CAD Designer

Design at Waymo is about the total experience, not just how the product looks, but how it works, how it feels, and how we make our new technology accessible, approachable, and useful for everyone. We design the intuitive, delightful experience for our riders, and we also build the powerful, complex tools used by our fleet operations teams and the engineers who build the Waymo Driver. We are a highly multidisciplinary team of UX Designers, User and Market Researchers, UX Engineers, Content Designers, Industrial Designers, CAD Designers, Studio Engineers, and Technical Artists. We dig deep to understand the attitudes, emotions, and behaviors of all our users. This understanding serves as the foundation for everything we create.

This role follows a hybrid work schedule and you will report to a Studio Engineering Manager.

You will:

• Lead the development of high-quality 3D CAD models from initial concept sketches and Industrial Design proposals through to final, production-intent Class-A surfaces. Utilize appropriate fidelity CAD design processes to drive efficient design development.


• Partner closely with Industrial Designers, Hardware Engineers, and Manufacturing teams to translate design intent into feasible, high-quality surfaces that meet all product and engineering requirements.


• Support preparation of appropriate CAD files for 3D visualization, and manage digital and physical prototyping workflows (e.g., 3D printing, CNC) to verify form, function, and assembly.


• Solving: Identify and solve complex surfacing and geometry challenges, navigating technical constraints while upholding the highest standards of design quality and attention to detail.


• Help define and optimize CAD design processes and standards, ensuring high-quality, manufacturable 3D data is delivered to engineering and suppliers.

You have:

• 5+ years of professional experience as a CAD Designer, 3D Modeler, or Digital Sculptor in automotive (OEM or supplier) or transportation design.


• Expert-level proficiency in Class-A surfacing tools (Alias, etc). Strong understanding of quality CAD building strategies.


• A proven track record of delivering high-quality 3D data for mass production, with a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and assemblies.


• A strong portfolio demonstrating exceptional technical skill, meticulous attention to detail, and successfully shipped products.


• A degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

We prefer:

• Experience designing for complex, integrated hardware systems (e.g., robotics, aerospace, advanced consumer electronics).


• Hands-on experience with CNC programming, advanced 3D printing, or other rapid prototyping methods. Experience working with model shops to create looks-like, feels-like model assets like marketing show cars.