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Cad Designer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drafter

Rio Rancho, NM ยท On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

CAD Drafter * Temporary * Rio Rancho, NM * Posted 4 weeks ago Website ManpowerWest Manpower New Mexico Jobs in Albuquerque and surrounding areas Job Id: 263985 Essential Functions: * Making 2D and 3D ...

ASRC Federal Netcentric Technologies, LLC is seeking Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)/Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician to support our support the Kirtland AFB Engineering Operations ...

ASRC Federal Netcentric Technologies, LLC is seeking Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)/Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Technician to support our support the Kirtland AFB Engineering Operations ...

Computer aided drafting and design and modeling in Autodesk AutoCAD in the fields of civil engineering or architecture. * GPS surveying using Trimble survey-grade and mapping-grade equipment and post ...

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Cad Designer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$14

$28

$38

How much do cad designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad designer in Rio Rancho, NM is $28.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $32.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAD Designer?

A CAD Designer is a professional who uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for products, buildings, machinery, or other structures. They work closely with engineers, architects, and other professionals to translate ideas and specifications into precise digital models. CAD Designers play a crucial role in the design and manufacturing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the creation of blueprints and prototypes. Their work is essential in various industries, including architecture, engineering, automotive, and manufacturing.

What Is a CAD Designer?

A CAD (computer-aided design) designer, or drafter, is responsible for generating technical drawings via software that will aid in the building or manufacturing of things. As a CAD designer, you may work with architects or civil engineers to design blueprints for things like buildings or bridges. You may work with manufacturers to create precise technical drawings of items to be produced. You may also visit job sites or factories to see how the project is going and make updates as needed. Overall, you help the concepts of your clients become a reality through your digital images and prints.

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

CAD Designers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, which means they must coordinate closely with engineers, architects, and project managers. A common challenge is ensuring that design files remain compatible and up-to-date across different software platforms and team members. Clear communication and version control are essential to avoid errors or duplicated work. Additionally, balancing creative input with technical specifications and project constraints can be demanding, but it also provides opportunities to learn from colleagues in related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CAD Designer, you need a solid background in drafting principles, geometry, and design, often supported by a degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, and relevant certifications, are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure precise project drawings, efficient collaboration, and successful translation of concepts into manufacturable designs.

How much do CAD designers earn?

CAD designers typically earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in specialized fields like engineering or architecture.

What is the difference between Cad Designer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectCad DesignerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in CAD, Engineering, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical diploma in drafting or engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesEngineering departments, manufacturing plants, architectural firms
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including architecture, engineering, manufacturingPrimarily in mechanical engineering and manufacturing sectors
Job FocusCreating detailed CAD models and designs based on specificationsPreparing technical drawings and schematics for mechanical components

While both Cad Designers and Mechanical Drafters work with CAD software, Cad Designers focus on creating detailed models and innovative designs, often involved in the conceptual phase. Mechanical Drafters primarily prepare technical drawings and schematics for manufacturing and assembly. The roles overlap in skills and tools but differ in scope and focus within the engineering and manufacturing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Cad Designer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Cad Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Cad Designer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,525 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
CAD Technologist

CAD Technologist

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Overview
Longenecker & Associates (L&A), a Geosyntec Company, is a trusted partner enabling critical missions across the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) complex for more than 30 years. We contribute to DOE's nuclear security and environmental remediation enterprise by providing the highest-caliber staff and experts. We are seeking a motivated CAD Technologist to contribute to our mission supporting ourworkin Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Pulsed Power Sciences Center (1600) is accountable for advancing the understanding, development, and application of pulsed power for the missions of the nuclear weapons program. The Center also utilizes its major experimental, theoretical, and computational capabilities to meet the national security and fundamental science needs of diverse Sandia and external customers. Center 1600 is Sandia's primary organization for research in High Energy Density Physics (HEDP), Inertial Confinement Fusion (ICF), Advanced Radiography, Pulsed Power Science and Technology, and Fusion Technologies.
The Pulsed Power Engineering and Design Group (1690) supports the engineering needs for the Pulsed Power Sciences Center by providing advanced engineering, design, and documentation services supporting current and future pulsed power machine development and maintenance. Additionally, the group supports other Sandia groups and external partners with engineering services by performing analysis, testing, and design. We provide the technical expertise needed to deliver and support robust, cost-effective pulsed power systems services. We maintain the required mechanical engineering and design staff needed to design, deliver, and support state-of-the-art pulsed power systems. This team is part of the Radiation, Electrical and High Energy Density Science (REHEDS) Research Foundation at Sandia.
The essential duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Create 3D models and drawings to build next generation accelerators and pulsed power machines;
  • Partner with engineers and scientist in developing designs;
  • Partner with engineers to discuss and interpret design concepts and identify requirements of detailed working drawings;
  • Collaborate with procurement, manufacturing, and suppliers to discuss design, schedule, manufacturing processes and materials selections to ensure contractual agreements are understood and achievable; and
  • Manage documentation in collaborative engineering environment using product data management tools along with engineering authorization and approval processes and procedures.

Education and Licensure
  • High School diploma. (required)
  • Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology. (preferred)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of directly related experience in Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD) or; equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Proficiency in creating mechanical product design definition to include 3D solid models and mechanical drawings.
  • Proficiency with PTC/CREO, PDMLink (Windchill), and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Due to federal contract security requirements, this position requires U.S. Citizenship.
  • Due to federal contract security requirements, candidates must be able to successfully pass a federal background investigation to secure and maintain DOE L security clearance.
  • Successful candidates will be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. This job posting reflects management's assignment of essential functions and the descriptions listed do not restrict management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing required.

Please note that marijuana remains a Schedule III controlled substance under Federal Law. Federal contractors must follow Federal drug-free workplace rules, which prohibit marijuana use, even if medical or recreational use is permitted under State Law.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS & LOCATION DETAILS:
  • Experience with foundational engineering principles related to design, manufacturing, configuration management and analysis.
  • Experience with Model Based Design (MBD) practices.
  • Ability to work in energetic and high-performance teaming environment.
  • Must be able to independently seek definition, evaluate, analyze, and then realize mechanical designs, definitions, and products.
  • Excellent communication skills with ability to present to diverse audiences.
  • Previous experience on DOE sites and programs.
  • On-site is preferred but hybrid can be considered for those with relevant experience requirements.