Associate Cad Designer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hawkins, Inc./WaterSurplusis a trusted and well-known leader in the chemical industry for over 80 years. We have opportunities for motivated hard workers to learn and develop a career with ourWater Treatmentbusiness segment. Our route sales/delivery approach to supplying products and equipment to our customers in 27+ states ensures superb customer service and support. Our customers include water and wastewater treatment systems, municipal and commercial swimming pools, industrial process and wastewater facilities, and industries like oil/gas and agricultural farmers/growers.

To learn more about Hawkins Water Treatment and the sales, delivery and warehouse positions, watch this short video .

The Mechanical CAD Designer is responsible for the CAD design of mechanical equipment layouts, fabrication details, drawing files, bill of materials and completion of mechanical design projects within the area of assigned responsibility.

• Design and layout mechanical assembly and fabrication drawings, including Bills of Materials (BOMs), for water treatment equipment.
• Use CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to create accurate designs and 3D models.
• Design piping layouts and mechanical system components according to customer specifications and engineering standards.
• Analyze engineering sketches, blueprints, specifications, and related data to determine critical design factors (e.g., size, shape, arrangement, tolerances).
• Sketch layouts and calculate angles, dimensions, radii, clearances, weights, surface areas, leverages, and component placements.
• Collaborate with production staff to support fabrication, assembly, and equipment testing on the shop floor.
• Generate detailed shop assembly documentation, purchase order requisitions, and technical drawings.
• Review and verify product designs for compliance with company standards, engineering principles, and customer specifications.
• Evaluate and, where appropriate, approve design changes, drawing releases, and technical specifications.
• Ensure equipment, tools, and manufacturing methods align with design specifications and company objectives.
• Monitor project budgets and control costs to stay within financial constraints.
• Support the sales team by preparing proposal drawings, estimates, and technical content for reports and customer presentations.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to align project requirements and ensure customer satisfaction.
• Participate in business planning and strategy discussions as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma of GED (required)
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Associates degree from a two-year college (preferred)
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably within the water/wastewater treatment industry
• Familiarity with company products, services, and typical industry applications
• Proficient in CAD software: SolidWorks and AutoCAD (required); Inventor (preferred)
• Experience with document management tools (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Pro Extended)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and quick to learn new systems
• Knowledge of:
  • Mechanical and electrical system design
  • Control panel and enclosure layouts
  • Fluid dynamics, materials science, thermodynamics, and automation principles
  • Design techniques, blueprints, P&IDs, and production documentation
  • Raw materials, quality control, manufacturing processes, and cost optimization
• Understanding of practical engineering applications, including system troubleshooting and optimization
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, diagrams, and specifications
• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills across departments and management levels
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Ground-level office setting
• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and lift for 4–6 hours per day
• Ability to lift/move objects over 50 lbs. with assistance or lifting devices
• Must operate office equipment (e.g., computer, fax, printer)
• Close vision and hand-eye coordination required for detailed work

Occasional travel to field sites for equipment inspection, repair, or testing

Hawkins offers eligible employees and their dependents comprehensive benefits, which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD/STD and more.Other benefits for eligible employees include 401(k) match, Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP), paid time off, and paid holidays.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law. Hawkins is a Drug Free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.