Senior CAD Designer

Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities. ​

We are actively searching for a Senior CAD Designer to work within the Aerospace and Defense department at Donaldson. This role will be responsible for working with other designers and engineers on projects with the outcome of CAD models and drawings to support our customers. This Senior-level role is the expected to learn our products and processes and strategically align with our business unit goals. This position requires industry knowledge of design and drafting standards such as ASME along with familiarity with ASTM material specifications and standards. Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, such as sheet metal, machining, casting, and some plastics, is strongly preferred. Qualified candidates must be able to work a minimum of four days per week at our Bloomington, MN office.

Role Responsibilities:

This position will focus on three key areas:

Leadership & Execution:

• Collaborate with global teams by influencing alignment on shared goals; prioritize customer focus in design inputs through meetings and discussions; mediate conflicts constructively with proactive escalation prevention
• Develop initial project plans with milestones; facilitate team communication; identify basic risks
• Apply listening skills to incorporate diverse inputs; create concise written reports as needed; deliver presentations on mid-sized projects as needed

Business Processes & Compliance:

• Contribute to full PPAP and SPAP processes for projects and ensure ECN compliance
• Apply existing Donaldson EN and DBOS standards to all design work and projects
• Participate in design reviews, practicing objectivity and speaking up on simple observations

Technical & Design Methods:

• Foundational application and knowledge of standard media configuration; reviewing datasheets for compatibility and flow rates; support basic media testing in lab as required
• Foundational understanding of dust and water separation and filtration under guidance from senior engineers
• Design complete system layouts from existing templates ensuring that basic specs and cost considerations are met; contribute to problem-solving in team discussions
• Basic knowledge of sealing and fasteners and understanding material types and specifications that affect both
• Awareness and recognition of IP concepts and simple value proposition in team ideation for small projects
• Active involvement with prototype creation, including basic material selection, assembly, and test fixturing
• Independently design basic electrical systems, including CAD harness pathways and electrical routing
• Foundation knowledge of plastic parts including injection-molded parts using templates on small projects
• Advanced sheet metal knowledge and practices, including bend allowances, reliefs, and basic material thickness for mid-sized features
• Design Intent for complex models and assemblies including DFM, advanced sketches, tolerances, basic simulation and rendering, master models, equations, design rules, edits, and integration with Donaldson PLM systems
• Basic knowledge of CFD tools; generate simple fluid volumes within CAD under engineer guidance; awareness of failure modes, fatigue, and stress in FEA contexts
• Thorough ASME knowledge, including ASTM standards; interpreting CTQ and key characteristics; perform tolerance stack-ups per Donaldson standards; review FAI reports; communicating with suppliers; leading advanced drawing reviews
• Advanced understanding and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma
• 5+ years of experience in design, drafting, or mechanical roles
• 3+ years of experience using design software or CAD software

Preferred Qualifications:

• AAS Degree in Engineering or CAD
• Expertise with NX and/or must be driven and willing to learn this CAD system (primary CAD for A&D); experience with SolidWorks is preferred as well (secondary CAD for A&D)
• Understanding of standard PLM systems and how they interact with CAD; experience with Siemens Teamcenter would be highly preferred
• Position requires access to systems storing or transmitting FCI/CUI data.

Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance. Annual Salary Range: $63,120 - $78,900. 

Actual salaries will vary based on several factors including, but not limited to applicable work experience, training, education, and performance.   

Employee benefits are part of the competitive total rewards package that Donaldson Company, Inc. provides to you. Our comprehensive benefits program includes health benefits, retirement plan (401k), paid time away, paid leaves (including paid parental leave) and more. 

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available: Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).

Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered. Equal Opportunity

Employer, including Disability and Veterans

Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.

Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers.  These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process.  Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address.  If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to [email protected] to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.

Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.