CAD MANAGER

Application close date:Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We’re working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!This role is part of Blue Origin Operations, which is comprised of Integrated Supply Chain, Test Operations, Safety, Quality, and Mission Assurance. This includes Manufacturing and Supply Chain support across all Blue Origin facilities.Job Description SummaryA 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. This role reports directly to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology, and balances individual technical contribution with formal supervisory accountability for ground support equipment serving New Glenn launch infrastructure development, engine test facilities, transportation and handling systems, and advanced manufacturing tooling.Job DescriptionWe are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem-solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.As part of our Ground Support Development (GSD) Engineering Services CAD Support team, you will provide senior-level technical design leadership for ground systems hardware across multiple disciplines while also serving as the direct people manager for a team of 4–8 CAD Drafters. Our team supports Launch Pad and Launch Accessories for New Glenn, engine and space hardware test stands, transportation and handling equipment, advanced manufacturing tooling, and other miscellaneous ground systems. As a CAD Manager, you will remain a hands-on technical contributor — modeling, detailing, and problem-solving alongside your team — while also owning the full scope of people leadership: conducting performance reviews, setting goals, coaching for growth, managing workload distribution, and participating in hiring decisions. This role reports directly to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology. This is a "working manager" role; you are expected to lead by example in the model and drawing tree, not just from a spreadsheet.We are looking for someone who combines deep technical expertise with genuine people leadership skills and a dedication to quality, to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!Responsibilities: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 recordConduct regular one-on-ones, set individual goals, and provide ongoing coaching and feedback to support skill development and career growthOwn the performance management cycle for direct reports, including formal performance reviews, calibration discussions, and documentation of performance concerns or improvement plansIdentify individual development needs and build tailored growth plans, training opportunities, and stretch assignments for each team memberParticipate in and lead hiring efforts for the team, including resume review, interviewing, debriefs, and final hiring recommendationsManage day-to-day workload distribution and staffing assignments across active projects, balancing individual growth opportunities with program needsAddress interpersonal or performance issues within the team promptly and directly, escalating to HR/leadership as appropriateAdvocate for your team's compensation, promotions, and recognition through the appropriate organizational processesFoster a healthy, inclusive team culture; create psychological safety for feedback, dissent, and open communicationSupport onboarding and integration of new hires, ensuring they are paired with mentors and set up for early successCommunicate organizational priorities, changes, and expectations clearly and consistently to the teamReport directly to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology on team performance, staffing needs, and program risksHands-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 PLMLead and define Model-Based Definition (MBD) strategy, standards, and implementation across the team; drive the transition from drawing-centric to model-centric product definitionLead 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 AFXLead 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 B31.3Lead 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 extensionArchitect 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 managementAuthor and approve Engineering Change Requests (ECRs); generate and manage Change Notices within Windchill for release and revision processingLead peer review/check of drawings and models; responsible for the accuracy of the team's released workPersonally take on complex or high-priority design tasks alongside the team, especially during crunch periods or critical program milestonesProcess, Standards & Strategic Leadership:Lead development and process improvement efforts; define and implement CAD/PLM standards, templates, and best practices at the business unit levelChampion and implement AI-assisted design tools, generative design workflows, and automation strategies across the team; evaluate emerging AI/ML technologies for CAD/PLM productivity gainsEngineering Services Management: manage and execute external engineering services, coordinate needs across the team, and ensure suppliers meet or exceed Blue Origin design standardsDevelop relationships within and outside the team; represent the organization as prime contact on projects requiring coordination between organizationsSupport strategic initiatives and business unit level best practicesLiaise between CAD/PLM Systems group and GSD CAD team to ensure hardware/software changes and updates are communicated accurately and efficiently to the teamOwn team-level planning: staffing forecasts, project resourcing, and schedule/budget input for programs supported by the teamIdentify opportunities and recommendations for implementing workflow efficiencies at the team and organizational levelMinimum 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 roleAdvanced technical expertise with PTC Creo Parametric (or Pro/ENGINEER) and Windchill PLMDemonstrated experience managing enterprise-level large CAD assemblies and associated drawingsStrong knowledge of ASME Y14.100, Y14.5, Y14.41Advanced comprehension of GD&T application, interpretation, and specificationExperience with engineering change management, product structure architecture, and PLM administrationPrior experience formally managing people (direct reports), including performance reviews, coaching, and career development — not just task assignment or informal mentorshipStrong coordination and leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to balance hands-on technical contribution with supervisory responsibilitiesProven communication skills and the ability to build strong working relationships across teamsAbility to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and strengthen our culture of inclusionMust 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 asylumPreferred Qualifications:8–12+ years of relevant aerospace or heavy industrial design experience2+ years of direct people management experience in a technical design, engineering, or drafting organizationExpert-level experience with Creo Advanced Framework Extension (AFX) for structural steel designExpert-level experience with Creo Piping/ProPiping for fluid system routing and designStrong experience with Creo Cabling extension for cable routing, harness design, and electrical system integrationExperience leading the transition of electrical design workflows from 2D (AutoCAD Electrical) to 3D parametric (Creo)Deep knowledge of ASME B31.1 and B31.3 piping codesExpert-level Model-Based Definition (MBD) experience including 3D annotation, semantic PMI, and combined specification states per ASME Y14.41Experience implementing and championing AI tools for design automation, generative design, quality checking, and workflow optimizationExperience building or scaling a drafting/design team, including hiring plans and onboarding programsDemonstrated ability to have difficult performance conversations and manage underperformance constructivelyKnowledge of standard components, installation, and fabrication methods of piping systems (pipe stock, fittings, connections, valves, fasteners, structural members, welding)Knowledge of fluid components typical in tubing and piping systems (valves, regulators, pumps)Strong expertise in design for manufacturability and design for assembly including experience taking products from development design to production and operationLaunch component Ground Support Equipment (GSE) structural, mechanical, or fluids systems experienceSolid understanding of common manufacturing materials, GD&T, and tolerance/stack-up analysisSolid understanding of common manufacturing processes (mills, lathes, welding, sheet-metal bending, lifting/rigging, assembly, inspection)Experience developing and maintaining organizational processes, standards, and best practicesExperience managing external/contract design support teamsCulture StatementDon’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.Export Control RegulationsApplicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.Background CheckRequired for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background CheckRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installationRequired for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physicalBenefitsBenefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.Equal Employment OpportunityBlue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.Affirmative Action and Disability AccommodationApplicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin’s Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at View email address on click.appcast.io . Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request. #J-18808-Ljbffr