CAD MANAGER

CAD ManagerAt 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 organization