CAD/CAM Engineer Job Overview

In modern business environment, products are designed through computer applications. These products can be anything from complicated medical devices to baby diapers. Even houses can be designed through different computer applications. Although this type of application comes in different names and are developed by different software companies, they are generally called applications for CAD (Computer Aided Design). 

One does not need to have a specialized education and just about anyone who has some basic knowledge in computers can work on CAD. However, learning this software is difficult without any training and is very tedious. CAD applications require a lot of practice even when there is training.

 Learning CAD is a must for architects, civil engineers, mechanical engineers, artists and software developers. Their knowledge of CAD helps them to design buildings, products and even characters for a video game. The expertise in CAD expands to every industry since proper design for any product is must. For example, the automobile industry can use CAD to design cars. Engines can even be uploaded in CAD where different configuration and design can be presented without too much effort.

CAD/CAM Engineer Education

 Education required to become CAD/CAM Engineer depends on the industry. For example, a construction company who looks for a CAD/CAM Engineer may require a degree in engineering. A degree in architecture may also be required since this degree trains their graduates extensively in different CAD applications.

Since CAD can be used in almost any industry, knowledge of CAD has become a cross platform skill. As long as there is a requirement for design and planning, the knowledge of CAD is generally required. Because almost every industry today uses computers, using CAD has become an important requirement.

Companies have seen the beauty and advantage of using software for planning and design. Architects have extra interest in CAD since they can simply use the computers as opposed to expensive materials for drafting, sketching and modeling. Errors and modifications can be done with just a click of button.

Any person who has taken keen interest in architecture and design can take up this course. CAD related courses can be taken as soon as the individual finish their college degree courses or they could take up this small course right out of high school. The key to CAD expertise is actually experience. CAD professionals should work on a project as soon as possible to apply their knowledge on a specific industry. Usually companies prefer candidates who are experienced in respective industry.

CAD/CAM Engineer Qualification

 Degree in Engineering (Automobile, mechanical, electrical, electronic, computer) + CAD
Degree in Engineering Computer Sciences + CAD
Degree in Architecture

CAD/CAM Engineer Skills

The skills required for a CAD professional may differ in every company but they are usually geared towards creativity and the ability to design according to specifications. Creativity is often required for industries that develop products such as toy companies or furniture designers.Presentation skills may be required especially for designers in order to persuade the company with fresh ideas of their designs.

Designing according to specifications is required for CAD professionals. Those who are planning to work in construction industry will work with architects wherein their designs that were made in paper should be rendered as CAD. Accuracy should be part of the skill of the CAD professional.

 
The ability to work in a 2D and 3D format is also required for most CAD professionals. They should be flexible to transfer the ideas in 2D to 3D. There are products that may require a 3D format but CAD professionals should have the skill to render the same product and provide a working plan even in 2D.

CAD/CAM Engineers Expected Salary

•  Beginner: $3600
• Mid Level: $3840
• Expert: $5280