CAD MANAGER

About this role

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 ro

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