what is a CAD designer?
As a CAD designer, you utilise computer-aided design software to modify and create digital models for physical objects. You also generate the technical drawings used as a basis for developing prototypes. Since your role relies on computer-aided design software, you should be an expert in Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks and AutoCAD. The job also requires in-depth knowledge of engineering principles, physics and science.
Apart from developing design blueprints for various products, you establish timelines for product development and budgets. You also assist departments with making vital decisions on the appearance of a product by adjusting the design concepts.
As a CAD designer, you work on designs for complicated structures in various industries. For instance, you create three-dimensional models in manufacturing industries during product development. In the automotive industry, you assist engineers in translating their ideas into digital images that form the basis of a blueprint. You also work in the aerospace industry designing new product features and upgrading existing ones to requirements.
Working as a CAD engineer requires engineering, design and numerical skills for determining project specifications. Your computer prowess also comes in handy since you design the product concepts in digital format.
Would working as a CAD designer suit your tech-savvy skills and interest in design? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a CAD designer role.
CAD designer jobsaverage salary of a CAD designer
According to ONS, your average salary as a CAD designer is £30,000 per year. Entry-level roles in the field attract a compensation package of £25,000 annually. The earnings of experienced CAD designers are over £43,297 per year.
how to increase the salary of a CAD designer
The compensation package of CAD designers varies according to experience, business sector and qualifications. Working for several years in the role increases your expertise so that you can negotiate higher earnings than entry-level workers. You earn a lower salary when you are a trainee or graduate CAD designer since you don't have the hands-on skills to perform complex tasks. Improving your educational qualifications also impacts your compensation package positively. Higher qualifications allow you to take up complex duties or supervisory roles with better pay.
The business sector you work in also influences your compensation package. For instance, creating designs for consumer electronics is likely to pay less than working on aerospace or automotive projects. The job's complexity and the required level of detail improve your earnings. Sometimes, your location also contributes to fluctuations in your salary. Working in large cities like London pays more due to the higher cost of living and increased demand for CAD designers.
types of CAD designers
As a CAD designer, you can specialise in creating designs for specific industries. Some types of CAD designers include:
- aeronautical cad designers: you develop engineering drawings and detailed specifications or blueprints for aircraft and aerospace objects. The designs are used to manufacture or modify products to improve their efficiency.
- architectural cad designers: in the construction industry, you create designs and structural features for buildings. You develop the specifications, including materials and measurements.
- electrical cad designers: you work in the electrical field and for power generation companies to draft the layout diagrams for power plants and communication centres. You also develop digital blueprints for electrical equipment to help electricians repair or modify them.
working as a CAD designer
Working as a CAD designer involves creating images and solid modelling for products that are valuable to society. Read on for details on CAD designers' daily tasks and work environments.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the daily duties of a CAD designer include:
- working with clients to determine the requirements: as a CAD designer, you work with clients and engineers or project team leaders to assess the requirements of a project. For instance, you find the features and specific product components a client wants the design to show.
- designing project frameworks: you create the project design framework from the client's requirements, highlighting significant features using computer-aided design software. The framework gives you a basis for creating a sketch that you can transform into a complete drawing or model of the product. For consumer goods in the manufacturing industry, you use CAD to create two or three-dimensional drawings. In construction, you produce detailed building plans that showcase the architectural details of buildings.
- gathering information on product specification: after the initial design concept development, you improve on the design by finding the product specifications. For instance, you identify the materials and manufacturing costs and ensure the designs translate to the client's product specifications. Detailed CAD drawings with specifications are used to create prototypes for the products.
- supervising the creation or manufacture of products: as a CAD designer, you spend significant time working on the sketches and technical drawings of products. Your job is to explain the technical drawings to avoid errors. You also supervise and guide the manufacturing team during production.
- reviewing existing products: as a CAD designer, you assist in modifying existing products to improve performance and efficiency. You identify design flaws in the existing products and develop ways to improve them. You also use CAD software to tweak the design and find opportunities for improvement.
