CAD Design & Engineering Manager

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship for employment visas is not available at this time.

About the role

As a CAD Design and Engineering Manager with Meow Wolf Inc., you are an integral collaborator in artistic productions. Your role includes leading a team of designers to create 3D and 2D designs for structures, assemblies, animatronics, large and small-scale sculptures, and other installations. You will collaborate with the Sr. Director of Design & Production, Sr. Production Manager, and Production Managers to set work expectations and support the CAD Design team in meeting critical milestones and deadlines. You will establish design and engineering requirements for outside partners, ensure adherence to design parameters throughout project phases, and maintain safe design practices for in-house elements. Additionally, you will partner with Design leads to establish attachment details for exhibit elements, elevate team design skills, and identify work efficiencies and necessary tools.

Responsibilities

• Operate as a CAD Design team leader and in-house Engineering authority within the Artistic Development & Production (AD&P) Team in a 26,000 sq.ft. production facility.
• Manage and mentor a team of in-house designers creating 3D artistic and structural designs, shop drawings, load studies, and cut files for Meow Wolf exhibitions.
• Manage all communications for outside engineering approval on design projects before they enter production.
• Partner closely with Production Managers throughout design and production, owning design optimization strategies for in-house projects.
• Verify material and fastener selection for designs before ordering.
• Lead design review sessions with CAD team designers and other specialists to guide successful design work.
• Lead the hand-off process when projects move from design to production, ensuring team understanding of design details and production plans.
• Represent the AD&P team in larger project meetings and assist in formulating work plans with Production Managers.
• Refine Meow Wolf’s internal design and engineering safety standards for project production.
• Work confidently with 3D design programs such as Rhino 3D, Fusion 360, and Solidworks, and help team members select appropriate software for fabrication processes.
• Identify design training needs and opportunities to advance the skills and knowledge of the AD&P team.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience as a CAD designer, fabricator, or draftsperson in art production and/or entertainment, with 3+ years in a design management role.
• Proven experience working on permanent guest-facing installations in art exhibits and/or themed entertainment.
• Ability to create and review buildable 3D models, shop drawings, assembly plans, and installation drawings.
• Ability to establish design requirements and direct engineering partners for structural elements built in-house.
• Experience managing relationships with outside design and engineering partners, including design schedules, reviews, and redline comments.
• Proficiency in designing elements within life safety standards and hazard mitigation.
• Experience running 3D load simulations.
• Proficient understanding of machining and assembly tolerances, material properties, and fastener selection.
• Experience with 3D printing, CNC operations, laser cutting, and reading/creating welding prints.
• Hands-on experience with wood, metal, plastics, and general assembly.
• Solid understanding of maintenance and cleaning access for exhibit pieces in permanent installations.
• High proficiency in Rhino 3D, Fusion 360, and/or Solidworks; competence in Grasshopper, Inventor, or Blender is a plus.
• Experience working with or as an engineer reviewing design models for structural integrity and load cases.
• Experience with CAM software (MasterCAM and RhinoCAM preferred).
• Excellent design skills, ability to track multiple projects, and provide expert-level design and engineering direction.
• High degree of empathy, excellent interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to identify and diffuse interpersonal conflicts.
• Strong communication regarding task progress and time estimates.
• Advanced mathematical skills and mechanical aptitude.
• Knowledge of fabrication industry safety practices and regulations.
• Proficiency in Google Suite.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This role operates in a professional, industrial, and office environment, using standard office equipment as well as industrial tools such as laser cutters, CNC routers, welders, and heavy machinery. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Compliance with company and OSHA safety protocols is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Schedule

This is a full-time position, with standard hours of Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position includes supervisory responsibility for a team of in-house designers.

Travel

This position requires some travel (10%-25%).

Benefits

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• HSA, HRA, and FSA options
• 401k Retirement Plan
• Company-paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage
• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks
• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop merchandise and cafes
• Free admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests