Computer Aided Design Assistant Jobs in Smithfield, VA

CEL Critical Power is a global provider of mission-critical power solutions operating at the center of the AI, hyperscale data center and critical infrastructure ecosystem. An Irish-based manufacturer, distributor and exporter of electrical switchgear, controls and related products with over 40 years of experience, CEL is now firmly focused on supplying the global data center industry at scale.

Operating from our 500,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility in Williamsburg, Virginia, we aim to double in size each year for the next three years. CEL is led by a hard-working team who value collaboration, continuous improvement, excellence in quality and commercial curiosity. Through this role, you will ensure CEL continues to enhance its reputation for building the highest-quality switchgear and power distribution products with support systems that exceed customer expectations.

Scope of the Position

The Mechanical Engineer is accountable for the design, documentation and maintenance of mechanical drawings and models across CEL's switchgear and power distribution product range, including:

• 3D CAD modelling of assemblies, machined parts, sheet metal components and switchgear panels
• 2D manufacturing drawing production, including tolerances, bend details and material specifications
• BOM generation and maintenance for all mechanical designs
• Component sourcing and 3D model acquisition from supplier databases and technical resources
• Design optimization for manufacturability, material efficiency, cost-effectiveness and ease of assembly
• CAD library development and maintenance — contributing to CEL's reusable component and design library
• Mechanical documentation control — ensuring consistent, high-quality documentation across all deliverables

Mechanical Design & CAD

• Create and maintain 3D assemblies of electrical switchgear panels and associated components using Autodesk Inventor or equivalent.
• Design accurate 3D models of machined parts, sheet metal components and assemblies to the required standard.
• Produce detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, including tolerances, bend details, material specifications and fabrication notes.
• Research and obtain 3D component models from supplier websites and technical databases; model components from scratch where supplier data is unavailable.
• Verify dimensions, clearances and installation constraints against supplier datasheets and technical documentation.
• Adhere to CEL's CAD standards, mechanical design procedures and approved drawing templates at all times.
• Optimize designs for material efficiency, ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness throughout the design process.

Documentation & BOM Management

• Generate and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all mechanical designs, ensuring alignment with procurement and production requirements.
• Maintain and contribute to CEL's reusable library of mechanical components and standard designs.
• Ensure high-quality, consistent mechanical documentation is maintained for all project deliverables.
• Interpret electrical schematics to inform and validate mechanical design decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with Electrical Designers, Project Managers and Production staff to ensure mechanical designs meet all functional and assembly requirements.
• Provide technical support to Production during the construction and assembly phases, resolving design queries as they arise.
• Liaise directly with external suppliers regarding manufacturability, design feasibility and clarification of technical specifications.
• Work with suppliers to identify and implement practical part and design solutions based on their manufacturing capabilities.

Requirements

• A mechanical engineer with hands-on experience in 3D CAD design and 2D drawing production — ideally within the switchgear, electrical panel or related electrical manufacturing sector.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with close collaboration across design, production and supply chain functions.
• A methodical, detail-oriented approach combined with the interpersonal skills to communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• 3–5 years of relevant experience in mechanical design, ideally within the switchgear or electrical panel sector.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software — Autodesk Inventor strongly preferred; SolidWorks or equivalent also considered.
• Strong sheet metal design experience and familiarity with fabrication methods including bending, punching and welding.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret electrical schematics from a mechanical design perspective.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent design tasks and meeting tight project deadlines.
• Familiarity with supplier engagement on technical design and manufacturability matters.
• Familiar with IEC Standards
• Design and safety standards: OSHA, NFPA 70E, UL891, UL62368-1, UL508A, UL1008S, UL1008, UL67 as well as ANSI, IEEE, and NEMA

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent — required.
• Formal CAD training — Autodesk Inventor preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools including Excel and Word.
• Authorization to work in the United States required.

• Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor or equivalent 3D CAD platform
• Strong sheet metal design and fabrication knowledge
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics from a mechanical perspective
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach to design
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills — works effectively as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across functions — Design, Project Management, Production and Suppliers
• Self-sufficient and capable of working independently when required

Benefits

Why Join CEL Critical Power?

Join a Trusted Industry Leader – 42 Years of Excellence

CEL has been delivering high-quality, bespoke power distribution solutions for over four decades, with products that stand the test of time.

Be Part of a Global Expansion

With CEL launching its first US manufacturing plant, you will have the opportunity to work on international projects and documentation standards while collaborating with colleagues across North America.

Collaborate with World-Class Engineers, Vendors & Industry Experts

You’ll work alongside leading engineers, project managers, document controllers, product managers, and global vendors, ensuring excellence and operational success across CEL’s international teams.

Shape the Future of CEL – Critical Power

This is more than just an operator role—it’s an opportunity to help forge the future of CEL and our expansion across the US.

Competitive Salary, Benefits & Career Growth

We offer structured career development, professional training, and leadership opportunities, ensuring long-term career progression.

Equal Opportunity Employer

CEL Critical Power is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and high-performing workplace. We strongly believe that seeking out and hiring the most diverse talent and creating an inclusive workplace is the way to create an exceptional and innovative environment for our employees, which will deliver excellence in service to our customers. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experience to join this multicultural, hard-working team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.