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CAD Designer

Darling Ingredients

Cold Spring, KY · Posted October 13, 2026

More in Kentucky job market · Agriculture & Food Production · Design jobs

About the job

This position is responsible for 3D modeling, layout, and detailing of plant systems and specific heavy processing equipment. Working closely with the corporate engineering team, this position requires a self-starter who can make preliminary design decisions with minimal supervision. The designer will collaborate with our existing team of full-time CAD designers to support ongoing projects and ensure accurate, timely completion of equipment details and plant layouts.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Creates detailed 3D models and drawings of rendering plant equipment (e.g., screw conveyors, hoppers) and larger plant facility layouts

Works independently to support the engineering team, making informed design decisions for final engineering validation

Generates accurate bills of materials with part numbers and detailed descriptions

Organizes and manage project drawings systematically using Autodesk Vault

Collaborates effectively with other CAD designers, seeking input when necessary while maintaining a high degree of self-sufficiency

Maintains project priorities, keeping drawing workflows moving to meet strict completion dates.

Occasionally travel to plant facilities as deemed necessary by engineering management to verify field dimensions and layouts

Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

High School diploma or equivalent required

3+ years of experience

High level of proficiency in Autodesk Inventor and Vault (or an equivalent level of expertise in Solidworks or similar 3D CAD software)

Familiarity with AutoCAD for occasional 2D drafting needs

Proven ability to work independently and drive tasks to completion without requiring extensive supervision

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience designing and modeling heavy industrial equipment or structural layouts.

Mechanical knowledge to assemble complex components and understand simple ratios (such as motor torque, sprocket ratios, and drive capacities)

Building construction knowledge to draw foundations, plots, and structural supports

Working Conditions and Physical Demands - CORPORATE

Position is based in an office environment

Occasional travel to off-site locations is required.

Requires prolonged sitting and movement throughout office/work locations, as well as occasional use of computers and office equipment.

Must occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and climb or balance.

Must be able to communicate effectively and identify potential workplace hazards.

Requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25lbs.

We’re one of the world’s leading practitioners of circularity, transforming materials from the animal agriculture and food industries into valuable ingredients. Ingredients that nourish people, feed animals and crops, and fuel the world with renewable energy.