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work environment
As a CAD designer, you can land a job in any industry that creates new products or equipment. You work indoors in offices and laboratories operating computer-aided software and equipment. The role involves minimal travelling since you communicate your design plans to onsite teams via digital platforms. Your job allows you to work from home since you complete your tasks online.
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who are your colleagues?
As a CAD designer, your colleagues are likely to include CAD technicians, civil engineers and project managers. You also work alongside CAD drafters and software engineers, software developers, as well as other specialists that could include project engineers, electricians and building engineers.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a CAD designer is a regular 9 am to 5 pm. However, you often work overtime to complete design projects or meet deadlines. You may also work evenings, weekends and unsociable hours. While most CAD designers work full-time, part-time jobs and short-term contracts are available.
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job outlook
As a CAD designer, you have numerous opportunities for job growth, depending on your industry. For instance, some designers improve their skills to become CAD engineers or take supervisory roles in production. CAD designers can specialise in specific industries like aerospace or manufacturing. Freelancing and consultancy opportunities are also available.
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advantages of finding a CAD designer job through randstad
Finding your CAD designer job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a CAD designer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the educational qualifications for CAD designers include:
- university degree: most CAD designers start their career with a degree course that involves computer-aided design. Higher national diploma courses with a CAD element are also available in architectural technology, design engineering and product design. The courses require 2 to 3 A Levels. Ensure the degree course provides a summer internship to help you develop your skills and gain experience.
- college course: pursuing a diploma in computer-aided design also kickstarts your career. Explore courses like Level 2 or 3 Diploma in engineering technology or 2D computer-aided design. Other advanced college courses include a T Level in design and development for engineering and manufacturing. The courses require 4 to 5 GCSEs graded 9 to 4.
- apprenticeship: numerous apprenticeships are available in the role, including intermediate and advanced apprenticeships in manufacturing, engineering and construction, including CAD work.
skills and competencies
Some of the skills required for the role include:
- creativity: as a CAD designer, your job involves drafting new ideas and models, and you rely on your creative abilities to capture the project idea and features in the technical drawing. Creativity also helps you troubleshoot and find fresh perspectives for improvement.
- numerical skills: as a CAD designer, your role requires mathematical skills to operate CAD software and equipment. You rely on computational mathematics and dimensional measurements to understand project specifications.
- technical skills: as a CAD designer, you require proficiency in software applications and various CAD programmes to convert engineering designs to blueprints. Your technical skills help you avoid errors in the design or drafting phases.
- adaptability: as a CAD designer, you work in a fast-paced industry that is constantly changing. Your ability to adapt to evolving technologies helps you to improve the design process.
FAQs
FAQs about working as a CAD designer
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what does a CAD designer do?
As a CAD designer, you use AUTOCAD and other drawing software to produce technical drawings for projects. You create surface modelling, three-dimensional images and solid modelling for electronics, medical equipment and engineering projects. Want to learn more about working as a CAD designer? Then check out this article.
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how do I become a CAD designer in the uk?
You can become a CAD designer by completing a degree or higher national diploma in CAD-related courses like product design or engineering technology. The courses equip you with knowledge of using various computer-aided design software. Apprenticeship programmes are also available to join the role. Want to learn more about working as a CAD designer? Then check out this article.
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how much do CAD designers earn in the uk?
CAD designers have promising compensation packages depending on their experience and skill levels. For instance, the median salary for CAD designers in the UK is £30,000 annually, while senior-level workers take home over £43,297 annually. Want to learn more about working as a CAD designer? Then check out this article.
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is CAD design a good career?
CAD careers are challenging but very rewarding. Being a CAD designer allows you to work with a dedicated team and develop a product concept from idea to prototype. Being part of creating something unique adds to the excitement of the role. Want to learn more about working as a CAD designer? Then check out this article.
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is a CAD designer an engineer?
No. A CAD designer designs products and creates technical drawings using their knowledge of computer-aided software. CAD engineers are modellers who create the intricate details of a product using their engineering knowledge. Want to learn more about working as a CAD designer? Then check out this article.
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how do I apply for a CAD designer vacancy?
Applying for a CAD designer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our designer job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
