CAD/CAM Designer
ThinkingAhead
Spring, TX
About the Company
We are a high-performance racing engine manufacturer based in Houston, Texas. Our team designs, machines, and builds championship-level powerplants used by competitive teams across the country. We are growing and looking to add a CAD/CAM Designer who is passionate about motorsports, precision machining, and performance engineering.
The Role
We are seeking a CAD/CAM Designer to support the design and manufacturing of critical engine components and CNC-machined parts. This role works closely with engine builders, machinists, and R&D to take parts from concept → design → CNC → engine → racetrack. You’ll design parts, create CAM toolpaths, support CNC machining, and help continuously improve performance, quality, and manufacturability.
What You’ll Do
Design & CAD:
- Design and modify performance engine components including cylinder heads, blocks, intake components, valvetrain parts, fixtures, and custom tooling
- Create 3D models and 2D drawings for manufacturing and inspection
- Improve existing designs for performance, durability, weight, and manufacturability
- Support reverse engineering using measurements or 3D scans
CAM & Manufacturing:
- Create and optimize CNC toolpaths for 3-axis and 5-axis machining (if applicable), as well as milling, drilling, surfacing, and porting operations
- Optimize programs for cycle time, surface finish, and tool life
- Work directly with machinists to prove out programs and improve processes
- Design and program fixtures and workholding
Collaboration:
- Partner with engine builders, machinists, and R&D
- Support prototype and development programs
- Drive continuous improvement in machining and design workflows
What We’re Looking For
Required:
- 3+ years of experience in CAD/CAM in a precision machining or performance automotive environment
- Strong experience with tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar
- Experience generating CNC programs and toolpaths
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes, tolerances and manufacturing methods, and engineering drawings
- Hands-on, shop-floor mindset
Nice to Have:
- Experience in motorsports, racing engines, or performance automotive
- 5-axis machining experience
- Fixture and tooling design experience
- Experience with reverse engineering or 3D scanning
- Experience with cylinder heads or engine machining
What You’ll Get
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Benefits package
- Paid time off
- Opportunity to work in a high-performance motorsports environment
- Direct impact on race-winning engine development
Why This Role
This is not a corporate desk job. You’ll work hands-on with real parts, real engines, and real performance gains. Your designs will go directly from CAD to CNC to the racetrack.