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 Summary

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. 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 Description

We 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 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
• Support onboarding and integration of new hires, ensuring they are paired with mentors and set up for early success
• Communicate organizational priorities, changes, and expectations clearly and consistently to the team
• Report directly to the Sr Manager, Manufacturing Engineering & Technology on team performance, staffing needs, and program risks

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
• Engineering Services Management: manage and execute external engineering services, coordinate needs across the team, and ensure suppliers meet or exceed Blue Origin design standards
• Develop relationships within and outside the team; represent the organization as prime contact on projects requiring coordination between organizations
• Support strategic initiatives and business unit level best practices
• 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
• Demonstrated experience managing enterprise-level large CAD assemblies and associated drawings
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• 8–12+ years of relevant aerospace or heavy industrial design experience
• 2+ years of direct people management experience in a technical design, engineering, or drafting organization
• Expert-level experience with Creo Advanced Framework Extension (AFX) for structural steel design
• Expert-level experience with Creo Piping/ProPiping for fluid system routing and design
• Strong experience with Creo Cabling extension for cable routing, harness design, and electrical system integration
• Experience 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 codes
• Expert-level Model-Based Definition (MBD) experience including 3D annotation, semantic PMI, and combined specification states per ASME Y14.41
• Experience implementing and championing AI tools for design automation, generative design, quality checking, and workflow optimization
• Experience building or scaling a drafting/design team, including hiring plans and onboarding programs
• Demonstrated ability to have difficult performance conversations and manage underperformance constructively
• Knowledge 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 operation
• Launch component Ground Support Equipment (GSE) structural, mechanical, or fluids systems experience
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing materials, GD&T, and tolerance/stack-up analysis
• Solid understanding of common manufacturing processes (mills, lathes, welding, sheet-metal bending, lifting/rigging, assembly, inspection)
• Experience developing and maintaining organizational processes, standards, and best practices
• Experience managing external/contract design support teams

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.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants 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 Check

• Required for all positions: Blue’s Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles:  Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required 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 physical

Benefits

• Benefits 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 Opportunity

Blue 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. For more information on “Know Your Rights,” please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants 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 [email protected]. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.