Universal Forest Products, Inc. logo

Design Manager - CAD

Universal Forest Products, Inc.Brooklyn Center, MN

$85,000 - $100,000 / year

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Overview

Schedule
Full-time
Career level
Director
Remote
On-site
Compensation
$85,000-$100,000/year
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance

Job Description

Endurable Building Products focuses on structural aluminum systems for decks, balconies, railings, stairs, sunshades, and canopies, offering solutions for both single-family and multi-family projects across the United States.

We're seeking a dynamic Design Manager to join our team in Brooklyn Center, MN. In this role, you'll lead and inspire a talented CAD team, ensuring every design is precise, consistent, and fully aligned with both customer expectations and production standards. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and take pride in delivering high-quality, detail-driven work, this is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

This role builds upon the CAD Technician function by adding ownership of:

  • Drafting standards and consistency

  • Error reduction and revision control

  • Team leadership and development

  • Process improvement across all drawing phases

The position manages a team of three CAD Technicians and works closely with project managers, sales, engineering, and production to ensure high-quality drawing output across all project phases:

  • Preliminary Drawings

  • Shop Drawings

  • Fabrication Drawings

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  1. CAD Team Leadership & Oversight
  • Lead, mentor, and support a team of three CAD Technicians

  • Assign and balance workloads to meet project deadlines while maintaining quality

  • Provide regular feedback and coaching to improve accuracy, efficiency, and clarity

  • Serve as the primary escalation point for design and drafting issues

  1. Drafting Standards & Consistency (Top Priority)
  • Develop, implement, and enforce CAD standards across all technicians

  • Standardize:

  • Drawing formats

  • Detailing practices

  • Naming conventions

  • Revision tracking methods

  • Ensure all drawings-preliminary, shop, and fabrication-are consistent in structure and quality

  • Maintain standardized templates and a central library of commonly used components

  1. Reduce Revisions and Errors
  • Identify root causes of frequent revisions, including:

  • Incomplete preliminary drawings

  • Misalignment with customer expectations

  • Missing fabrication details

  • Implement improvements to reduce:

  • Rework in drawing updates

  • Back-and-forth with customers and project managers

  • Errors impacting production

  • Review drawings at key stages to ensure completeness before release

  1. CAD Process & Workflow Management
  • Oversee CAD workflow from project handoff through fabrication release

  • Improve coordination between CAD, Project Managers, Sales, and Field teams

  • Standardize drawing deliverables across each project phase

  • Ensure effective use of revision tracking for full traceability

  • Anticipate scheduling conflicts and proactively adjust team priorities

  1. Technical CAD Responsibilities (Player/Coach Role)
  • Utilize SolidWorks to create and modify models and drawings

  • Interpret architectural and structural drawings to understand design intent

  • Support:

  • Preliminary design and take-offs

  • Engineering drawings for structural review

  • Fabrication drawings for production

  • Accurately apply revisions and maintain drawing integrity

  • Step in on complex or high-priority projects as needed

  1. Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Project Managers and Sales during project handoff to clarify scope

  • Work with Field Managers to ensure accurate field measurements are captured and reflected

  • Collaborate with production to ensure drawings are clear and fabrication-ready

  • Participate in project meetings to align expectations and resolve issues early

Qualifications

Required

  • 5+ years of CAD experience (Architectural/Mechanical experience preferred).

  • Strong experience interpreting architectural and structural drawings

  • Experience producing fabrication-ready drawings in a manufacturing or construction environment

  • Proven ability to improve drawing accuracy, consistency, or processes

  • Strong organizational and project management skills

Preferred

  • Prior leadership or supervisory experience

  • Experience implementing CAD standards and workflow improvements

  • Experience in architectural metal systems, aluminum products, or related fields

  • Familiarity with Bluebeam Revu and Microsoft Office tools

Skills & Attributes

  • Exceptional attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and consistency

  • Strong problem-solving skills with ability to correct root causes of errors

  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

  • Clear and professional communication across departments and customers

  • Leadership mindset with a focus on coaching and accountability

Salary Pay Range: $85,000 - $100,000 annually dependent on experience*

  • pay range may be adjusted depending on cost of living

Bonus/Incentive Pay

Annual performance bonus opportunity based on Company and specific business unit ROI and PBOP achievement criteria and individual job responsibility and performance.

Benefits currently offered to our employees:

  • Medical insurance

  • Health savings account with company contribution

  • Dental insurance

  • Vision insurance

  • Basic and voluntary life insurance

  • Disability insurance

  • 401(k) plan with company match

  • Paid vacation and holidays

  • Stock purchase program with employee discount

  • Educational reimbursement

  • Wellness programs and challenges

  • Other supplemental benefits

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Automate your job search with Sonara.

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FAQs About Design Manager - CAD Jobs at Universal Forest Products, Inc.

What is the work location for this position at Universal Forest Products, Inc.?
This job at Universal Forest Products, Inc. is located in Brooklyn Center, MN, according to the details provided by the employer. Some roles may also include multiple work locations depending on the requirement.
What pay range can candidates expect for this role at Universal Forest Products, Inc.?
Candidates can expect a pay range of $85,000 and $100,000 per year.
What employment applies to this position at Universal Forest Products, Inc.?
Universal Forest Products, Inc. lists this role as a Full-time position.
What experience level is required for this role at Universal Forest Products, Inc.?
Universal Forest Products, Inc. is looking for a candidate with "Director" experience level.
What benefits are offered by Universal Forest Products, Inc. for this role?
Universal Forest Products, Inc. offers following benefits: Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Holidays, Paid Vacation, 401k Matching/Retirement Savings, Tuition/Education Assistance, and Health & Wellness Programs for this position. Actual benefits may vary depending on the employer's policies and employment terms.
What is the process to apply for this position at Universal Forest Products, Inc.?
You can apply for this role at Universal Forest Products, Inc. either through Sonara's automated application system, which helps you submit applications 10X faster with minimal effort, or by applying manually using the direct link on the job page.