Principal CAD Designer I

Principal Cad Designer I

At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are looking to add a Principal Cad Designer I to our team. If you enjoy working in a startup environment, and are passionate about developing leading-edge hardware for satellites, spacecraft, and aerospace systems, we would like to hear from you.

Job Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead and provide expert level CAD modeling and drawing support (SolidWorks Drawings) throughout all phases of the product lifecycle from concept through decommissioning.
• Oversee and mentor team members in generating and modifying product models, drawings, and documentation to ensure design intent and manufacturing feasibility.
• Contribute to, implement, and mentor company-wide CAD standards, drawing practices, and data management procedures aligned with ASME and company requirements.
• Establish and champion best practices for configuration control, modeling strategies, and digital thread integration between CAD, PDM, and PLM systems.
• Identify systemic design process gaps and drive corrective and preventive actions to improve efficiency, accuracy, and traceability.
• Provide technical guidance and peer review for complex mechanical designs, ensuring compliance with engineering standards and quality expectations.
• Manage and control integrated digital data files and drawings at the enterprise level, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and proper release workflows in development platforms.
• Support and advise cross-functional teams—including design engineering, manufacturing, and systems engineering—on CAD integration and documentation strategies.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and train engineering teams on CAD modeling, GD&T, and drawing best practices.
• Oversee and incorporate engineering change orders.

Job Requirements And Minimum Qualifications

• Technical degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or similar with 6 years of industry specific experience, or, if no degree, 12 years of additional relevant experience is required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a CAD Drafter.
• Expert or master knowledge in using required CAD tools. Immediate proficiency required for new CAD platforms
• Experience generating and/or modifying product models, drawings, and documentation.
• Ability to generate and review schematics, assembly drawings, and product specifications.
• Comfortable with collaboration tools such as MS Teams, Confluence, and Jira.
• Ability to work well under deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills.
• An eye for detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Experience

• Strong mechanical proficiency and general understanding of manufacturing (CNC, 3D printing, etc.) and mechanical assembly techniques.
• Deep knowledge of applicable government and industry standards including ASME Y14.5 (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and ASME Y14.100 (Engineering Drawing Practices), and its application techniques.
• Previous experience in supporting the design of electronic packages, ground structures, mechanisms, and/or composite structures.
• Aerospace or automotive electronics design experience.
• Experience with mentoring, conducting training sessions, and establishing communities of practice for CAD excellence.

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.

CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members not through our approved vendor list or Talent Acquisition will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.