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Computer Aided Design Apprentice Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

This position utilizes modern CAD automation, engineering systems, and configuration management tools to improve design efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing processes. Essential ...

Tool & Die

Sheffield, IA · On-site

$25 - $31.50/hr

The Machinist will be responsible for reading sketches, blueprints and CAD specifications, setting up and operating machines and tools, computing sizes and dimensions of tools and dies, and testing ...

Use CAD software to prepare clear, complete, and accurate working drawings and supporting 3D models in cooperation with design engineers. * Provide mentoring and training for CAD and PDM applications ...

Use CAD software to prepare clear, complete, and accurate working drawings and supporting 3D models in cooperation with design engineers. * Provide mentoring and training for CAD and PDM applications ...

... and 3D CAD Modeling with a preference of Inventor. · Finite Element Analysis Experience. · GD&T experience. · Cost reduction, Continuous Improvement, Process Improvement and Cost Analysis ...

CNC Programmer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$26 - $35.50/hr

CNC Programmer The CNC Programmer will be responsible for creating and modifying CNC programs utilizing CAD/CAM software, while reviewing and working with detailed technical drawings. High-level ...

Showing results 41-60

Computer Aided Design Apprentice information

What is the difference between Computer Aided Design Apprentice vs CAD Technician?

AspectComputer Aided Design ApprenticeCAD Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed relevant training or certification programsOften holds a diploma or associate degree in CAD, drafting, or related fields
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training environment, often in educational or internship settingsProfessional office setting, working on real projects under supervision or independently
Industry UsageUsed as a training role to develop skills for future CAD careersEstablished role in architecture, engineering, and manufacturing firms

The main difference between a Computer Aided Design Apprentice and a CAD Technician is experience and responsibility. Apprentices are in training, gaining foundational skills, while CAD Technicians are experienced professionals working on actual projects. Apprentices often work under supervision, whereas CAD Technicians operate more independently, contributing directly to project deliverables.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Aided Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Computer Aided Design jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Computer Aided Design Apprentice jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Computer Aided Design Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Computer Aided Design Apprentice job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Drafter/Engineering Designer

Rasmussen Mechanical Services

Council Bluffs, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Engineering Designer

Council Bluffs, IA • Mechanical Design & 3D Modeling AutoCAD Plant 3D • FARO 3D Scanning • Piping, Boilers & Process Systems

Since 1970, Rasmussen Mechanical Services has been a family-owned mechanical contractor working across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. We've grown to over 200 people across seven locations, but we've kept the small-shop feeling that's made people stay with us for 20, 30, even 37 years.

We're looking for an Engineering Designer to join the family — whether you're an experienced designer ready for more interesting work, a field or fab-shop veteran who's moved to the design side, or a new grad looking for a place that will actually invest in you.

The Work

You'll bring mechanical projects to life on the screen before they're built in the field: 3D modeling, P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for everything from commercial HVAC systems to complex industrial piping, boilers, and process equipment.

A typical week might include:

  • Building 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans of customer facilities
  • Drafting P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings the shop and field crews can actually build from
  • Walking job sites with project managers and sales engineers to scope new work
  • Producing proposal drawings and renderings that help customers say yes
  • Sitting down with our welders, fitters, and field techs to make sure what you're drawing makes sense to build
If You've Ever Built What Someone Else Drew

Some of the best designers we know came up through the trades — fitters, welders, fab shop detailers — people who spent years building from other people's drawings and thought, I could draw this better.

If that's you, we want to talk. Knowing how a spool actually gets fabricated, rigged, and fitted in a tight mechanical room is knowledge you can't teach in a CAD class, and it shows up in every drawing you produce. We'll get you the rest.

And if you love the satisfaction of seeing your drawings turn into real, working systems — this is your kind of team.

Why People Stay at RMS
  • Family-owned, and it shows. The Rasmussens are still here. Leadership is accessible, decisions get made quickly, and people get treated like people.
  • Variety you won't get elsewhere. Ten specialized departments — HVAC, boilers, mechanical construction, controls, reliability, and more — so no two projects look alike.
  • Modern tools, and training to match. FARO 3D scanning and AutoCAD Plant 3D, with company-provided training and continuing investment in your skills. If you're strong in AutoCAD but new to Plant 3D, we'll teach you.
  • Your drawings get built. Not shelved, not value-engineered into oblivion by someone three states away. Built — by our own crews, usually within a few miles of your desk.
  • Industry-leading pay and benefits, plus a culture that takes work-life balance seriously.
  • A genuinely good place to work. Modern offices, 24/7 gym, golf simulator, team lunches — and yes, "fun" really is one of our core values.
What You Bring

Experienced designers (3+ years)

  • Drafting and 3D modeling experience with piping or mechanical systems
  • Strong AutoCAD skills
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D experience strongly preferred — if you're coming from CADWorx, AutoCAD MEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, or another 3D platform, we'll train you up
  • A track record of producing drawings that field crews can build from
  • Strong attention to detail and good time management
  • Comfortable working with engineers, project managers, field crews, and customers

Field and fab-shop backgrounds welcome

  • Pipefitting, welding, sheet metal, or fabrication experience paired with CAD skills — formal or self-taught
  • You don't need a degree. You need to know how things get built, and be able to draw it.

New grads

  • A degree or certificate in mechanical design, drafting & design technology, or a related field
  • Solid CAD fundamentals (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Revit — we're not picky about which)
  • Curiosity, attention to detail, and a real interest in how mechanical systems go together
  • We'll teach you Plant 3D, FARO scanning, and how our shop and field crews work. We mean it when we say we invest in people.

Everyone

  • Valid driver's license; able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
  • Willing to occasionally travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning
Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning — typically day trips, with occasional overnight stays. You'll need to be able to lift 25–30 lbs occasionally and sit at a workstation for extended periods.

How to Apply

Apply through our careers page at rasmech.com/careers. We review applications regularly and will reach out to qualified candidates.

Rasmussen Mechanical Services is an equal opportunity employer.