skills
- Computer-aided design (CAD): CAD is software that is used to formulate and edit digital models. CAD engineers utilize CAD software to create and edit various models for a project. It is very paramount for engineers to possess CAD skills because they are very important to them.
- Drafting: Drafting is the process of creating technical drawings and also diagrams. CAD engineers engage their drafting skills to create and change computer-generated images. They employ these images to create models and also prototypes for their projects.
- Analysis and problem-solving: Engineers utilize their analytical skills to review and also interpret data, specify potential issues, and also bring about solutions. Effective CAD engineers need to evaluate complex data and also find solutions on how to fix technical problems. They can also evaluate and interpret data to identify issues that may spring up and also eliminate potential risks before a project begins.
- Communication: Communication has to do with the ability to pass information to others in a very clear and vivid manner. CAD engineers must often communicate with other clients, stakeholders, and engineers throughout the process of a design. Effective communication can also ensure that everyone is following closely and can comprehend the project goals.
- Mathematics: Mathematics is the foundation of CAD engineering andCAD engineers must strong mathematics skills. They will utilize these skills to solve complex problems, create designs, and develop formulas and equations that are structurally perfect. They also need to determine the best way to complete tasks and also estimate how much each project costs.
- Business-savvy: CAD engineers need to create products that their clients will patronize. If they don’t sell their product then their primary role is defeated. They need to meet with clients and learn about their goals and objectives. You may need to collaborate with them and come up with creative ways how to make them buy your product.
- Creativity and Curiosity: Creativity is very much essential when you want to create new designs and models. Being able to engage your creativity while troubleshooting allows you to bring fresh perspectives for enhancement.
In addition, Curiosity can also boost your research abilities and desire to learn more about the industry you are working in. You need to keep abreast with the latest trend, especially in technology. The best way to do such is to continue reading consumer and market reports which will enable you to grasp the progress enveloping your industry.
- Innovation and Technology: the best way to create new designs is to engage your innovative skills or innovative thinking, Engineers are always looking for ways to fix daily problems and they are also working on ways to bring about a smooth operation. For them to achieve this they need to see the necessity of a product.
In addition, most CAD engineering involves utilizing computer programs and software. You need to possess knowledge of how to use computer code. Conduct tests and make designs. You need to update and maintain design files to save your work on the computer. It is very paramount for you to be highly skilled in backing up your projects.
How to Become a CAD Engineer
If you have the ambition of becoming a CAD engineer, you must be well-equipped in science, mathematics, and technology. Follow the steps highlighted below to become a CAD Engineer:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
CAD engineers need to possess a bachelor’s degree in design engineering, manufacturing engineering, product design engineering, and mechanical engineering are those courses that CAD engineers can study. In the course of your studies, you will get to learn about CAD software, machine design, and manufacturing processes. Many projects with instruction will enable you to be able to apply engineering concepts to real-life events.
Consider enrolling for a master’s degree and even a doctorate to get preference amidst other candidates in the job market. Select a master’s degree program that focuses on computer engineering and design engineering. Additional education can make you have a progressive career and can increase your job prospects.
- Gain Relevant Work Experience
Most engineering programs have programs where you can acquire working experience and also earn money. Most college courses and, internship and lab courses you to complete projects and showcase your engineering skills. Utilize your internship as a chance to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of a CAD engineer and to create connections. These connections will help you to get graduate placement after your graduation. If you are hired by a company upon graduation, you will get to learn about the company’s services, policies, and also processes. You will also gain more knowledge about some specific computer software and other programs.
- Obtain a Certification
CAD engineers utilize AutoCAD for most of their job responsibilities, they need to acquire an AutoCAD certification. This shows employers that you are competent and proficient in the utilization of this program. There are three main AutoCAD certifications: AutoCAD Certified User, AutoCAD Certified Professional, and AutoCAD Civil 3D Certified Professional. You need to pass an online to earn any of these three certifications. You can also learn AutoCAD essentials such as dimensioning, manipulating and altering objects, annotations, hatching, printing, and plotting.
Where to work as a CAD Engineer
A CAD engineer can work in diverse industries such as Architecture, Automotive design, Engineering, fashion design, and the manufacturing sector. The work environment for a CAD engineer is an office environment. He may travel to job sites or attend meetings. CAD engineers work for 40 hours per week but can work for extended hours to meet up with deadlines. The job can be very tedious sometimes because of accuracy and precision in design work. Most CAD engineers find the work to be very rewarding and same time challenging.
CAD Engineer Salary Scale
The salary of a CAD Engineer varies across countries and they are:
- In the United States, The average CAD engineer salary in the USA is $80,755 per year or $41.41 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at $65,000 per year while most competent workers make up to $126,738 per year. The average CAD engineer’s salary in California is $109,167 per year or $55.98 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at $80,000 per year while most competent workers make up to $150,000 per year. The average CAD engineer salary in Georgia is $110,000 per year or $56.41 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at $82,500 per year while most competent workers make up to $145,000 per year.
- In the United Kingdom, The average CAD engineer salary in the United Kingdom is £33,064 per year or £16.96 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at £27,524 per year while most competent workers make up to £49,898 per year.
- In Canada, The average CAD designer salary in Canada is $52,500 per year or $26.92 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at $42,500 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $70,000 per year.
- In Australia, The average CAD Engineer salary in Australia is $77,500 per year or $39.74 per hour. Entry-level positions start their career at $72,500 per year, while most competent workers make up to $93,550 per year.
- In Germany, The average pay for a CAD Engineer is €68,958 a year and €33 an hour. The average salary range for a CAD Engineer is between €48,960 and €83,439.