Mechanical CAD Designer - Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical CAD Designer

Location: Berkeley, CA | Hybrid Pay: $73/hour Contract: 1-Year Guaranteed Contract with Additional Extension Opportunities Client: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Project: Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U)

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Mechanical CAD Designer to support the Advanced Light Source Upgrade (ALS-U) Project at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This role will develop detailed 3D mechanical designs, complex assemblies, fabrication drawings, and engineering documentation that translate engineering concepts and functional requirements into manufacturable products.

The successful candidate will be highly proficient in PTC Creo Parametric, have strong mechanical design and drafting expertise, and be comfortable working with engineers, scientists, and multidisciplinary project teams in a complex technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain detailed 3D mechanical part and assembly models using PTC Creo Parametric or other approved CAD software.
• Develop, evaluate, and refine mechanical design concepts based on engineering requirements, layouts, and project objectives.
• Build and manage complex assemblies using appropriate parent-child relationships and advanced Creo modeling techniques, including patterns, sweeps/trajectories, simplified representations, and top-down design.
• Review and revise models and drawings based on engineering feedback, design reviews, and approved engineering changes.
• Prepare manufacturing- and assembly-ready drawing packages, including detailed fabrication drawings, multi-sheet assembly drawings, layouts, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and applicable drafting and documentation standards.
• Develop mechanical interface and integration models and drawings supporting fabrication, assembly, inspection, installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers, scientists, project managers, and other disciplines to define requirements, resolve technical issues, evaluate design alternatives, and ensure proper system integration.
• Participate in design coordination and technical design reviews and communicate technical issues or design concerns effectively.
• Maintain organized CAD models, drawings, libraries, and revision-controlled documentation in Windchill or other PLM/PDM systems.
• Ensure designs meet applicable industry standards, LBNL/ALS-U engineering practices, quality requirements, schedule requirements, and project objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Education or experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree level in mechanical design, engineering technology, drafting/design, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of current or recent professional experience using PTC Creo Parametric (formerly Pro/ENGINEER/Wildfire).
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage complex mechanical assemblies and understand parent-child relationships.
• Advanced Creo modeling experience, including patterns, sweeps and trajectories, simplified representations, and top-down design techniques.
• Proven experience producing manufacturing-ready Creo drawing packages, including GD&T, detailed fabrication drawings, multi-sheet assembly drawings, and BOMs.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical engineering principles and practices, with the ability to translate functional requirements into practical technical designs.
• Ability to evaluate design alternatives while considering form, function, manufacturability, schedule, cost, and material constraints.
• Excellent communication, documentation, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with engineers, scientists, and multidisciplinary project teams while meeting project schedules and technical requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DOE national laboratories, research facilities, particle accelerators, or other complex scientific or industrial engineering projects.
• Experience with Windchill or other PLM/PDM systems for engineering document and configuration management.
• Experience supporting synchrotron and/or beamline design activities.
• Experience supporting fabrication, assembly, installation, testing, or commissioning of complex engineered systems.
• Experience designing complex scientific or industrial apparatus, equipment, assemblies, facilities, utilities, or systems.

Work Environment & Contract

This is a hybrid position based in Berkeley, California, supporting Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and the ALS-U Project. Due to the collaborative nature of the work and access requirements for project facilities and engineering systems, on-site work will be required as project needs dictate.