Kodo is all about play and childhood! We create awe-inspiring products for the Early Childhood market. Our unique line of thoughtfully designed, play based learning materials are a disruptive force in the world of educating young children through play. We have a driving passion for education and an innovative vision which redefines teachers perspectives of common classroom equipment.
Position Summary:
The CAD Designer/Programmer plays a central role in the development of Kodo Kids’ innovative early learning materials. This position bridges hands-on product development with high-level design-for-manufacturing (DFM) strategy — ensuring products are thoughtfully designed, precisely built, and optimized for scale. This is a leadership-track role that guides systems, tooling strategy, prototyping, and CAD/CAM standards for the entire organization.
Key Responsibilities:
- Independently develop CAD models and assemblies for new and existing products.
- Generate toolpaths for CNC machines and validate through simulation and prototyping.
- Collaborate with the design, engineering and operations teams to optimize products for cost, manufacturability, and safety.
- Produce shop drawings, cut lists, and CNC-ready files.
- Manage projects from design through production handoff.
- Troubleshoot CAM issues on shop floor, contribute to jig/fixture design.
Essential Duties:
CAD Design & Product Development
- Own the development of complex product assemblies and parametric part systems in CAD ( Fusion 360)
- Translate early-stage design concepts into manufacturable products using wood, HDPE, and hardware
- Collaborate with Product Design team to ensure aesthetic, educational, and safety requirements are met
CAM Programming & Manufacturing Integration
- Generate efficient, accurate CAM toolpaths for CNC routers and other digital fabrication tools
- Troubleshoot G-code and resolve product issues related to material tolerances, nesting, and tooling
- Develop jigs/fixtures and workholding strategies for repeatable, scalable production
- Manage post-processors and integrate new machines or tools into the workflow
Product Documentation
- Produce clear, detailed 2D engineering drawings and Bill of Materials for fabrication, machining, and documentation purposes.
- Develop Work Instruction to clearly outline the step by step process of getting a product from raw material to Kitted and shippable.
- Ensure all drawings align with internal standards and are suitable for shop-floor use.
Standards, Systems, and Strategy
- Define and implement CAD/CAM file management systems, templates, and part libraries
- Standardize tolerances, fasteners, and joinery across product lines
- Recommend and help implement new tools, software, or equipment to improve design-to-production flow
- Ensure compliance with ASTM F963, ADA design principles, and child-safety best practices
Qualifications
Experience
- 5+ years of experience in CAD design, preferably with wood or HDPE products
- Strong attention to detail and consistency in technical drawings
- Proficient in Fusion 360 or related software
- Able to work independently with occasional guidance
Desirable Characteristics:
- Excellent communication and leadership skills
- Attention to detail, strong organizational skills
- Innovative and creative
- Forward thinking
Perks to working at Kodo:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits options which can start on the 1st of the month following your hire date
- Life insurance options
- 10 days PTO (paid time off) per year, plus sick time, and paid holidays listed in our handbook per year
- 401K program with company matching
- Collaborative environment where your ideas will make an impact
- Working with a great team who cares about the work, the people, and our customers
- Employee discount on products
Compensation: Salary
Reports to: Director of Design & Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Job Type and Location: Full-Time Salaried position, , In-office with optional one remote day per week
If you believe you have what it takes to be a successful CAD Designer/Programmer at Kodo, send us your resume highlighting your relevant experience and a cover letter telling us why you’re the right person for the job.
We are looking to fill this position soon, so don't delay. Apply no later than 8.25.2025.
www.kodokids.com
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $60,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
