CAD Drafter / Mechanical Designer – SolidWorks

Job Description:

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented CAD Drafter / Mechanical Designer with strong SolidWorks skills to support rapid mechanical design and product development activities.

The ideal candidate is highly proficient in 3D CAD modeling and can quickly translate engineering concepts, sketches, markups, and design direction into accurate 3D parts and assemblies. This role is well suited for someone who enjoys fast-paced mechanical design, rapid iteration, and working closely with engineers to develop and refine physical products.

The primary focus of this position is 3D CAD design and modeling in SolidWorks, with secondary responsibilities including engineering drawings, design documentation, and prototype support.

Key Responsibilities

• Quickly create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Translate sketches, concepts, existing hardware, and engineering direction into practical CAD designs.
• Utilize engineering principles in mechanical, thermal, and materials to provide solutions for electronics and DC/DC converter packaging with MPPT input stages and fixed-voltage outputs.
• Support rapid design iterations during concept development, prototyping, testing, and design refinement.
• Create mechanical components and assemblies involving sheet metal, structural components, machined parts, weldments, and fabricated assemblies.
• Develop detailed 2D engineering drawings from 3D models for prototype and production fabrication.
• Incorporate engineering markups and design feedback quickly and accurately.
• Maintain organized CAD assemblies, part files, drawings, and revision history.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and associated design documentation.
• Work closely with mechanical engineers, test engineers, manufacturing teams, and suppliers to resolve design and fabrication issues.
• Support prototype builds by updating CAD based on part assembly, and testing feedback.
• Apply basic GD&T, tolerance, material, and manufacturing considerations to drawings and designs.
• Assist with design changes and Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) as products progress through development.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree, technical certification, or equivalent practical experience in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related field;
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, particularly 3D part and assembly modeling;
• Demonstrated ability to create and modify CAD models quickly and accurately;
• Experience producing manufacturing-ready 2D drawings from 3D CAD models;
• Understanding of mechanical assemblies, fasteners, fits, tolerances, and basic manufacturing processes;
• Advanced or fluent English;
• Experience designing and fabricating power electronic modules and converter packaging;
• Familiarity with sheet metal, machining, welding, structural fabrication, or similar manufacturing methods;
• Ability to interpret engineering sketches, drawings, specifications, and verbal design direction;
• Strong attention to detail and file organization;
• Ability to manage multiple design requests and rapidly changing priorities.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2–5 years of professional CAD or mechanical design experience, although strong entry-level candidates with substantial SolidWorks experience will be considered.
• Advanced SolidWorks experience, including:
  • Large assemblies
  • Configurations
  • Sheet metal
  • Weldments
  • Design tables
  • Drawing creation and detailing
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM or another product data management system.
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ASME Y14.5.
• Experience designing hardware for prototyping and low- or high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience working directly with machine shops, sheet-metal fabricators, weld shops, or other suppliers.
• Hands-on experience assembling, modifying, or testing mechanical hardware.
• Experience with renewable energy, industrial equipment, automotive, robotics, construction equipment, or other large-scale mechanical products is a plus.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is someone who is fast and highly capable in SolidWorks and enjoys turning rough ideas into physical designs. They do not need every design detail fully defined before beginning CAD work and are comfortable working collaboratively with engineers to iterate toward a final solution.

This person should be comfortable moving between conceptual 3D modeling, detailed mechanical design, and production drawings while maintaining accuracy and good CAD practices.

Success in this role requires a balance of speed, mechanical intuition, CAD proficiency, and attention to detail.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.