Sr CAD Architect - NPD

Sr CAD Architect NPD•Bolingbrook, IL

About The Position

Reporting to the Manager of New Product Development, the Sr CAD Architect is responsible for advanced CAD architecture, concept development, and complex system layouts covering G&W Electric’s overhead and underground switchgear product lines. This role serves as a technical authority in Creo-based mechanical design, translating high-level ideas, concepts, and minimal inputs into fully realized design concepts, layouts, and CAD models. The Sr CAD Architect is expected to work with minimal supervision, provide technical leadership in CAD practices, and support early-phase concept generation, envelope studies, and equipment packaging within tanks and enclosures. Innovating since 1905, G&W Electric has grown into a global leader in engineered electrical power grid solutions. Working with us means joining a worldwide team of passionate manufacturing professionals striving to continually improve the technologies the world depends on to deliver safe, reliable electricity. Our culture is focused on employee success, so we foster an entrepreneurial environment that encourages everyone to thrive. G&W Electric enjoys a long reputation for product quality, innovation and world-class customer service to the power industry. We have established this reputation by believing that our greatest asset is our employees. We owe our success to the initiative and talents of highly skilled individuals within our team-based organization. Our goal is to set the standard for customer satisfaction by ensuring a superior level of service, performance and innovation. As a global organization and industry leader, we are committed to cultivating an engaging work environment that embraces our core values and develops our talent. Our continuous focus on growth and innovation means that you become part of a company that provides challenging opportunities, rewards excellence and combines your individual expertise to achieve a higher level of shared success. As part of our organization, you also help power the world! G&W Electric is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employees and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. G&W Electric participates in the E-Verify process for all new hires.

Requirements

Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
Expert - level Creo experience, including advanced modeling, large assemblies, and complex layouts.
Extensive hands - on experience with Windchill.
Demonstrated experience developing designs from concept through production.
Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance stack analysis.
Proven ability to translate abstract ideas or minimal inputs into robust mechanical designs.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work across engineering, manufacturing, and supplier teams.
Strong creative problem - solving skills and ability to manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
Proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, and project collaboration tools.
Solid mechanical troubleshooting experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology.
Extensive experience in Research & Development environments.
Deep knowledge of power distribution equipment and switchgear systems.
Demonstrated expertise across multiple G&W product lines (overhead and underground).
Creo Superuser or equivalent advanced certification.
Experience with JD Edwards or similar ERP system.

Responsibilities

Serve as a senior - level CAD expert and technical resource for the New Product Development team.
Independently develop new product concepts from ideas, rough sketches, or minimal design inputs.
Apply deep product knowledge of G&W overhead and underground switchgear to guide architectural design decisions.
Establish and evolve advanced CAD architectures, modeling strategies, and design standards using Creo, aligned with G&W Engineering CAD practices.
Collaborate closely with Project Engineers, Engineering Managers, and cross - functional teams to support concept development, feasibility studies, and new product initiatives.
Provide mentorship and technical guidance to NPD Mechanical Designers and Design Engineers as needed.
Manage multiple complex assignments with minimal direction while meeting aggressive development timelines.
Rapidly create conceptual models and system - level layouts to evaluate design feasibility, space requirements, and packaging constraints.
Perform full equipment layouts inside tanks and enclosures to support envelope analysis, clearances, serviceability, and manufacturability.
Develop top - down and bottom - up CAD structures to support early concept exploration through detailed design.
Support design trade studies by quickly iterating multiple concept options.
Ensure models and drawings properly support Bills of Materials, tolerance requirements, and downstream manufacturing needs.
Apply GD&T principles and tolerance stack-up analysis to complex assemblies