CAD Design Lead
About this role
Position Title: CAD Design Lead
Location: Huntsville, AL
Travel Required: Yes
Position Summary
The CAD Design Lead is responsible for leading the creation, review, and optimization of detailed 3D and 2D designs for ground combat vehicle systems and components. This role combines advanced CAD expertise with leadership skills to ensure designs meet stringent aerospace standards, requirements, safety requirements, and achieve project objectives. The CAD Design Lead will also play a key role in the deployment Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools and processes, maintain the product structure, and ensure the configuration management of the As-Designed, As-Built, and As-Maintained configuration of the platform.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead CAD Design Development: Oversee the creation and refinement of 3D models and technical drawings for aircraft, spacecraft, or other aerospace systems using advanced CAD software (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks).
- Interface with other CAD managers to transition designs to HDUSA.
- Participate in technical interchange meetings with government representatives, subcontractors, and program stakeholders.
- Collaborate Across Teams: Work with design engineers, analysts, and other disciplines to interpret specifications, integrate systems, and resolve design challenges.
- Ensure Compliance: Verify designs meet aerospace engineering standards, regulations (e.g., AS9100, MIL-STD-31000), and safety requirements.
- Ensure Technical Data Packages comply with DI-SESS-81830, DI-SESS-81000F, and DI-SESS-80776B.
- Review & Approve Designs: Conduct quality control checks, validate accuracy, and approve CAD deliverables before production.
- Optimize Processes: Improve CAD workflows, design standards, and best practices to increase efficiency and consistency.
- Mentor & Train: Guide junior CAD engineers, provide technical training, and foster a culture of excellence.
- Document & Report: Maintain comprehensive design records, participate in design reviews, and report progress to stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; advanced degrees or PE certification preferred.
- Experience: Minimum 10+ years in aerospace or defense CAD design, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
- Technical Skills: Expertise in advanced CAD software, GD&T, and possibly FEA or rapid prototyping.
- Professional experience within the U.S. defense sector, including familiarity with DoD acquisition processes, standards, and regulations.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate technical information clearly in written and verbal formats.
- Ability to travel as required by program needs.
Preferred Qualifications
- Active DoD security clearance or the ability to obtain one.
- Experience with military ground vehicle systems or platform level CAD maintenance and the deployment and maintenance of PLM systems.
- Prior experience supporting large, complex defense acquisition programs or major system integrations.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Company at a glance
Hanwha Defense USA is a subsidiary of Hanwha Group, the largest and the most influential defense corporation in South Korea.
Hanwha Defense is expanding its global business and establishing itself as a total defense solution provider by building on the strengths of its portfolio that include artillery systems, armored vehicles, air defense systems, and unmanned ground systems.
We also support modern government shipbuilding programs through our affiliate, Hanwha Philly Shipyard.
Talent is our most important asset. We go to great lengths to attract and nurture highly motivated people who share our core values of challenge, dedication and integrity. In an environment of trust and loyalty, we support our talent every step of the way, cultivating world-class leaders for an ever brighter future.
Hanwha is looking for talented people, who share our core values
such as a challenging spirit, dedication and integrity, and can act on those values.
Tired of cold applications?
Sign up with Clera and we'll reach out the moment a role actually fits you — no more spraying applications into the void.
Know someone who'd be great for this?