CAD MANAGER

Job Description

A CAD Manager is a working technical leader who both performs advanced hands-on design work and directly manages a team of 4–8 CAD Drafters. Utilizing PTC Creo Parametric 12 and Windchill PLM, the CAD Manager creates and oversees enterprise-level 3D parametric models, 2D drawings, Model-Based Definition (MBD) datasets, and product structures across mechanical/structural, fluid, and electrical disciplines, while also owning the full scope of people management for their team — including performance management, career development, hiring, and coaching.

People Management (Primary Differentiator from Senior CAD Drafter)

• Directly manage a team of 4–8 CAD Drafters (Levels I–III), serving as their formal people manager of record

• Conduct regular one-on-ones, set individual goals, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support skill development and career growth

• Own the performance management cycle for direct reports, including formal performance reviews, calibration discussions, and documentation of performance concerns or improvement plans

• Identify individual development needs and build tailored growth plans, training opportunities, and stretch assignments for each team member

• Participate in and lead hiring efforts for the team, including resume review, interviewing, debriefs, and final hiring recommendations

• Manage day-to-day workload distribution and staffing assignments across active projects, balancing individual growth opportunities with program needs

• Address interpersonal or performance issues within the team promptly and directly, escalating to HR/leadership as appropriate

• Advocate for your team's compensation, promotions, and recognition through the appropriate organizational processes

• Foster a healthy, inclusive team culture; create psychological safety for feedback, dissent, and open communication

• Communicate organizational priorities, changes, and expectations clearly and consistently to the team

Hands-On Technical Leadership (Working Manager Component)

• Personally exercise ownership over complex tasks, projects, and programs; remain an active hands-on contributor within Creo Parametric 12 and Windchill PLM

• Lead and define Model-Based Definition (MBD) strategy, standards, and implementation across the team; drive the transition from drawing-centric to model-centric product definition

• Lead advanced mechanical/structural design including complex steel frameworks, custom machine assemblies, transportation systems (Transporter Erector, Launch Table, Mast, Umbilicals), lifting/rigging systems, and structural weldments using Creo AFX

• Lead advanced fluid system design including complex piping routes, tubing assemblies, manifold designs, and system integration using Creo Piping extension with expert knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3

• Lead and drive the electrical system design transition from AutoCAD Electrical to Creo; establish workflows for enclosure assemblies, cable tray routing, cable/harness design using Creo Cabling extension

• Architect and maintain enterprise-level large-scale CAD assemblies using advanced techniques: top-down design, skeleton models, simplified representations, shrinkwrap, publish geometry, family tables, and zone-based assembly management

• Author and approve Engineering Change Requests (ECRs); generate and manage Change Notices within Windchill for release and revision processing

• Lead peer review/check of drawings and models; responsible for the accuracy of the team's released work

• Personally take on complex or high-priority design tasks alongside the team, especially during crunch periods or critical program milestones

Process, Standards & Strategic Leadership

• Lead development and process improvement efforts; define and implement CAD/PLM standards, templates, and best practices at the business unit level

• Champion and implement AI-assisted design tools, generative design workflows, and automation strategies across the team; evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies for CAD/PLM productivity gains

• Manage and execute external engineering services, coordinate needs across the team, and ensure suppliers meet or exceed Blue Origin design standards

• Represent the organization as prime contact on projects requiring coordination between organizations

• Liaise between CAD/PLM Systems group and GSD CAD team to ensure hardware/software changes and updates are communicated accurately and efficiently to the team

• Own team-level planning: staffing forecasts, project resourcing, and schedule/budget input for programs supported by the team

• Identify opportunities and recommendations for implementing workflow efficiencies at the team and organizational level

Minimum Qualifications

• 2-year AS degree with 10+ years of experience; OR 4-year BS degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, or Systems Engineering (or related field) with 8+ years of experience in a technical design role
• Advanced technical expertise with PTC Creo Parametric (or Pro/ENGINEER) and Windchill PLM
• Strong knowledge of ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41
• Advanced comprehension of GD&T application, interpretation, and specification
• Experience with engineering change management, product structure architecture, and PLM administration
• Prior experience formally managing people (direct reports), including performance reviews, coaching, and career development — not just task assignment or informal mentorship
• Strong coordination and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to balance hands-on technical contribution with supervisory responsibilities
• Proven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across teams
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusion
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum

Culture Statement

Don’t meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.