Computer Aided Design Trainee Jobs in Arkansas (NOW HIRING)

L&L Metal Fabrication is looking for a creative, technically skilled Graphic Designer / CNC Designer to join our team in Tontitown, Arkansas.

This is not a traditional marketing or social media design position.

You’ll work directly with our fabrication team to turn customer ideas, logos, signage concepts, and custom designs into accurate, production-ready artwork for products made from metal.

The primary focus of this position is design, but this is not a desk-only role. The person hired will also be trained to safely set up and operate our CNC equipment and will be expected to operate the machines as needed to support production.

If you enjoy seeing your work go from an idea on the computer screen to a finished product you can actually see and touch, this position offers the opportunity to combine creativity, technology, and hands-on manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify artwork for custom metal signs, logos, lettering, decorative pieces, and fabricated products
• Develop clean, accurate, production-ready vector files and CAD drawings
• Convert customer logos, sketches, images, and concepts into designs suitable for fabrication
• Prepare artwork and files for CNC manufacturing processes, including waterjet, plasma cutting, and laser engraving
• Create layouts, renderings, and design concepts for customer approval and production
• Work closely with project managers and fabrication personnel to ensure designs are visually strong, accurate, and manufacturable
• Review dimensions, materials, tolerances, mounting requirements, and other production details before releasing designs
• Make revisions based on customer feedback and production requirements
• Learn to set up and operate L&L's CNC equipment used to produce the designs you create
• Operate CNC equipment as needed to support production
• Perform basic machine setup, material loading/unloading, and routine operator maintenance after training
• Follow all established safety, quality, and equipment operating procedures
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines
• Help improve design standards, file organization, and production workflows

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position at our metal fabrication facility in Tontitown, Arkansas.

The position combines computer-based design work with hands-on work in an active manufacturing environment. While design will be the primary responsibility, the employee will also spend time in the shop learning and operating CNC equipment.

Requirements

Qualifications

The strongest candidate will combine creative design ability with technical aptitude and an interest in hands-on manufacturing.

• Prior professional experience in graphic design
• Strong experience creating and modifying vector artwork, logos, signage, or similar production-oriented designs
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or comparable vector-design software
• Experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD software is highly desirable
• Ability to create precise, clean vector artwork
• Ability to take a rough idea or customer-provided artwork and turn it into a polished, manufacturable design
• Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn CNC equipment and manufacturing processes
• Willingness to work hands-on in the shop and operate CNC machinery as part of the position
• Comfortable receiving feedback and making revisions
• Organized and able to manage several projects at different stages
• Prior experience collaborating with project managers, production or fabrication teams, or customers
• Ability to work on-site
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, handling materials, and lifting/carrying materials as required, with or without reasonable accommodation.

CNC & Fabrication Experience

Previous experience with CNC cutting, signage, metal fabrication, laser cutting, waterjet, plasma, or similar manufacturing processes is a plus, but it is not required.

We are looking for someone who wants to understand the entire process—from creating a design on the computer to producing the finished part on the shop floor.

Experience taking designs from initial concept through approval and production is a plus.

Education

A degree, certificate, or formal training in Graphic Design, Industrial Design, CAD/Drafting, or a related field is preferred but not required.

Relevant professional experience may substitute for formal education.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of 50,000-65,000 USD/year
• Health, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance available after 60 days
• Company pays 50% of employee health insurance premium
• Retirement plan with company match
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Annual performance reviews
• Opportunities to expand your skills in CAD, CNC production, signage, and custom metal fabrication

To Apply

Please submit your resume and a portfolio or examples of your work.

Your portfolio may include graphic design, logos, signage, vector artwork, CAD drawings, CNC designs, product designs, or other work that demonstrates your design ability.

We are especially interested in seeing projects that show how you took an initial concept and developed it into a finished design.

About L&L Metal Fabrication

L&L Metal Fabrication specializes in high-quality custom metal fabrication for commercial, architectural, industrial, and specialty applications.

Our work combines craftsmanship, technology, creativity, and problem-solving. In this position, you won't just create designs—you'll have the opportunity to see those designs become finished products.

If you're a strong designer who enjoys technical challenges, is willing to learn CNC equipment, and wants to create work that gets built in the real world, we'd like to hear from you.