Designer

Title:                        Designer

Department:           Laser, Design, and Die (LDD)

Location:                 1104 Hawn Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71107

Hours:                     7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wage:                      $57,928.00/annual DOE

Wage Category:     Non-Exempt

Report To:              Assistant Director, Laser, Design, and Die

Overview: The Designer creates AutoCAD and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) designs for non-skid kits, marine craft, and other products for the Louisiana Association for the Blind (L.A.B.). The role also handles 3D printing of prototypes, parts, and production aids, including accessible tools for employees who are blind or have low vision. The Designer position involves working with Navy and Coast Guard personnel, occasional vessel inspections, and meeting tight deadlines alongside employees with visual impairments.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Design and Drafting

• Generate designs for non-skid kits and pieces using AutoCAD.
• Produce AutoCAD drawings for new and existing Louisiana Association for the Blind (L.A.B.) products using industry, departmental, and discipline standards.
• Create detailed 2D and 3D designs for non-skid projects and other L.A.B. products.
• Develop detailed design drawings for military and patrol marine craft from customer surface layout drawings or provided specifications.
• Review design layouts to identify and resolve problems involving compatibility with basic design concepts.
• Provide alternative design concepts to meet customer requirements.
• Make corrections to drawings as requested by senior staff.

3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

• Create and modify 3D CAD models for printed parts, prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and tooling, and export print-ready files: Stereolithography (STL), 3D Manufacturing Format (3MF), Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (STEP), Object (OBJ).
• Apply design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) principles, including wall thickness, overhangs and support requirements, build orientation, tolerances and clearances, infill, and part consolidation.
• Prepare build files in slicing software, selecting layer height, infill, supports, and print settings appropriate to each part's function and material.
• Select print materials (e.g., PLA, PETG, ABS/ASA, nylon, TPU) based on strength, heat, chemical, Ultraviolet (UV) exposure, and end-use requirements.
• Set up, operate, and monitor 3D printers; perform routine calibration and maintenance; and troubleshoot failed or defective prints.

• Perform post-processing (support removal, cleaning, finishing, and assembly) and inspect printed parts against drawings for dimensional accuracy and fit.
• Produce rapid prototypes and test-fit samples to validate designs before laser cutting, die making, or full production runs.
• Design and print production aids such as jigs, fixtures, gauges, templates, and tactile guides for Laser, Design, and Die and Kitting & Assembly, including accessible fixtures that support employees who are blind or have low vision.
• Reverse-engineer replacement or existing parts from samples, measurements, or 3D scans when drawings are not available.
• Estimate print time, material usage, and cost for quoting and job costing.
• Maintain a controlled library of 3D models, slicer profiles, and print settings, with revision history.
• Monitor filament and resin inventory and storage conditions and follow manufacturer and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) guidance for printer operation, ventilation, and material handling.

Production Support Laser and Computerized Numerical Control (CNC)

• Submit AutoCAD designs for laser cutting with the operators' needs and requirements in mind.
• Ensure designs are properly loaded into the laser cutter before manufacturing.
• Maintain a firm operating knowledge of CNC machine operations and software.
• Compose complete project assignments, including all paperwork and labeling for production.
• Establish drawings and checklists for quality assurance inspections.
• Assist in meeting production goals.

Government and Commercial Projects

• Communicate effectively with military personnel and equipment manufacturers, both verbally and in writing.
• Perform remote or field work as needed, including on-site inspections aboard vessels to ensure produced products match Navy and Coast Guard vessel layouts.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Navy and Coast Guard regulations as they pertain to L.A.B. products.

Documentation and Records

• Maintain accurate, correctly formatted records of all engineering drawings and designs on company servers in readily accessible files.
• Create and update the design records database for future references.
• Compile working processes and procedures and update them as needed.
• Maintain the confidentiality of customer drawings and designs.
• Provide general administrative support to the department.

Collaboration and General

• Assist in the design process and collaborate with others to establish timelines and design processes and to solve problems.
• Work with the project team to execute projects on time and on budget.
• Effectively communicate technical specifications to various professionals.
• Research and develop new products, equipment, and processes.
• Be familiar with costing practices.
• Work in conjunction with and around employees with visual impairments.
• Remain flexible while meeting tight deadlines with changing objectives and be available to work flexible hours when required.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or associate degree in drafting, design, or engineering technology preferred.
• Formal training in AutoCAD software or two years of practical experience.
• Working knowledge of 3D modeling software (e.g., AutoCAD 3D, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or equivalent) and 3D printer slicing software.
• Experience designing for 3D printing and additive manufacturing, including hands-on operation of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers; resin Stereolithography (SLA) printing experience is a plus.
• Ability to read and understand 2D and 3D drawings, including dimensions and tolerances.
• Knowledge of industry, engineering, math, and materials.
• General operating knowledge of office machinery, computer systems, Microsoft Office, and Adobe software.
• Self-starter who works efficiently without supervision and is motivated to finish tasks in a timely manner.
• A keen eye for aesthetics and detail.
• Ability to multitask efficiently in a fast-paced work environment.
• Some overnight travel may be required.