1

Inventor Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Designer I (Inventor Focused) Pay: $55,000 - $70,000 Direct Hire Location: Cincinnati , OH Zip code ... The Design & Engineering team works closely with project management, supply chain and manufacturing ...

Draftsman/Detailer

Braselton, GA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Creation of 2D AutoCAD and 3D Inventor engineering documentation including general arrangement drawings, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, part drawings, bill of materials, and installation ...

3D CAD Automation Engineer

Golden, CO · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Autodesk Inventor Software Engineer to design, develop, and implement 3D CAD automation solutions using Autodesk Inventor. This role is responsible for creating ...

3D CAD Automation Engineer

Shawnee, KS · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Autodesk Inventor Software Engineer to design, develop, and implement 3D CAD automation solutions using Autodesk Inventor. This role is responsible for creating ...

3D CAD Automation Engineer

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking an Autodesk Inventor Software Engineer to design, develop, and implement 3D CAD automation solutions using Autodesk Inventor. This role is responsible for creating ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Inventor Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do inventor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for inventor engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inventor Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inventor Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, creative problem-solving abilities, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and intellectual property processes such as patent applications is essential. Curiosity, resilience, and effective communication help Inventor Engineers stand out when iterating designs and collaborating across disciplines. These skills enable the successful development, protection, and realization of innovative products in competitive markets.

How do Inventor Engineers typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the product development process?

Inventor Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including designers, manufacturing engineers, and marketing specialists, to bring innovative concepts to life. Effective communication is key, as they must translate complex technical ideas into actionable plans and adapt their designs based on feedback from prototyping, testing, and market research. Regular meetings and collaborative design reviews are common, ensuring that all team members are aligned on goals, timelines, and technical requirements. This collaborative approach helps streamline the process from concept to production while addressing potential challenges early on.

What is the difference between Inventor Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectInventor EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; proficiency in Autodesk InventorBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related; proficiency in CAD software
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesProduct development, manufacturing, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries focusing on 3D modeling and detailed component designUsed across various manufacturing sectors for product development
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding specific CAD skills and design focusBroader mechanical design responsibilities

Inventor Engineers specialize in creating detailed 3D models using Autodesk Inventor, focusing on component and assembly design. Mechanical Design Engineers have a broader role in developing mechanical systems and products, often using various CAD tools. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in software expertise and scope of work.

What are Inventor Engineers?

Inventor Engineers are professionals who combine creativity with technical knowledge to design, develop, and improve new products, devices, or systems. They use principles of engineering, mathematics, and science to solve problems and create innovative solutions that often result in patentable inventions. Their work involves brainstorming ideas, creating prototypes, testing concepts, and collaborating with other engineers, designers, and manufacturers to bring new inventions to market. Inventor Engineers may work independently or as part of a larger team in industries ranging from technology to consumer goods. Their role is crucial in driving innovation and technological advancement.
Drafter / Inventor & Vault Lead

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Description

REPORTS TO: MECHANICAL ENGINEERING TEAM LEAD

We are seeking a highly organized and technically skilled Drafter / Inventor & Vault Lead to support custom engineered manufacturing projects from concept through production. This role combines hands-on mechanical drafting and modeling responsibilities with ownership of our Autodesk Inventor and Vault environments, standards, and workflows.

The ideal candidate is both a strong individual contributor and a systems-minded CAD administrator who can improve drafting quality, maintain engineering data integrity, and help standardize design processes across the organization.

This position is well suited for someone who values structure, accuracy, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced custom manufacturing environment.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & FUNCTIONS


Mechanical Drafting & Design

  • Create and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, and fabrication drawings using Autodesk Inventor 
  • Produce manufacturing-ready drawings including: 
  • Weldments 
  • Machined components 
  • Sheet metal parts 
  • Assemblies 
  • Bills of materials (BOMs) 
  • Revise existing designs and drawings to support engineering changes and production improvements 
  • Collaborate with engineering, production, purchasing, and quality teams to ensure manufacturable and accurate documentation 
  • Assist with prototype development and shop-floor problem solving 

________________________________________

Autodesk Inventor Leadership

  • Serve as the internal subject matter expert for Autodesk Inventor
  • Create custom scripts using iLogic to increase CAD automation level
  • Establish and maintain Inventor best practices, modeling standards, and design workflows 
  • Support users with troubleshooting, training, and workflow improvements 
  • Maintain drawing standards, templates, title blocks, and model organization 
  • Manage: 
  • Templates 
  • iProperties 
  • Content Center libraries 
  • Design data 
  • Standardized part libraries 
  • Lead CAD process improvement initiatives to improve consistency and efficiency 

________________________________________

Autodesk Vault Administration

  • Administer and maintain Autodesk Vault Professional environment 
  • Manage: 
  • User permissions 
  • Lifecycles 
  • Revision schemes 
  • File organization 
  • Numbering systems 
  • Change management workflows 
  • Ensure engineering data integrity, revision control, and document traceability 
  • Coordinate Vault backup, maintenance, and upgrade activities with IT or external support providers 
  • Troubleshoot Vault-related issues and support end users 
  • Develop and maintain documentation for Vault procedures and standards
  • Assist other departments with Vault adoption as required

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS

  • Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or related field 
  • 5+ years of mechanical drafting/design experience in a manufacturing environment 
  • Advanced proficiency with Autodesk Inventor 
  • Experience administering or supporting Autodesk Vault Professional 
  • Strong understanding of: 
  • Mechanical drafting standards 
  • Manufacturing processes 
  • Weldments and fabrication 
  • BOM structure and revision control 
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously 
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills 

________________________________________

Preferred Certifications

Candidates with Autodesk certifications are strongly preferred.


Preferred Individual Contributor Certifications

  • Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP) - Inventor for Mechanical Design 
  • Autodesk Certified User (ACU) - Inventor 


Preferred CAD Administration / Vault Experience

  • Autodesk Vault Professional administration training 
  • Autodesk Vault workflow and lifecycle management experience 
  • Autodesk learning coursework related to Vault administration and data management 


Equivalent real-world experience managing Inventor and Vault environments in a manufacturing setting will also be considered.


Preferred Experience

  • Custom equipment or engineered-to-order manufacturing 
  • Sheet metal and weldment design 
  • ERP/MRP integration with CAD systems 
  • ECO/change management processes 
  • Multi-user CAD environments 
  • CAD standards development and governance 


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to access industrial environments including climbing ladders, walking long distances, and standing for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
  • Ability to work in varying environmental conditions (heat, cold, noise, dust).


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.