QA/AI Software Engineer

Our client is seeking a SolidWorks Design-Automation & Drawing QA/AI Specialist to strengthen quality control within a busy technical drawing and manufacturing environment. The role will focus on building automated checkpoints into the SolidWorks-to-production workflow to identify dimension errors, drawing inconsistencies and documentation issues before drawings, cutting sheets and CNC programs are released to production.

This is a hybrid role combining CAD automation and API development with quality assurance and process design. There is also scope to apply computer-vision or machine-learning techniques where these can add practical value to drawing review and anomaly detection.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the existing drawing-office workflow from SolidWorks through manufacturing drawings, cutting sheets and CNC programs, and identify suitable points for automated validation.
• Build automated validation tools using the SolidWorks API, including macros, VBA, C# or .NET solutions.
• Develop checks for dimensions, tolerances, drawing completeness and alignment with the design brief or BOM.
• Design and implement error-flagging checkpoints at key stages of the drawing release process to prevent incorrect information from reaching production.
• Evaluate third-party design-automation and drawing-review tools where these may be more appropriate than custom development.
• Support the evaluation and possible implementation of platforms such as DriveWorks, CoLab AutoReview or similar solutions.
• Apply computer-vision or machine-learning techniques where useful to compare issued drawings against source data and identify anomalies.
• Work closely with the draughting team to identify recurring failure points and develop checks based on actual drawing and production errors.
• Collaborate directly with the drawing office and production floor to ensure that automation solutions fit practical manufacturing workflows.
• Document new validation processes, automated checks and workflow changes.
• Train the drawing-office team on newly implemented tools and processes.

Minimum Requirements

• Strong working knowledge of SolidWorks, including the SolidWorks API, macros, VBA or C#/.NET add-ins.
• Demonstrated experience automating or customising CAD workflows.
• Experience developing solutions such as automated drawing or cutting-sheet generation, rules-based configurations, or drawing-validation tools.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawing standards, GD&T and manufacturing documentation.
• Familiarity with cutting sheets, Bills of Materials (BOMs) and CNC program handover processes.
• Programming ability in at least one of the following: Python, C#, VBA or .NET.
• Understanding of manufacturing and production workflows.
• Ability to work directly with drawing-office and production teams to identify and resolve practical workflow issues.
• Minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in CAD automation, PLM/PDM development, or a mechanical or mechatronics engineering environment with strong scripting capability.

Advantageous Experience

• Experience with DriveWorks or another SolidWorks-native design-automation or rules engine.
• Experience with SolidWorks PDM.
• Exposure to computer-vision or machine-learning techniques used for technical drawings or quality inspection.
• Experience in shopfitting, retail fixture manufacturing, furniture manufacturing, metalwork or a similar fabrication environment.
• Experience within a fast-moving, high-mix production environment.
• Experience implementing third-party drawing-review or CAD QA software such as CoLab or similar platforms.

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Practical approach to process improvement and automation.
• Ability to translate recurring drawing and production errors into effective validation rules and controls.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with technical and production teams.
• Ability to balance automation and quality-control requirements with operational throughput.
• Clear documentation and training capability.

Additional Information

• The role is based on-site in Germiston, Gauteng.
• The successful candidate will work alongside a 10-person SolidWorks drawing office producing manufacturing drawings, cutting sheets and CNC programs.
• The position involves regular interaction with both the drawing office and production floor.
• The employer is open to considering an initial fixed-term contract or consulting engagement for the right candidate before a potential permanent appointment.

If you meet the requirements and would like to be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application through the link provided. Only candidates who meet the role requirements will be contacted.