CAD Design & Engineering Manager

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Meow Wolf opens portals of possibility. Come as you are! 

We are individuals who inspire creativity in people's lives through art and exploration, so that our combined imaginations can transform the world we live in. We create immersive and interactive experiences that transport audiences into fantastic realms of story and exploration.  Our Vision is to be the world’s leading creative company, reimagining the paradigm of art and storytelling, to make a positive difference in the world.  

We share a strong commitment to Belonging through our values of: 

• Collaborative Creativity: We believe the act of creating together amplifies possibilities.

• Provocative Playfulness:  We celebrate the unexpected because it is the doorway to discovery.

• Outsiders Welcome: We are all outsiders at heart, and we create space for everyone to feel like they belong.

• Authentic Compassion: We are “kind punks” - supportive to each other and standing up for what we believe in.

• Audacious Courage: We have the courage to radically reinvent ourselves to push the boundaries of art.

If this all sounds like YOU, read on….

Job Description:

CAD Design and Engineering Manager

Job Disclosures:

Location: (On-site) Santa Fe, NM

Job Summary:

As a CAD Design and Engineering Manager with Meow Wolf Inc., you are an integral collaborator in artistic productions with Meow Wolf Inc. Your role includes but is not limited to leading a team of designers to create 3D and 2D designs for structures, assemblies, animatronics, large and small scale sculptures, and other installations created by Meow Wolf Inc. In the creation of such projects, you will collaborate with your Sr. Director of Design & Production, Sr. Production Manager, and Production Managers to set work expectations and support a team of CAD Designers in meeting critical milestones and deadlines. You will be responsible for establishing design and engineering requirements for AD&P’s outside engineering partners, and ensuring that design parameters are adhered to throughout the SD, DD, and Production phases on elements that are ultimately produced in-house. You will work to establish and maintain a standard of safe design practices for in-house elements. You will also partner with Design leads on project teams to establish attachment details for all elements within an exhibit. You will work to cultivate and elevate the design skills of all AD&P team members, and you will help identify work efficiencies as well as necessary tools and software. You will work closely with our Production Designers/Technical Directors as well as the Show Design Team to represent the AD&P Team in ongoing design and engineering discussions, and play an integral part in translating concept models into buildable works of art.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate as a CAD Design team leader and in-house Engineering authority within the AD&P Team in a 26,000 sq.ft. production facility

• Manage and mentor a team of in-house designers creating 3D artistic and structural designs, shop drawings, load studies, and cut files to be translated into finished works of art by fabricators for Meow Wolf exhibitions

• Manage all communications for outside engineering approval on design projects before they enter production

• Partner closely with Production Managers throughout design and production of each element, and own the creation of design optimization strategies for in-house project work, striving to make great use of time and material spent on designs.

• Verify material and fastener selection for designs before ordering.

• Lead a series of design review sessions with designers on the CAD team and other design and fabrication specialists from the company to continually guide the success of our design work.

• Lead the hand-off process when projects move from design to production, ensuring that all team members understand the details of the design as well as the production plan.

• Represent the Artistic Development and Production team in larger project meetings, bringing back an understanding of the work needed to be done, and assist in formulating work plans along with Production Managers.

• Continually refine Meow Wolf’s internal design and engineering safety standards, as they relate to the production of project work.

• Confidently work with a variety of 3D design and drawing programs such as Rhino 3D, Fusion 360, and Solidworks, and help team members match the right software to the upcoming fabrication processes.

• Identify design training needs and opportunities for designers on the Artistic Development & Production team, and work to advance the skills and knowledge base of the team.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years experience working as a CAD designer, fabricator, or draftsperson in the field of art production and/or entertainment, 3+ years working in a design management role

• Proven experience working on permanent guest-facing installations in the realm of art exhibits and/or themed entertainment

• Able to create and review buildable 3D models, shop drawings, assembly plans, and installation drawings

• Able to establish design requirements and direct engineering partners to complete specific design scopes for structural elements that will be built by Meow Wolf.

• Able to manage relationships with outside design and engineering partners, establishing and managing a design schedule, hosting regular design reviews, and providing redline comments to ensure adherence to project parameters.

• Proficiency in designing elements within life safety standard parameters and hazard mitigation

• Experience running 3D load simulations required

• Proficient understanding of machining and assembly tolerances, material properties, and fastener selection is required

• Experience working with 3D printing, CNC operations, laser cutting, as well as reading and creating welding prints is required

• Previous hands-on experience working with wood, metal, plastics, and general assembly is required

• Possesses a solid understanding of how exhibit pieces need to be accessed for maintenance and cleaning once installed in a permanent exhibition

• High proficiency in Rhino 3D, Fusion 360, and/or Solidworks modeling, with competence in other programs such as Grasshopper, Inventor, or Blender as a plus

• Strong experience working with or as an engineer reviewing design models for structural integrity and different load cases

• Experience working with CAM software - MasterCAM and RhinoCAM preferred

• Excellent design skills, ability to track multiple projects, provide expert level design and engineering direction to in-house projects, and prioritize tasks within a fast paced environment of design and construction

• A high degree of empathy, excellent interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor

• Able to identify and diffuse interpersonal conflicts

• Works with a high degree of accuracy, precision, and care

• Demonstrates safe work practices at all times in our shop

• Strong communication on task progress and time estimates is a must

• Advanced mathematical skills and mechanical aptitude

• Knowledge of fabrication industry safety practices and regulations

• Google Suite proficient

Work Environment and Physical Demands 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed must be representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensure, experience, and/or ability required.

Work Environment: 

This job operates in a professional, industrial and office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets as may include industrial tools such as laser cutters, CNC routers, welders, metal shop equipment, spray booth equipment, wood shop equipment and heavy machinery.

Physical Demands: 

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 80 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The employee will comply with company and OSHA standard workplace safety protocols. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Schedule: 

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Supervisor Responsibilities: 

This position does require supervisory responsibility.

Travel

This position will require some travel (10%-25%)

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

IMPACT: Meow Wolf is committed to our DIY roots and grassroots community support principles. To document that commitment, we converted our legal designation into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation and have certified as a B Corporation. As a B Corp, we have a triple bottom line of supporting financial, social and environmental wellbeing in our community.

INCLUSION:  Meow Wolf is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to ensuring all employees enjoy and thrive in a work environment where differences make us the vibrant, wonderful community we are! All employment decisions at Meow Wolf are based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, service in the military or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

BENEFITS:

The choices we make concerning our benefits during enrollment periods are among the most important we select for ourselves and our families. As part of the total compensation package for full-time employees, Meow Wolf offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes various options to meet individual healthcare and financial needs along with many perks.  

• Medical Insurance options: PPO & HDHP*

• Dental and Vision Insurance*

• HSA, HRA, and FSA options*

• 401k Retirement Plan

• Company paid Life Insurance Policy and Disability Coverage(s)*

• Voluntary Critical Illness and Life Insurance Policies*

• Company Paid Employee Assistance Program

• Paid Parental Leave for 12 weeks

• Discount off Meow Wolf Gift Shop Merch and Cafes

• Admission to Meow Wolf attractions for employees and guests

*Regular or Project Based Full-time positions

Please visit www.meowwolf.com/careers for more information.