Demo

CAD Drafter / Mechanical Designer

Career Opportunities
Rapid, SD Full Time
POSTED ON 11/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 1/2/2027

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry-level candidates to become an integral part of our engineering team.  The selected candidates will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes.  This position will be onsite at our client's Rapid City, SD facility working with their Engineering teams.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

CAD Drafter / Mechanical Designer
 
The selected candidate will support product design and manufacturing by creating and updating 3-D CAD models, component and assembly drawings, and engineering documentation. This position provides an opportunity to work on a variety of mechanical components while developing practical experience with CAD, drafting standards, manufacturing practices, and engineering processes. The work will be highly collaborative with engineers, project leads, and other technical team members.
 

Responsibilities

  • Create and modify 3-D CAD models and engineering drawings for mechanical components and assemblies.
  • Create and update part and assembly drawings based on engineering guidance.
  • Prepare detailed drawings used to support manufacturing and assembly operations.
  • Review models and drawings for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable engineering standards.
  • Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing principles to engineering drawings.
  • Create and maintain engineering change documentation for new and revised designs.
  • Maintain CAD files, Bills of Material, and other product documentation using PLM/PDM systems.
  • Assist engineers with troubleshooting design, drawing, and modeling issues.
  • Convert design concepts, sketches, specifications, and engineering guidance into accurate models and drawings.
  • Collaborate with engineers and technical team members to clarify project requirements and resolve design questions.
  • Communicate project status, questions, delays, and technical issues to project leads.
  • Complete assigned drafting and design projects according to established schedules.
  • Support continuous improvement of drafting practices and engineering documentation.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience, education, training, internship, or coursework in CAD, drafting, mechanical design, engineering technology, or a related technical field.
  • Basic ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Good organizational and time-management skills.
  • Ability to manage changing priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Mechanical drafting experience involving equipment, machinery, or mechanical components.
  • Experience with 3-D parametric CAD/modeling software such as PTC Creo, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, CATIA, or similar software.
  • Experience or coursework involving Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and ASME Y14.5.
  • Associate degree, technical degree, certificate, bachelor's degree, or current enrollment in CAD, drafting, mechanical design, engineering technology, or a related technical program.
  • Experience creating or modifying mechanical component and assembly drawings.
  • Experience with manufacturing processes, welding, fabrication, machining, automotive systems, heavy equipment, or other hands-on mechanical work.
  • Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) or product data management (PDM) software.
  • Experience creating or maintaining Bills of Material and engineering change documentation.
  • Experience creating PDF markups or communicating drawing and design questions to engineering teams.
  • Experience working with engineers, manufacturing teams, or other technical professionals.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
  • Internship, technical-school, project, or professional drafting experience.
  • Desire to develop a career in CAD, mechanical design, drafting, manufacturing, or engineering technology.

Pay Range: commensurate with experience - $40,000-$44,000

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Eden Prairie, MN, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.

Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

Salary : $40,000 - $44,000

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