CAD/Design Manager

With more than two centuries of combined history, brands like Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech have been leading the way in protecting people and property around the world. Now, we’re taking that leadership to the next level. Kidde Global Solutions brings together the most trusted and iconic brands in safety, building upon our shared experience and expertise to address the needs and challenges of more customers in more places. With an unmatched portfolio of solutions and services, and a commitment to constant innovation we’re elevating the standards for an entire industry—and establishing the next level of fire and life safety leadership.

At Kidde Global Solutions, you’re joining a global technology leader in fire and life safety solutions and our employees are the heart of it all. With industry-defining brands in life safety and security, you’ll be part of a legacy of leadership working with cutting-edge technologies that protect lives and property worldwide. As a leading fire safety brand, our mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. We’re committed to expanding our impact and providing dynamic opportunities for growth within our team. You’ll be part of a company that prioritizes quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, with the resources, training, and incentives to ensure your success every step of the way.

About This Role

The CAD/Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the design engineering and CAD team in the development of fire alarm and life safety system designs. This position oversees departmental operations, ensures design quality and compliance, develops team capabilities, manages workloads and project schedules, and drives continuous improvement in design processes and standards. The CAD/Design Manager serves as a leader for all design resources, supporting sales, project management, field operations, and customers through the delivery of accurate, code-compliant, and cost-effective design solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CAD designers, BIM specialists, and design engineers.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and career development planning.
• Recruit, onboard, and train new design staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Manage design department workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Prioritize assignments to ensure adherence to project schedules and customer commitments.
• Coordinate with sales, project management, service operations, and field teams regarding project requirements.
• Monitor departmental KPIs related to design production, turnaround times, quality, and utilization.
• Identify and mitigate resource constraints and project risks.
• Ensure all drawings, calculations, and design packages meet company standards and applicable codes.
• Review and approve design deliverables prior to customer submission.
• Establish and maintain standard design practices, templates, and documentation.
• Support complex design reviews and provide technical guidance to the design team.
• Oversee BIM coordination and clash detection activities when applicable.
• Maintain expertise in applicable industry standards including:
  • NFPA 72
  • NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • Local AHJ requirements
  • Applicable UL/FM standards
• Ensure designs comply with customer specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support permitting activities and AHJ coordination as required.
• Develop and implement best practices for design production and project execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, automation, and process standardization.
• Manage CAD standards, drawing libraries, design tools, and software platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and quality.
• Partner with project managers to support project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Support field operations through design clarifications and technical issue resolution.
• Participate in customer meetings, project reviews, and strategic initiatives as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in fire alarm, life safety, security, or low-voltage systems design.
• 2+ years of leadership experience managing design, CAD, or engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Drafting, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial and national account projects preferred.
• Working knowledge of project delivery processes within construction and service environments.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Experience with BIM coordination and 3D modeling preferred.
• Strong understanding of fire alarm system design and life safety codes.
• Experience utilizing design and project collaboration platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Pay

Base Salary Rate: $130,203 – $153,180 per year

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus based on both individual and company’s performance.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, company holidays).
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) assistance.