Computer-Aided Design Specialist Jobs
Computer-Aided Design Specialist jobs are open across manufacturing, architecture, engineering, and construction, from entry-level drafter to senior design specialist, with specializations in mechanical, structural, and electrical CAD. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal / Sr Principal Computer Aided Design and Modeling Engineer to support radar system development programs in Colorado Springs, CO.
This is a CAD and drafting-focused role responsible for turning Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) drawings into accurate 2D and 3D models, drawings, specifications, and as-built documentation. The role requires a strong focus on ASME standards, applicable codes, safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to produce clear, buildable design packages.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, update, and release 2D drawings and 3D models from concepts, sketches, markups, and calculations using tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
- Produce complete drawing packages including dimensions, tolerances, bills of materials, material and finish specifications, fastening methods, and installation procedures
- Review drawings and layouts for clarity, completeness, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with ASME standards, applicable codes, and safety requirements
- Incorporate drawing changes into redlines and as-built drawings
- Identify drawing issues and coordinate revisions with engineers
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, systems, project, and construction teams to incorporate changes and resolve issues
- Support drawing reviews, drawing verification, and documentation release using PLM/PDM tools
- Help improve CAD standards, templates, and drafting best practices
This position can be staffed at either a Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
- Principal: 5 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field filed, 3 years with a Master’s, or 1 year with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
- Sr Principal: 8 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field, 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
- Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD drafting and modeling using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Experience producing fabrication or installation drawings, specifications, and bills of materials in compliance with ASME drafting standards
- Experience with PLM/PDM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter, Windchill, ENOVIA, or ARAS
- Strong attention to detail, spatial reasoning, technical writing, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
- Experience supporting drawing and specification development from COTS provided schematics through as-built documentation
- Experience with Siemens Teamcenter for CAD data management and configuration control
- Experience producing and documenting mechanical hardware interfaces, mounting brackets, cable routing, and cable assemblies
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams and working knowledge of applicable building codes and safety standards
- Familiarity with military or industry documentation standards, including USAF Technical Orders
- Experience with integrated electrical and mechanical systems, including testing and issue resolution
- Experience in a government contracting environment
- Exposure to Agile, Scrum, DevOps, or AI-enabled drafting/modeling assistants
Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal / Sr Principal Computer Aided Design and Modeling Engineer to support radar system development programs in Colorado Springs, CO.
This is a CAD and drafting-focused role responsible for turning Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) drawings into accurate 2D and 3D models, drawings, specifications, and as-built documentation. The role requires a strong focus on ASME standards, applicable codes, safety compliance, and cross-functional collaboration to produce clear, buildable design packages.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, update, and release 2D drawings and 3D models from concepts, sketches, markups, and calculations using tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks
- Produce complete drawing packages including dimensions, tolerances, bills of materials, material and finish specifications, fastening methods, and installation procedures
- Review drawings and layouts for clarity, completeness, dimensional accuracy, and compliance with ASME standards, applicable codes, and safety requirements
- Incorporate drawing changes into redlines and as-built drawings
- Identify drawing issues and coordinate revisions with engineers
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, civil/structural, systems, project, and construction teams to incorporate changes and resolve issues
- Support drawing reviews, drawing verification, and documentation release using PLM/PDM tools
- Help improve CAD standards, templates, and drafting best practices
This position can be staffed at either a Principal or Sr Principal level, based on the basic qualifications below.
Basic Qualifications:
- Principal: 5 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field filed, 3 years with a Master’s, or 1 year with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
- Sr Principal: 8 years with a Bachelor’s in a related field, 6 years with a Master’s, or 4 years with a PhD. 4 additional years required in lieu of a degree.
- Active U.S. Government Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
- Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD drafting and modeling using AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Experience producing fabrication or installation drawings, specifications, and bills of materials in compliance with ASME drafting standards
- Experience with PLM/PDM systems such as Siemens Teamcenter, Windchill, ENOVIA, or ARAS
- Strong attention to detail, spatial reasoning, technical writing, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to travel up to 25%
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field.
- Active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance, current and in scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI
- Experience supporting drawing and specification development from COTS provided schematics through as-built documentation
- Experience with Siemens Teamcenter for CAD data management and configuration control
- Experience producing and documenting mechanical hardware interfaces, mounting brackets, cable routing, and cable assemblies
- Experience collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering and construction teams and working knowledge of applicable building codes and safety standards
- Familiarity with military or industry documentation standards, including USAF Technical Orders
- Experience with integrated electrical and mechanical systems, including testing and issue resolution
- Experience in a government contracting environment
- Exposure to Agile, Scrum, DevOps, or AI-enabled drafting/modeling assistants
Primary Level Salary Range: $94,200.00 - $141,200.00 Secondary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00 The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business. The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates. Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.
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Find JobsComputer-Aided Design Specialist Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Burns & McDonnell12
- Northrop Grumman4
- American Honda Motor3
- Sinclair Community College2
- Pall1
Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Science & Research
- Aerospace & Defense
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in Computer-Aided design specialist jobs.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit with demonstrated project experience
- Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, engineering, or a related field
- Knowledge of GD&T and ASME or ISO drawing standards
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and schematics
- Experience creating both 2D detail drawings and 3D parametric models
- Familiarity with PDM or PLM systems for drawing version control and release
Tips for Your Computer-Aided Design Specialist Job Search
List every CAD software version you know
Employers filter resumes by software name and version number. List AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, CATIA, or whichever tools you use with the release year. A generic 'proficient in CAD' line gets screened out before a recruiter reads your name.
Show tolerances and standards in your resume
Hiring managers want to see that you understand GD&T, ASME Y14.5, or ISO drawing standards. Name the specific standard you've worked to and the industry context, whether aerospace, consumer products, or civil infrastructure.
Build a portfolio with layered drawing samples
Upload at least three annotated drawings that show your drafting process, not just the finished render. Include a 2D detail sheet, a 3D assembly, and one revision-history drawing to demonstrate you can manage engineering change orders.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists computer-aided design specialist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a redline markup for your interview
Many CAD interviews include a drawing review exercise. Practice catching errors on a sample sheet before you go in. Bring printed or digital examples of redlines you've made and explain how you caught discrepancies against the design intent.
Negotiate by citing your software certifications
Autodesk Certified Professional credentials and SolidWorks CSWP status are verifiable credentials that justify a higher offer. Lead with the certification name and what it qualifies you to deliver, not just years of experience, when discussing your rate.
Computer-Aided Design Specialist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most computer-aided design specialists?
Burns & McDonnell, Northrop Grumman, and American Honda Motor are hiring the most computer-aided design specialists right now, with openings concentrated in Ohio, Colorado, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Roles at these employers tend to focus on product development and infrastructure design.
How many computer-aided design specialist jobs are remote?
About 25% of computer-aided design specialist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with remote work most common in roles centered on architectural drafting, BIM coordination, and documentation for software-defined products. Roles requiring physical prototyping or on-site field verification are almost always in-person.
How do you become a computer-aided design specialist?
Start by completing an associate degree or certificate program in drafting technology or engineering design, where you'll learn core CAD tools and drawing standards. Build a portfolio of annotated drawings across at least two domains, such as mechanical and architectural. Earn a vendor certification like Autodesk Certified Professional or SolidWorks CSWP to validate your skills to employers. Entry-level positions in manufacturing or construction are the most common starting points.
Can you get hired as a computer-aided design specialist without much experience?
Yes, employers in construction and light manufacturing regularly hire CAD specialists at the entry level if you can demonstrate software proficiency and an understanding of drawing standards. A strong portfolio of coursework or personal projects carries more weight than job titles. Internships through technical colleges often convert to full-time offers. Focusing on one CAD platform and getting certified on it before applying sharpens your candidacy considerably.
What does the computer-aided design specialist interview process look like?
Most interviews include a phone or video screen to confirm your software background, followed by a technical exercise where you're given a drawing to review, correct, or recreate. In-person rounds often involve a portfolio walkthrough where you explain your design decisions and how you handled revisions. Some employers add a short practical test in the CAD tool they use. Final rounds typically include a conversation with the engineering or project management team you'd support.
Where can I find and apply to computer-aided design specialist jobs?
You can find and apply to computer-aided design specialist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search for roles that match your software skills, industry background, and preferred location, then apply directly to each listing that fits.
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