Design Engineer - Digital Fabrication
Location: Arvada, CO (on-site)
Type: Full-time
Compensation: $55,000–$75,000 DOE + growth upside
About Vanlife Customs
Vanlife Customs is a tech-driven, digital-first design and manufacturing company building premium custom camper van interiors and components. We design in 3D, prototype rapidly, and manufacture in-house using CNC routers, laser welding, laser cutters, 3D printers, 3D scanners, and traditional woodworking tools.
What makes this role different: you won’t just design parts - you’ll see them built, installed, and used in real customer vehicles. Few roles offer true ownership from CAD to finished product - This one does.
Our team is growing, and we’re looking for someone early in their career who’s excited to learn, build, and grow with us.
Why This Role Is Special
This role is a hands-on launchpad into modern product development and digital fabrication.
You’ll work on real parts, for real customers, using professional-grade tools. Your designs won’t live in a folder, they’ll be cut, installed, iterated, and improved based on real-world use.
About The Role
This is an early-career design and prototyping role for someone interested in CAD, product development, and digital fabrication.
You’ll work closely with our design and manufacturing team to take ideas from concept through prototype and into production. We’ll train you on our tools, workflows, and processes - including 3D scanning - but we’re looking for someone who brings curiosity, initiative, and a desire to improve.
This is not a screen-only design role. You’ll operate between the computer and the shop floor.
What Success Looks Like (First 6–12 Months)
- You can independently design production-ready parts in Fusion 360
- Your designs are actively being installed in customer vans
- You understand design-for-manufacturing and reduce rework
- You iterate quickly based on real-world feedback
- You contribute ideas that improve quality, efficiency, or repeatability
What You’ll Do
- Create 3D models and assemblies in Fusion 360
- Generate toolpaths for CNC routing and laser cutting
- Produce clear manufacturing drawing sets
- Collaborate with the fabrication team as parts are cut and assembled
- Build and test physical prototypes for fit, function, and quality
- Revise designs based on real-world feedback from the shop and installs
- Learn and use 3D scanning as part of our design workflow
- Ask questions, propose improvements, and contribute ideas
- Help refine and improve our digital-first design and manufacturing processes
What You’ll Work With
You’ll gain hands-on experience with:
- CNC routing (plywood, plastics, composites)
- CNC laser cutting (metal and wood)
- Laser welding (alu, stainless, steel) prototyping
- 3D printing
- 3D scanning
- Digital CAD/CAM workflows
- Rapid prototyping and iteration
- Woodworking and shop tools
Who This Role Is For
This role is ideal for someone who:
- Has basic experience with CAD (Fusion 360 preferred)
- Is excited about 3D modeling, prototyping, and making real things
- Wants to learn CNC, CAM, and digital fabrication
- Enjoys problem-solving, iteration, and hands-on work
- Is comfortable moving between a computer and the shop floor
- Is looking for a long-term career path, not just a first job
This role is not a fit if you want clearly defined problems, minimal ambiguity, or purely theoretical design work.
A degree in engineering or design is a plus, but not required. We care more about mindset, curiosity, and follow-through than credentials.
Our Values
CURIOSITY – We ask why
We’re always learning, questioning, and seeking to understand before acting.
DRIVE – We find a way
We take ownership, push projects forward, and bring momentum every day.
EXCELLENCE – Pride in every detail
We sweat the details and deliver quality work we’re proud of.
DISCIPLINE – We do what we promise
We follow process, meet commitments, and do the right thing—even when it’s hard.
TEAMWORK – We are better together
We support one another, communicate openly, and succeed as a team.
Growth Path
This role is designed to grow into higher-impact positions such as:
- Design Engineer
- Product Development Lead
- Digital Fabrication Specialist
Growth is based on ownership, output, and initiative, not tenure.
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