ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cad Design Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

KBR, Inc.

Spacecraft CAD Design Lead

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$154K - $230K/yr

Spacecraft CAD Design Lead Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft CAD Design Lead to drive the end-to-end mechanical design for a new NASA mission. You will assist ...

KBR

Spacecraft CAD Design Lead

Greenbelt, MD

$154K - $230K/yr

Title: Spacecraft CAD Design Lead Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR! We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft CADDesignLeadto drive the end-to-end mechanical designfor a new NASA mission. You ...

Parsons

CAD Specialist

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented CAD Specialist to join our team! Ready to be part ofa team that tackles defense and data challenges? Want to take your construction/facilities skills to ...

Parsons Corporation

CAD Specialist

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented CAD Specialist to join our team! Ready to be part of a team that tackles defense and data challenges? Want to take your construction/facilities skills to ...

Parsons Corporation

CAD Specialist

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented CAD Specialist to join our team! Ready to be part of a team that tackles defense and data challenges? Want to take your construction/facilities skills to ...

M&J Engineering

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

M&J is seeking a CAD Operator to provide drafting, design, and technical drawing support for WMATA's engineering and construction projects under the task order. * Create and update detailed 2D and 3D ...

M&J Engineering

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

M&J is seeking a CAD Operator to provide drafting, design, and technical drawing support for WMATA's engineering and construction projects under the task order. Responsibilities * Create and update ...

Intrepidgs

BIM/CAD Manager

Mclean, VA · On-site

IAP is seeking a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Building Information Modeling Manager. Job Responsibilities: Provides expert technical leadership and guidance to the Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and ...

Parsons

CAD Specialist

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented CAD Specialist to join our team! Ready to be part ofa team that tackles defense and data challenges? Want to take your construction/facilities skills to ...

Alternative Experts LLC

CAD Specialist II

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The CAD Specialist II supports architectural, engineering, and facility design projects by creating, modifying, converting, and standardizing CAD drawings using ...

ELITE ENGINEERING LLC

Civil CAD Drafter

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

As a CAD Drafter you will be working closely with other drafters as well as design teams to draft drawings in AutoCAD to specifications that are detailed, accurate, and visually appealing. You will ...

ELITE ENGINEERING LLC

Civil CAD Drafter

Greenbelt, MD · On-site

$55K - $80K/yr

As a CAD Drafter you will be working closely with other drafters as well as design teams to draft drawings in AutoCAD to specifications that are detailed, accurate, and visually appealing. You will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCad Design JobsCad Design Jobs in Washington

Cad Design information

See Washington salary details

$18

$35

$48

How much do cad design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad design in Washington is $35.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.42 and $40.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges CAD designers face when working on collaborative projects?

CAD Designers often collaborate with engineers, architects, and other stakeholders, which can present challenges such as managing version control, ensuring compatibility between different software platforms, and integrating feedback from multiple sources. Effective communication and meticulous documentation are key to overcoming these hurdles. Many teams use project management tools and cloud-based CAD platforms to streamline collaboration and minimize errors, helping everyone stay aligned on project goals and timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD designer?

To thrive as a CAD Designer, you need a solid understanding of engineering or architectural principles, proficiency in drafting, and typically an associate degree or certification in CAD or a related field. Mastery of CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit is essential, along with familiarity with industry-specific standards. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help CAD Designers create precise drawings and collaborate effectively with engineers and clients. These skills ensure that designs meet technical requirements, project specifications, and support efficient project workflows.

Is CAD design a good career?

CAD design is a viable career that involves creating detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design software. It is in demand across industries such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, often requiring skills in software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and sometimes certification. The field offers opportunities for specialization and advancement, with a typical work environment involving project-based tasks and collaboration with engineers and architects.

What do CAD designers do?

CAD designers create detailed technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design software to develop products, structures, or mechanical components. They collaborate with engineers and architects, ensuring designs meet specifications and standards, often requiring knowledge of CAD tools like AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Their work supports manufacturing, construction, and engineering projects from concept to completion.

