Experienced SolidWorks CAD Engineer for Creative Fabrication

We are a nationally recognized creative fabrication partner specializing in parade floats, themed environments, experiential activations, and large-scale entertainment builds. With major facilities in Southern California and Orlando, we engineer and fabricate complex, one-off projects that demand both creative thinking and real-world execution.
This is not product design. This is custom, fast-paced, build-it-for-real work.
What We’re Looking For (Read Carefully)
We are only interested in highly experienced, top-tier CAD engineers/drafters who understand how things actually get built in a shop and in the field.
If your background is primarily consumer product design or theoretical modeling, this is not the right fit.
Role Overview
We are hiring a freelance CAD Engineer / Drafter to develop fabrication-ready drawing packages that go directly to our internal teams (metal, wood, CNC, scenic, install).
You will be translating creative direction into clear, accurate, buildable documentation—often under tight timelines.
Core Requirements (Non-Negotiable)
Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks
Working capability in Autodesk AutoCAD and/or Rhinoceros 3D
Proven experience in custom fabrication, scenic construction, trade shows, theme parks, or experiential builds
Strong understanding of:
Metal fabrication (weldments, frames, structural elements)
Wood construction and scenic methods
CNC processes and material behavior
Ability to produce drawings that a shop can execute without interpretation gaps
What You’ll Be Responsible For-
Creating complete fabrication drawing sets (plans, elevations, sections, details)
Building accurate 3D models and assemblies tied to real-world construction methods
Producing exploded views, install drawings, and sequencing documentation
Developing Bills of Materials (BOMs) and supporting material takeoffs
Collaborating directly with AES PMs, designers, and shop leads
Iterating quickly as projects move through engineering, prototyping, and production
What Separates Top Candidates
You’ve worked on large-scale, one-off builds (not repeat manufacturing)
You understand field conditions and installation challenges
You can anticipate problems before they hit the shop floor
You move fast without sacrificing clarity or accuracy
You communicate like a professional—clear, direct, no hand-holding required
Engagement Details
Freelance / project-based (with strong potential for ongoing work)
Supporting projects across Azusa, CA and Orlando, FL teams
Remote work is acceptable; U.S. time zone alignment preferred