Sr CAD Architect – NPD

G&W Electric Company; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 98,872 - 128,577; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

A leading energy solutions provider in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is seeking a Senior CAD Architect to drive advanced CAD architecture and complex system layouts for their innovative switchgear product lines. The role requires expert-level experience in Creo along with strong leadership in CAD practices and the ability to translate high-level concepts into detailed designs. Competitive pay ranges from $98,872 to $128,577 annually, with great benefits including medical, dental, and tuition reimbursement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Demonstrated expertise across multiple G&W product lines (overhead and underground).
• Proven ability to translate abstract ideas into robust mechanical designs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior-level CAD expert and technical resource for product development.
• Apply product knowledge to guide architectural design decisions.
• Collaborate with teams to support concept development and new product initiatives.

Skills

Expert-level Creo experience

Strong understanding of GD&T and tolerance analysis

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Solid mechanical troubleshooting experience

Strong creative problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

Windchill

JD Edwards or similar ERP system

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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.

General

• 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.

Concept Development & Layout

• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Extensive experience in Research & Development environments.
• Expert–level Creo experience, including advanced modeling, large assemblies, and complex layouts.
• Creo Superuser or equivalent advanced certification.
• Extensive hands‑on experience with Windchill.
• Experience with JD Edwards or similar ERP system.
• Demonstrated experience developing designs from concept through production.
• Demonstrated expertise across multiple G&W product lines (overhead and underground).
• Deep knowledge of power distribution equipment and switchgear systems.
• 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.

What we offer you

Typical pay is $98,872 – 128,577 annually.

Please note the pay information shown above is a general guideline. Pay is based upon candidate skills, experience, and qualifications.

This position is eligible for participation in our Quarterly Incentive Pay Program.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Short and Long‑Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Health club membership program and reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 401(k)
• Annual Profit Sharing
• Vacation
• Air‑conditioned/heated state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility

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.