Sr. Facilities Designer

North Wind; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

North Wind is seeking a Senior Facilities Designer to develop drawings and schematics for aerospace facilities. This role involves collaborating with engineering teams, managing drawing workflows, and ensuring project deadlines are met. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in large-scale equipment design and proficiency with CAD software.

Education in Architectural or Engineering Drafting is preferred along with strong communication skills. This position may allow for location flexibility across satellite engineering offices in the US.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of related experience, preferably in aerospace, industrial facilities, or large-scale equipment design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload effectively.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status is required.

Responsibilities

• Generate concept and schematic building drawings for handoff to local A&E firms.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop facility layouts.
• Manage drawing and Bill of Material creation, updates, and release workflows.
• Prioritize tasks and manage design workflow to maintain budgets.
• Maintain drawing accuracy through timely incorporation of updates.

Skills

2D and 3D CAD modeling

SolidWorks

Revit

AutoCAD

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Education

Associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting or Engineering Drafting

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Overview

Join North Wind – Accelerating Hypersonic Innovation. At North Wind, we are advancing hypersonic technologies through cutting-edge research, system development, and flight testing. Our team drives innovation in high-speed aerodynamics, propulsion systems, and mission-critical components, supporting every phase of hypersonic programs—from research and development to flight testing. Satellite engineering offices across the US are available, so location constraints are potentially flexible.

Senior Facilities Designer

Responsible for the efficient development of drawings, schematics, and design documentation for aerospace ground test facilities, wind tunnels, and other specialized environments. Produces concept-level facility layouts as well as detailed fabrication and installation drawings for specialized structural equipment. Works closely with Structural Facilities Engineers and with engineering teams across multiple disciplines to support predominantly custom, one-off facility, building, and structural equipment designs.

Responsibilities

• Drawing / Drafting (35%) - Generate concept and schematic building drawings for handoff to local A&E firms and produce detailed fabrication and installation drawings using parametric and associative modeling methods. Apply internal drafting standards and Y14.5 principles where appropriate, develop clear and complete annotations, and incorporate redlines from engineering, field services, and document control to maintain accuracy.
• Design (30%) - Collaborate closely with engineering teams to develop facility layouts and structural equipment and interface designs by translating sketches and design intent into accurate CAD models. Evaluate fits and clearances, reference existing designs where applicable, and prepare model views and documentation to support design reviews and technical discussions.
• BOM & Release Management (15%) - Manage drawing and Bill of Material creation, updates, and release workflows within PDM and ERP systems, maintaining clear revision control. Communicate release status to procurement, subcontract managers, assembly teams, and installation teams to support smooth project execution and material planning.
• Budget and Schedule Management (15%) - Prioritize tasks and manage design workflow to maintain labor budgets and schedules. Coordinate with project managers and engineers to ensure cohesive progress. Maintain accountability for drawing release commitments and minimize rework through proactive planning and communication.
• Support & Closeout (5%) - Maintain drawing accuracy through timely incorporation of field markups and as-built updates, and provide guidance to fabrication, procurement, assembly, and installation personnel as needed. Complete baselining and final documentation activities to support project closeout requirements and ensure accurate, complete records for long-term facility operation.

Qualifications

Preferred Education / Experience

• Associate’s degree in Architectural Drafting, Engineering Drafting, or related discipline
• 10+ years of related experience, preferably in aerospace, industrial facilities, or large-scale equipment design.
• A combination of education and experience equivalent to above.
• Due to security requirements, US Person status is required.

Preferred Knowledge / Ability

• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD modeling; SolidWorks, Revit, and AutoCAD preferred
• Experience in construction and/or installation and fabrication.
• Exposure to structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Experience supporting industrial or aerospace test facilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize workload effectively.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-disciplinary communication skills.
• Able to work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally. Travel typically is less than 10%.