What is the difference between Cad Design vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectCad DesignMechanical Drafter
CredentialsTypically requires a degree or diploma in CAD, engineering, or related fieldsOften requires a diploma or certification in drafting or CAD
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesManufacturing plants, engineering firms, construction sites
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including architecture, engineering, manufacturingPrimarily in mechanical and industrial sectors
Job FocusCreating detailed 3D models and design conceptsPreparing technical drawings and schematics from designs

While both Cad Design and Mechanical Drafters work with technical drawings, Cad Design focuses on creating detailed 3D models and innovative designs, often requiring broader engineering knowledge. Mechanical Drafters primarily prepare technical drawings based on designs, emphasizing precision and adherence to specifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What is CAD design?

CAD design stands for Computer-Aided Design, which involves using specialized software to create precise drawings, technical illustrations, and 3D models for engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. CAD designers use these tools to visualize concepts, test ideas, and create detailed plans that can be used for production or construction. This process helps improve accuracy, efficiency, and collaboration throughout the design and manufacturing stages.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Design jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Cad Design jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Cad Design jobs in Washington? For Cad Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cad Design jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Cad Design jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Cad Design jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Cad Design job openings:
Cad Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cad Design job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,496 per year, or $35.3 per hour.

Spacecraft CAD Design Lead

KBR, Inc.

Greenbelt, MD • On-site

$154K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Title:
Spacecraft CAD Design Lead
Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!
We are seeking an experienced Spacecraft CAD Design Lead to drive the end-to-end mechanical design for a new NASA mission. You will assist the Spacecraft Mechanical Lead with coordination of design efforts across a team of designers and engineers, oversee complex CAD assemblies, and ensure all flight hardware translates seamlessly from preliminary concept through Preliminary Design Review (PDR), Critical Design Review (CDR) and into final launch site delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design Ownership: Support the Spacecraft Mechanical Lead with the layout, packaging and interface development for flight spacecraft and science instrument subsystems using Dassault SolidWorks.

  • Team Leadership: Assist the Spacecraft Mechanical Lead in managing a team of Mechanical Designers and Engineers; provide training, mentoring, develop CAD implantation plan, set modeling best practices, assign design tasks, set design release deadlines and priorities.

  • Project Support: Attend and report status at weekly mechanical status meetings, support preparation for key project design reviews.

  • Design Review: Review models for compliance with CAD standards, review designs for interface alignments, interferences, mass properties, review drawings for compliance with drawing standards and proper dimensioning and tolerancing.

  • Interface Control: Develop and maintain Mechanical Interface Control Drawings (MICDs) and assist with tracking of mass properties.

  • Configuration Management (CM): Work with the CM team to apply CM controls on design products. Perform preliminary reviews of design products in preparation for review and design release in the CM system. Support final review and approval for design release.

  • Product Lifecycle Management (PLM): Oversee application of WindChill PLM system to maintain design configurations.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Education: Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Design or in leu of a related technical discipline.

  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in aerospace/defense 3D CAD design, with at least 3 years in a team lead or management capacity.

  • Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Dassault SolidWorks. Experience with PTC Creo. Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint).

  • CAD Proficiency: Proficient with management of large assemblies, use of simplified reps, shrinkwraps, start part setup, layer control, Mechanical Interface Control Drawings (MICDs), mass properties tracking.

  • Drafting Proficiency: Advanced proficiency with Engineering Drawing Practices per ASME Y14.1 and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) per ASME Y14.5.

  • Product Data Management: Proficient with PTC WindChill Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) software and Configuration Management (CM) systems.

  • Core Skills: Ability to work well in a team environment. Good verbal and written communication skills. Self-motivated, self-starter. Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to changes. Ability to multi-task. Good organizational skills.

  • Clearance: Must be a U.S. Citizen or Green Card holder due to government and ITAR/export control regulations.

Preferred Skills:
  • Hands-on experience with spacecraft hardware through environmental testing and into launch.

  • Familiarity with spacecraft harness routing and thermal treatments.

  • Experience with modeling of sheet metal, piping, cabling, routed systems.

  • Experience or familiarity with Generative Design practices and software such as nTop or equivalent.

  • Knowledge and experience with Engineering Change Order CAD and CM processes.

Basic Compensation:
$154,000 - $230,900
The offered rate will be based on contract affordability and the selected candidate's working location, knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience, and in consideration of internal parity
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Click here to learn more: https://careers.kbr.com/us/en/kbr-benefits
#LI-EM2
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

What KBR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

KBR logo

About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998

View All KBR Jobs

Apply