Computer Aided Design Trainee Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary
Avalon International Aluminum is seeking a detail-oriented and technically skilled Assistant CAD Manager to join our engineering team in Tualatin, Oregon. In this role, you will support the CAD Manager in overseeing all CAD operations, standards, and workflows critical to the design and manufacture of high-quality aluminum products and systems. You will collaborate closely with engineering, production, customers, and project management teams to ensure design accuracy, project flow, data cohesiveness, and efficient drawing generation by the team throughout the product lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities

CAD Operations & Standards

Assist in developing, maintaining, and enforcing company-wide CAD standards, templates, and drafting conventions ensuring compliance with internal quality standards

Manage and maintain the CAD library including title blocks, symbols, components, and material specifications relevant to aluminum fabrication

Perform QA/QC reviews of drawings, models, and documentation prior to release

Team Support & Coordination

Supervise and mentor CAD technicians and drafters; provide training on software, workflows, and best practices

Coordinate CAD workloads across the team to meet project deadlines

Act as a liaison between the CAD department and customers, sales, and production teams

Assist in onboarding new CAD staff including software setup, training plans, and standard operating procedures

Project & Drawing Management

Oversee the creation, revision, and release of detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for aluminum extrusions, fabrications, and assemblies

Personally produce complex 2D and 3D CAD deliverables as a working team member, not solely in a supervisory capacity

Manage drawing revision control and document management systems

Support the CAD team in translating design concepts and customer specifications into accurate CAD deliverables

Step in as a hands-on contributor during peak workloads, staff shortages, or high-priority projects requiring expedited turnaround

Coordinate with suppliers and customers on drawing submittals, RFIs, and as-built documentation

Perform independent design detailing, layout development, and model creation to support production schedules

Hands-On CAD Production

Independently create and modify 2D production drawings, fabrication details, and assembly layouts for aluminum components and systems

Develop accurate 3D parametric models of aluminum extrusions, custom profiles, and fabricated assemblies using Inventor or AutoCAD

Produce shop-ready drawing packages including BOM generation, cut lists, and CNC programs for aluminum fabrication workflows

Maintain high output quality and drafting speed to serve as a benchmark and model for CAD team members

Review and redline drawings from engineers or customers, then execute revisions directly in CAD

Software & Technology

Administer and troubleshoot CAD software platforms (AutoCAD, Inventor, Rhino, Grasshopper, or similar) with proficiency as both a power user and administrator

Evaluate and recommend CAD software updates, add-ins, and tools to improve team and individual productivity

Maintain software licenses, workstation configurations, and CAD-related IT resources in coordination with IT staff

Develop and maintain custom macros, scripts, or templates to streamline repetitive CAD tasks and improve drafting efficiency

Qualifications
Required
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting & Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field—or equivalent combination of education and experience
3+ years of professional CAD experience in a manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial environment
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Inventor (or similar 3D parametric modeling software)
Experience with drawing management, revision control, and document control processes
Strong attention to detail and commitment to drawing accuracy and quality
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, material specifications, and customer requirements
Effective communication and organizational skills
Preferred
Experience in the aluminum extrusion, metal fabrication, or building products industry
Knowledge of aluminum alloy properties, tolerances, and manufacturing processes
Experience with ERP system integration (Business Central, SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar)
Prior supervisory or lead CAD technician experience
AutoCAD and/or Inventor professional certification
Experience using Kanban boards (Notion, Trello, Monday, etc)
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
This position is primarily office-based within Avalon International Aluminum's Tualatin, Oregon facility. Occasional visits to the production floor may be required to review in-process and finished products. The role may involve extended periods of computer use. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and company holidays
Professional development and continuing education support
Stable, family-friendly work environment with opportunities for growth