Cad Designer

Job Title: CAD Designer / CNC Setup Technician

Job Description

The CAD Designer / CNC Setup Technician creates and modifies detailed engineering drawings, 3D models, and manufacturing documentation while directly supporting CNC machining operations through machine setup, tooling selection, and process development. This role serves as a critical link between engineering and production, ensuring that designs are optimized for manufacturability, quality, and efficiency in a hands-on, shop-floor environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain accurate 2D drawings and 3D models using SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software.
• Design machined components, fixtures, tooling, and manufacturing aids that support efficient production.
• Generate and revise bills of materials (BOMs), work instructions, and engineering documentation to support manufacturing activities.
• Review customer prints and specifications to ensure parts and assemblies are manufacturable and meet requirements.
• Collaborate closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to refine product designs and improve processes.
• Set up CNC mills, lathes, and machining centers for production runs, ensuring proper machine configuration.
• Select appropriate tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions to achieve quality and productivity targets.
• Assist with CNC programming modifications and process optimization to improve machining performance.
• Troubleshoot machining issues, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions to resolve problems.
• Perform first-piece inspections and verify that machined parts conform to engineering specifications and drawings.
• Work directly with machinists and operators to improve cycle times, part quality, and overall efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs and improve throughput through design and process changes.
• Support lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering and production areas.
• Participate in design reviews and production meetings to provide input on manufacturability and process improvements.
• Maintain strict revision control of engineering drawings, models, and documentation to ensure accuracy and traceability.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or technical diploma in Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, CNC Programming, or a related field.
• 3+ years of CAD design experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machine setup and machining processes.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or similar CAD software.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, GD&T, and engineering specifications.
• Strong knowledge of machining practices, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering, production, and quality teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot machining and design issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with CNC programming software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, GibbsCAM, or similar is preferred.
• Experience supporting lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Familiarity with creating and maintaining bills of materials (BOMs), work instructions, and other engineering documentation.
• Experience participating in design reviews and production meetings.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate revision control of drawings and documentation.

Work Environment

This is an on-site, highly hands-on role that combines office-based CAD design work with active involvement on the shop floor. The CAD Designer / CNC Setup Technician spends significant time working directly with CNC mills, lathes, and machining centers, setting up machines, selecting tooling and fixtures, and supporting production runs. The environment involves close collaboration with machinists, operators, and engineering staff, with a strong focus on manufacturability, quality, and continuous improvement. Candidates should be comfortable working around CNC equipment and engaging in both design and practical, hands-on manufacturing activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sussex, WI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Sussex,WI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.