CAD Assistant Manager

Tualatin, OR
Full Time
Mid Level

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, and project management teams to ensure design accuracy, data integrity, and efficient drawing management throughout the product lifecycle.
 

Key Responsibilities

CAD Operations & Standards

  • Assist in developing, maintaining, and enforcing company-wide CAD standards, templates, and drafting conventions
  • Manage and maintain the CAD library including title blocks, symbols, components, and material specifications relevant to aluminum fabrication
  • Ensure drawing packages comply with ASME, ANSI, and internal quality standards
  • 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 engineering, 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 (PDM/PLM)
  • Support project engineers 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 SolidWorks, Inventor, or AutoCAD
  • Apply GD&T principles correctly and consistently across all drawings and models produced
  • Produce shop-ready drawing packages including BOM generation, cut lists, and material callouts 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, SolidWorks, Inventor, 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
  • Support integration of CAD data with ERP and manufacturing systems
  • 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 SolidWorks (or similar 3D parametric modeling software)
  • Solid understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and engineering drawing standards
  • 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
  • Familiarity with PDM or PLM systems (e.g., SolidWorks PDM, Vault, Arena, or similar)
  • Knowledge of aluminum alloy properties, tolerances, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience with ERP system integration (SAP, Oracle, Epicor, or similar)
  • Prior supervisory or lead CAD technician experience
  • AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks professional certification
 

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
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