Computer-aided design (CAD) software often plays a big role in engineering positions. For engineers, CAD software is crucial to their success. It allows them to create schematics, blueprints, models, and other design frameworks with ease and accuracy. As a result, companies traditionally favor candidates with expertise in those systems.
Which CAD systems you need to know does vary a bit by specialty. However, certain software packages are more widely sought than others. Thus, making them solid places to start if you’re a candidate who wants to elevate their engineering career. If you aren’t sure which CAD software packages deserve your time.
Here are some of the top CAD systems today’s employers want from candidates.
SolidWorks
In the world of mechanical and design engineering, SolidWorks is one of the most widely used CAD systems around. It has a range of helpful features, including everything from 3D solid modeling to cost estimation. In fact, it can even be used to test manufacturability, ensuring there isn’t a critical issue that could prevent a design from becoming a reality. As a result, if you have a mechanical, industrial, or product development engineering career, SolidWorks is a wise addition to your repertoire.
Inventor
Another CAD system for mechanical, industrial, and product development engineers, Inventor offers many of the features you find in SolidWorks. Many companies use this alternative, too, so it can be a smart one to learn if you want to boost your career.
Revit
For building information modeling (BIM) for construction projects, Revit is considered by many to be the go-to CAD solution. It has a vast selection of 3D modeling tools and can support the goals of structural, architectural, electrical, and mechanical engineers in relation to construction projects. If you’re focused on the construction niche, Revit may be a must if you want to stay competitive.
AutoCAD
When it comes to 2D and 3D drafting, AutoCAD has been a big name in the game longer than essentially any other solution. While it’s older than many systems, its feature set has stood the test of time, so it’s still incredibly relevant today.
Essentially any kind of engineer could benefit from learning AutoCAD. Its presence in the aerospace, aviation, product development, manufacturing, industrial, energy, and construction fields is incredibly strong, and that likely won’t change in the near future.
Civil 3D
If you’re a civil engineer, then Civil 3D needs to become part of your skillset. It focuses specifically on transportation, wastewater, land development, and other civil engineering project spaces, and it’s popular among employers in those arenas.
CATIA
For any engineer in the aerospace or automotive field, CATIA is a must if you want to keep your career moving forward. It provided 3D modeling, digital prototyping, surface modeling, and other helpful tools, ensuring new products can be developed with ease.
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