Principal CAD Designer

Westminster · Dallas, TX · USD 97,000-115,000 · 7+ years experience · Full-time · Posted Oct 5, 2026

At a glance

Alten Technology is seeking a Principal CAD Designer to provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle.
In this role, you will generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and associated technical documentation.

Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle using SolidWorks.
Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and associated technical documentation.
Ensure drawings and models comply with engineering standards, drafting practices, GD&T requirements, and documentation procedures.
Collaborate closely with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program teams to support design development and product release activities.
Support prototype, development, and production design updates.
Manage and maintain mechanical CAD files, engineering drawings, and digital design documentation within Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
Administer file structures, version control, and drawing release processes within SolidWorks PDM.
Prepare, process, and implement Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and Engineering Change Requests (ECRs).
Maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) structures and associated hardware configurations.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior designers and drafters.

7+ years of progressive CAD design and drafting experience in a manufacturing, engineering, aerospace, or product development environment.
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, and engineering drawing creation.
Strong understanding of GD&T, mechanical drafting standards, and engineering documentation best practices.
Proficiency with drafting and diagramming tools such as DraftSight, Lucidchart, Draw.io, or similar applications.
Experience with issue tracking and workflow management tools such as Jira or equivalent systems.
Working knowledge of engineering change control processes and configuration management principles.
Ability to interpret engineering specifications, manufacturing requirements, and technical documentation.
Experience creating and managing BOMs and associated hardware documentation.
Exposure to ERP and PLM systems, including platforms such as SAP, Windchill, ENOVIA, or similar solutions.

Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.

As a federal contractor, Alten USA maintains a drug-free workplace and all candidates selected for employment will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening as a condition of hire.