Computer Aided Design Design Intern Jobs in Minnesota

CAD/CAM Programmer – Direct Hire

Pay: $35.00 – $42.00+ per hour (DOE)

Job Type: Full-Time | Direct Hire | Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday – Friday | 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior CAD/CAM Programmer to join a growing custom manufacturing operation specializing in precision plastic fabrication and thermoforming. This is a highly technical, hands-on role that will report directly to the Head of Engineering and play a key role in supporting design, programming, manufacturing, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The ideal candidate will bring strong CAD/CAM expertise, CNC programming experience, and a passion for solving manufacturing challenges. While this position offers a pathway into technical leadership and training responsibilities, the primary focus will remain on hands-on engineering support, CNC programming, fixture design, tooling development, and manufacturing optimization.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys being deeply involved in both engineering and production while helping guide future improvements and mentoring team members over time.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify CAD models, manufacturing drawings, tooling designs, and production fixtures
• Develop and optimize CAM programs for CNC machining operations, including multi-axis applications
• Support setup and operation of CNC routers and related manufacturing equipment
• Design tooling, fixtures, molds, and production aids to improve manufacturing efficiency
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams to resolve manufacturing challenges and improve processes
• Troubleshoot programming, tooling, setup, and production issues on the shop floor
• Review part designs for manufacturability and recommend process improvements
• Assist with project planning, estimating, and manufacturing workflow support
• Maintain documentation related to engineering changes, tooling, fixtures, and CNC programs
• Support quality initiatives through blueprint interpretation, GD&T application, and inspection verification
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to less experienced team members as needed

Qualifications

• 5+ years of CAD/CAM programming experience in a manufacturing environment
• Strong experience with CAD design, CAM programming, and CNC machining processes
• Experience creating tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing support equipment
• Hands-on CNC setup experience with multi-axis machining equipment
• Strong understanding of machining principles, manufacturing processes, and production workflows
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and GD&T requirements
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities
• Ability to work independently while supporting cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in plastic fabrication, thermoforming, CNC routing, or related manufacturing environments
• Experience programming 3-axis and 5-axis CNC equipment
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, CAMWorks, or similar CAD/CAM software
• Previous mentoring, training, or technical leadership experience
• Experience working with Fagor controls or similar CNC control systems

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who wants to remain hands-on while growing into a technical leadership role. This position is ideal for an experienced CAD/CAM professional who enjoys designing parts, creating programs, developing tooling solutions, troubleshooting manufacturing issues, and helping others succeed through technical guidance and knowledge sharing.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

Why Join Us?

• Direct hire opportunity with long-term career growth
• Highly technical and hands-on engineering role
• Opportunity to work directly with engineering leadership
• Diverse projects involving design, programming, tooling, and manufacturing support
• Growing company with significant investment in future expansion
• Pathway into technical leadership while remaining involved in day-to-day engineering and manufacturing operations

You should be proficient in:

• GD&T
• Equipment Troubleshooting
• CNC Tooling
• Troubleshooting Skills
• CNC Programming
• G-Code
• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
• M-Code
• Precision Measurement & Hand Metrology
• Advanced Inspection & Gauge Measurement
• Aerospace Manufacturing
• Machine Setups for Production Runs

Machines & technologies you'll use:

• CNC Mill (3-4 axis VMC)
• CAM Software
• CNC Mill (5+ axis VMC)