CAD Drafter IV

BLUE ORIGIN•West Melbourne, FL

About The Position

A Senior CAD Drafter (Level IV) is an advanced technical expert who leads the development, maintenance, and release of complex engineering product definition data by applying company, industry, and governmental standards. Utilizing PTC Creo Parametric 12 and Windchill PLM, the Senior Drafter creates, develops, and maintains enterprise-level 3D parametric models, 2D drawings, Model-Based Definition (MBD) datasets, and product structures across mechanical/structural, fluid, and electrical disciplines. This role operates largely without oversight, leads development and process improvement efforts, mentors other drafters, and drives strategic initiatives for ground support equipment serving New Glenn launch operations, engine test facilities, transportation and handling systems, and advanced manufacturing tooling. 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. 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 Senior CAD Drafter, you will operate largely without oversight, lead complex multi-system design efforts, drive process improvement and tool adoption, mentor team members, and serve as the organization's prime technical contact for CAD/PLM matters. The best Blue Origin senior drafters are versatile and skilled with deep experience using Creo's supplemental extensions (AFX, Piping, Cabling) and are proficient in manipulating complex Windchill product structures and change management workflows. We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and dedication to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Requirements

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
Strong coordination and leadership skills
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

Nice To Haves

8–12+ years of relevant aerospace or heavy industrial design experience
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
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 with custom machine design: motors, actuators, linear rails/actuators, pneumatics, bearings
Knowledge of precision cleaning processes/levels and passivation of stainless steel
Experience developing and maintaining organizational processes, standards, and best practices
Experience managing external/contract design support teams

Responsibilities

Exercise ownership over complex tasks, projects, and programs; operate largely without oversight as the senior technical design authority
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 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
Lead peer review/check of drawings and models; responsible for the accuracy of others' work through review
Mentor and guide other drafters; oversee work quality and professional development
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
Identify opportunities and recommendations for implementing workflow efficiencies