CAD & Tooling Engineer – Softgoods Design & Manufacturing

Job Description

The CAD & Tooling Engineer Softgoods plays a critical role in supporting product development by converting industrial design (ID) and product development (PD) intent into manufacturable tooling fixtures and part/assembly solutions. This role partners closely with Design Engineering team Test Engineering and manufacturing vendors to design validate release and support tooling used in softgoods fabrication assembly and testing. The engineer also provides hands on support during peak build periods.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Collaboration

• Create and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models for softgoods components and assemblies
• Develop Flat patterns Stitch layouts Seam allowances Layer stack ups
• Generate production ready pattern files Cut files BOM inputs
• Ensure CAD data accurately reflects material behavior tolerances and construction intent
• Manage engineering change updates and revision control
• Analyse product geometry and CAD data received from Industrial Design (ID) and Product Development (PD) teams
• Design and engineer softgoods tooling including Cutting dies Heat press tools Stitching fixtures and jigs Assembly aids and alignment tools
• Define tooling requirements for Prototyping Pilot builds Mass production
• Work with suppliers and internal teams to Build Validate Revise tooling solutions
• Define part breakdown and hierarchical assemblies for softgoods products
• Develop Assembly sequences Stitch orders Sub assembly definitions
• Collaborate with Design Engineers (DE) to develop tooling fixture and assembly concepts
• Partner with Test Engineers to design and develop functional and reliability testing fixtures
• Support cross functional reviews to align tooling solutions with design intent quality and manufacturability
• Translate product requirements into engineering ready layouts patterns and constructions
• Drive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Design for Assembly (DFA) and Design for Cost (DFC) optimizations
• Support EVT / DVT / PVT phases with updated CAD and tooling data

CAD Tooling & Fixture Design

• Design and create tooling and fixture CAD for softgoods manufacturing and testing
• Develop tooling for Cutting Forming Assembly Fixturing and alignment
• Prepare and release finalized CAD packages to external manufacturing vendors
• Maintain revision control and engineering documentation throughout development cycles

Documentation & Manufacturing Handoff

• Create and maintain:

• • Engineering drawings
  • Pattern packages
  • Tooling drawings and specifications
  • Assembly instructions and work guides

• Support manufacturing handoff to:

• • Internal factories
  • External suppliers and vendors

• Resolve CAD tooling or assembly issues during production ramp

Vendor Support & DFM

• Work directly with external vendors through the Design for Manufacturability (DFM) process
• Review vendor feedback and incorporate design changes to improve quality repeatability and cost
• Ensure tooling designs meet production scalability and vendor process capabilities

Tooling Validation & Launch Support

• Perform First Article Inspection (FAI) upon receipt of tooling
• Observe and support initial tooling setup at vendor or internal manufacturing sites
• Recommend tooling modifications and improvements based on build observations and quality data
• Support early production and ramp phases as needed

Manufacturing & Fabrication Support

• Support the preparation of cut print and fabrication files for DE including:

• • Z nd cutters
  • Laser cutting systems
  • 3D printers

• Step in to provide hands on fabrication or build support during peak development or production periods

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in: Textile Engineering OR Mechanical / Industrial Engineering OR Product Design Engineering OR Fashion / Apparel Technology (with strong CAD background)
• 3 8 years of experience in softgoods CAD tooling or product development
• Demonstrated experience in the design of tooling and molds including exposure to injection moulding or equivalent tooling disciplines
• Softgoods CAD / pattern tools (Gerber Lectra Optitex CLO or equivalent)
• Strong 3D and 2D CAD skills

• • Preferred tools: NX SolidWorks ProE / Creo CATIA

• Practical knowledge of manufacturing principles tooling processes and production workflows
• Ability to collaborate across design engineering test and manufacturing teams
• Team oriented mindset with willingness to contribute beyond formal responsibilities

Required Skills

• Softgoods CAD and pattern engineering
• Tooling design for cutting pressing stitching and assembly
• Product Development (PD) lifecycle support
• Part definition and assembly engineering
• DFM / DFA for sewn and bonded products
• Cross functional collaboration with design quality and manufacturing teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with softgoods products (textiles sewn assemblies flexible materials)
• Familiarity with fixture design for fabrication and testing environments
• Familiarity with EVT/DVT/PVT development models
• Exposure to quality and testing requirements related to softgoods products
• Experience supporting global manufacturing vendors
• Hands on exposure to prototyping or pilot line manufacturing environments

Behavioural & Core Competencies

• Strong problem solving and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and engineering rigor
• Clear communication across technical and non technical teams
• Adaptability in fast paced product development environments