Demo

Computer Aided Design Engineer

PowerBlock Inc.
Owatonna, MN Full Time
POSTED ON 8/12/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/10/2026

CAD Designer

Classification: Exempt

Reports To: Director of Research and Development

Position Summary

PowerBlock is seeking a detail-oriented and highly skilled CAD Designer to join our Product Development team. This individual will play a key role in transforming product concepts into manufacturable designs by creating accurate 3D models, production drawings, and engineering documentation using SolidWorks.

The ideal candidate possesses strong mechanical aptitude, a thorough understanding of manufacturing processes, and the ability to develop moderate to complex mechanisms and assemblies. This position works closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Product Management to ensure products are designed for performance, manufacturability, durability, quality, and cost.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Develop and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and production drawings using SolidWorks.
  • Create manufacturing-ready drawings including dimensions, GD&T, tolerances, materials, finishes, and assembly requirements.
  • Design and document moderate to complex mechanical assemblies, components, and mechanisms.
  • Review designs for manufacturability, assembly efficiency, serviceability, and cost optimization.
  • Collaborate with engineers, quality personnel, manufacturing, and suppliers throughout the product development process.
  • Maintain Engineering Change Orders (ECOs), revision history, and engineering documentation.
  • Assist with prototype development, product validation, and design improvements.
  • Develop exploded views, assembly instructions, bills of materials (BOMs), and supporting documentation.
  • Maintain company CAD standards, drawing templates, and engineering best practices.
  • Organize and maintain engineering files within the Product Data Management (PDM) system or designated alternative.
  • Convert legacy drawings into current SolidWorks standards when required.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives and participate in design reviews.

Required Qualifications

  • Associate degree in Mechanical Design, CAD Technology, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
  • Minimum of 3 years of professional SolidWorks experience preferred.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing drawings, dimensioning practices, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
  • Experience designing mechanical assemblies and production components.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with one or more of the following is highly desirable:

  • Injection molded plastic components
  • Weldments and fabricated assemblies
  • Sheet metal design
  • Machined components
  • Product Data Management (PDM) systems
  • Prototype development
  • Fitness equipment or consumer product development
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)

Core Competencies

  • Mechanical aptitude
  • SolidWorks proficiency
  • Attention to detail
  • Critical thinking and problem solving
  • Manufacturing knowledge
  • Organization and time management
  • Collaboration and teamwork
  • Effective written and verbal communication
  • Continuous learning and adaptability

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position may have supervisory responsibilities in the future.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based with regular interaction in manufacturing and prototype areas. Occasional exposure to production equipment, assembly operations, and warehouse environments may occur while supporting product development, testing, or manufacturing activities. Appropriate safety procedures and personal protective equipment will be provided when required. Partial work from home options can be discussed.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Prolonged periods working at a computer workstation.
  • Frequently communicate with team members in office and manufacturing environments.
  • Occasionally walk throughout the office, laboratory, warehouse, and manufacturing areas.
  • Occasionally lift or move materials, prototypes, or components up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to inspect small components and engineering drawings requiring close visual attention.

Position Type

Full-time, Exempt

The typical schedule is Monday through Friday. Occasional flexibility may be required to support project deadlines, testing activities, or production schedules.

Travel

Occasional local travel may be required. Limited domestic or international travel (less than 10%) may be necessary to support suppliers, trade shows, testing, or manufacturing partners.


PowerBlock is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities may evolve as business needs change.



Salary.com Estimation for Computer Aided Design Engineer in Owatonna, MN
$70,770 to $87,438
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets

What is the career path for a Computer Aided Design Engineer?

Sign up to receive alerts about other jobs on the Computer Aided Design Engineer career path by checking the boxes next to the positions that interest you.
Income Estimation: 
$79,917 - $101,594
Income Estimation: 
$97,688 - $130,047
Income Estimation: 
$73,120 - $92,318
Income Estimation: 
$91,158 - $113,466
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other Computer Aided Design Engineer jobs in the Owatonna, MN area that may be a better fit.

  • Wieser Concrete Products, Inc. Menomonie, WI
  • Join Our Team as a Project Manager Are you a leader with a passion for manufacturing excellence? Weiser Form Fabrication in Menomonie, Wisconsin, is search... more
  • 16 Days Ago

  • Actalent Albert, MN
  • Job Title: Design Engineer Job Description The Design Engineer performs complex mechanical design and analysis to develop safe, reliable, and manufacturabl... more
  • 28 Days Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!