A CAD designer interacts with clients to know the criteria for design and checks feasibility of production at the client's end. He then brainstorms to make design concepts using CAD (computer-aided design) and sketches the initial design. He may take into consideration the concepts of relevant employees and cost factor for which he has to attend multidisciplinary team meetings that include engineers and others. He makes samples and tests the design. He sometimes have to problem-solve complex electro-mechanical problems. He researches materials, processes and market requirements. He also tests existing designs to improve them. He also makes presentation to grab contracts.
A CAD designer's architectural skill set is highly needed in the real estate industry. His engineering drawing capabilities are highly demanded in the manufacturing industries that make small consumer durables. They are also employed in the entertainment industry where they perform Character Modeling. This is producing efficient animation through the use of various methods such as wired designs and three dimensional rendering. All this is done with the aid of computer technology. Industries of all types such as scientific, medical, industrial, commercial, and domestic need CAD designers.
A good education in CAD Drafting and Design Technology includes acquiring a bachelor's degree in specialized engineering from an accredited college or university. The certification programs in CAD drafting and design are catered by technical institutes and community colleges. But candidates with a bachelor's degree or equivalent certification are often preferred by recruiters compared with those having completed only certificate programs.
An aspirant for the career of CAD designer should have some inherent traits besides obtaining the required educational qualifications. He should be very comfortable with the AutoCAD tool. Knowledge of other tools such as 3D Studio Max is also necessary. He needs to have good communication skills as he will often interact with local and international customers. He should have training and supervisory abilities to guide his team members. Experience in engineering and mechanical drawings will be an added advantage. He should be able to read and follow new design standards and check drawings for conformance. A CAD designer should be imaginative and possess the ability to innovate. He should have good computer handling skills. He should also have the ability to analyze and foresee the design outcome for this profession.
Experience of 7-8 years as a CAD designer is needed to get employed with a reputed firm. At least 5 years of experience in Interior Design, Architecture & Structural drawings is handy to escalate your potential abilities as a CAD designer.
The job scopes of a CAD designer will see a steep growth in days to come. As the real estate, manufacturing and entertainment industry grows more and more vacancies will be generated for CAD designers. These companies will look for professionals with capacity to lead the design engineering department's activities, manage the operations of design and engineering specifications, direct and motivate the engineering team, use of CAD on a daily basis and ensure the quality controls are in place and quality standards are met. They will be given handsome pay-packages for the valuable service they give.
The average salary earned by a CAD designer in any field of the industry goes as high as about sixty thousand US dollars. The compensations offered may vary from industry to industry, but architectural designers are the highest paid among CAD designers.
The job of a CAD designer is highly futuristic in nature and due to this the prospects look to be very bright. If you possess the desire as well as the skills necessary for this job, this could be an excellent career choice.
