Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.
We are actively searching for a Senior CAD Designer to work within the Aerospace and Defense department at Donaldson. This role will be responsible for working with other designers and engineers on projects with the outcome of CAD models and drawings to support our customers. This Senior-level role is the expected to learn our products and processes and strategically align with our business unit goals. This position requires industry knowledge of design and drafting standards such as ASME along with familiarity with ASTM material specifications and standards. Knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, such as sheet metal, machining, casting, and some plastics, is strongly preferred. Qualified candidates must be able to work a minimum of four days per week at our Bloomington, MN office.
Role Responsibilities:
This position will focus on three key areas:
Leadership & Execution:
Collaborate with global teams by influencing alignment on shared goals; prioritize customer focus in design inputs through meetings and discussions; mediate conflicts constructively with proactive escalation prevention
Develop initial project plans with milestones; facilitate team communication; identify basic risks
Apply listening skills to incorporate diverse inputs; create concise written reports as needed; deliver presentations on mid-sized projects as needed
Business Processes & Compliance:
Contribute to full PPAP and SPAP processes for projects and ensure ECN compliance
Apply existing Donaldson EN and DBOS standards to all design work and projects
Participate in design reviews, practicing objectivity and speaking up on simple observations
Technical & Design Methods:
Foundational application and knowledge of standard media configuration; reviewing datasheets for compatibility and flow rates; support basic media testing in lab as required
Foundational understanding of dust and water separation and filtration under guidance from senior engineers
Design complete system layouts from existing templates ensuring that basic specs and cost considerations are met; contribute to problem-solving in team discussions
Basic knowledge of sealing and fasteners and understanding material types and specifications that affect both
Awareness and recognition of IP concepts and simple value proposition in team ideation for small projects
Active involvement with prototype creation, including basic material selection, assembly, and test fixturing
Independently design basic electrical systems, including CAD harness pathways and electrical routing
Foundation knowledge of plastic parts including injection-molded parts using templates on small projects
Advanced sheet metal knowledge and practices, including bend allowances, reliefs, and basic material thickness for mid-sized features
Design Intent for complex models and assemblies including DFM, advanced sketches, tolerances, basic simulation and rendering, master models, equations, design rules, edits, and integration with Donaldson PLM systems
Basic knowledge of CFD tools; generate simple fluid volumes within CAD under engineer guidance; awareness of failure modes, fatigue, and stress in FEA contexts
Thorough ASME knowledge, including ASTM standards; interpreting CTQ and key characteristics; perform tolerance stack-ups per Donaldson standards; review FAI reports; communicating with suppliers; leading advanced drawing reviews
Advanced understanding and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma
5+ years of experience in design, drafting, or mechanical roles
3+ years…