CAD SOFTWARES COMPANIES USE
1. SolidWorks
As a popular mechanical design software with a large community of users, employers are frequently seeking job seekers with SolidWorks experience. This 3D modeling CAD software is used heavily in the mechanical engineering and design industries. It is the industry standard for product development.
Some features including:
Product design simulation3D solid modelingProduct data managementCost estimation, manufacturability checksCreated with ease of use in mindUsed by mechanical and electrical engineering departments
Jobs that use SolidWorks CAD software:
Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafterManufacturing engineerIndustrial engineerElectrical engineer, designer, and drafterProduct development engineer
What Industries use SolidWorks?
Aerospace & AviationConsumer productsManufacturingMedical DeviceIndustrial productsOil & Gas
2. Inventor
A 3D modeling software and the main competitor of SolidWorks, used in mechanical design, engineering, and product development.
Some features including:
Parametric modeling for 3D objectsProduct data management3D Solid ModelingSimulationVisualization
Jobs that use Inventor CAD software:
Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafterManufacturing engineerIndustrial engineerProduct development engineer
What industries use Inventor?
Aerospace & AviationConsumer productsManufacturingMedical DeviceIndustrial productsOil & Gas equipment
3. Revit
Software for BIM (building information modeling) used in construction projects with a suite of tools to create 3D models of buildings. This software supports all disciplines of building construction projects including, architectural, structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects. If you’re asking what cad software should I learn for building design or construction this is it. The demand for employees with Revit skills grows continually year after year.
Some features including:
3D modeling and 3D visualizationMEP modeling and detailingStructural steel modelingConstruction documentation of the projectModels components for building and fabrication
Jobs that use Revit CAD software:
Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafterElectrical engineer, designer, and drafterStructural engineer, designer, and drafterArchitects, architectural designers, and draftersInterior Architect, Interior designerPlumbing designer, HVAC designer, MEP designerBIM Coordinator
What industries use Revit?
ArchitecturalConstructionEngineering
4. AutoCAD
One of the oldest and most used CAD software for 2D / 3D drafting & design. It has the ability to create blueprints, equipment layouts, section planes, model documentation, and more. Learning AutoCAD and additional 3D CAD software is a recipe for success.
Some features including:
2D drawing, drafting, and annotationExtended workflowsXrefs and block palettesDynamic blocks3D Mesh, solid and surface modeling
Jobs that use AutoCAD CAD software:
Architects, Architectural designer, and drafterElectrical engineer, design and drafterElectronics engineer, design and drafterPlumbing designer, HVAC designer, MEP designerInterior designerIndustrial engineerManufacturing engineerMechanical engineer, design and drafterStructural engineer, designer, and drafter
What industries use AutoCAD?
Aerospace & AviationConsumer productsManufacturingMedical DeviceIndustrial productsOil & GasCivil, Structural, MEP
5. Civil 3D
An Autodesk product originally created as an add-on for AutoCAD, Civil 3D is a standalone software used by civil engineers and other professionals to plan, design, and manage civil engineering projects including transportation, land development, and wastewater. Job seekers with Civil 3D design experience are one of the most sought after skills for employers in the civil engineering field.
Some features including:
Corridor modelingPlan production tools ( plan, profiles & sections)Terrain GradingSupport for BIM (Building Information Modeling)Surface creation tools
Jobs that use Civil 3D CAD software:
Civil engineer, designer, and drafterGIS techniciansSurvey technicians
What Industries use Civil 3D?
Civil & Transportation engineeringUtilitiesOil & Gas
6. MicroStation
A 3D / 2D CAD software used by architects and engineers to visualize, model, draft, and document projects. MicroStation frequently is used in the Civil Transportation industry for city and state DOT projects.
Some features including:
3D Parametric ModelingAbility to visualize and analyze data on modelsBIM workflowsProduce animations and renderings
Jobs that use MicroStation CAD software:
Architects, architectural designer, and drafterCivil engineer, designer, and drafterInterior designerTransportation engineer
What Industries Use MicroStation?
Architectural & PlanningCivil water & wastewater engineeringConstructionProcess manufacturingOil & GasElectrical & gas utilities
7. CATIA
CAD software used by OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) for surface modeling, design, and visualization. Want an engineering or design job in the Automotive or Aerospace industries? Put this one on your list.
Some features including:
3D ModelingDigital prototypingHighly detailed surface modeling and shape manipulationVirtually create and analyze products during development
Jobs that use CATIA CAD software:
Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafterElectrical engineer, design and drafterIndustrial designerProduct development engineer
What Industries use CATIA?
Aerospace & AviationAutomotiveShipbuilding
8. Creo
Formerly known as Pro/Engineer, Creo is a 3D CAD software for product development, generative design, and top-down design. It is used by some of the biggest companies in the world including Coca-Cola.
Some features including:
3D Modeling & DesignParametric surfacingGenerative designPlastics part design
Jobs that use Creo CAD Software:
Mechanical engineer, designer, and drafterProduct development engineerIndustrial, Sheet metal, Tool & die designers
What Industries use Creo?
AutomotiveFood & BeverageManufacturingIndustrialProduct developmentPlastics
9. SIEMENS NX
Once known as Unigraphics, Siemens NX is a 3D CAD software used for design, simulation, and manufacturing. This is another popular CAD software in the aerospace and automotive industries.
Some features including:
Advanced geometry creation tools3D Modeling and plotting toolsConvergent ModelingAdvanced geometry creation toolsGenerative EngineeringParametric design
Jobs that use Siemens NX CAD software:
Mechanical engineer and designerManufacturing engineer and designerProduct development engineer and designer
What Industries use Siemens NX?
AerospaceAutomotiveMedical ManufacturingConsumer products
10. Windchill
Windchill is the industry-leading PLM Tool from PTC. Windchill software for PLM offers all-inclusive imaginative functionality and configurable role and task-based apps, which allows businesses to expand access to valuable product data to its stakeholders.
Some features including:
Product developmentSoftware developmentMBSE techniquesService managementProduct Design
Jobs that use Windchill software for PLM:
PLM developersProduct Development CoordinatorPLM consultantPLM adminManufacturing engineer
What industries use Windchill software for PLM?
Consumer-packaged goods industriesFood and beverages and cosmeticsPersonal care industry