CAD/Design Manager

The Next Level of Fire & Life Safety Leadership

With more than two centuries of combined history, brands like Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech have been leading the way in protecting people and property around the world. Now, we’re taking that leadership to the next level. Kidde Global Solutions brings together the most trusted and iconic brands in safety, building upon our shared experience and expertise to address the needs and challenges of more customers in more places. With an unmatched portfolio of solutions and services, and a commitment to constant innovation we’re elevating the standards for an entire industry – and establishing the next level of fire and life safety leadership.

At Kidde Global Solutions, you’re joining a global technology leader in fire and life safety solutions and our employees are the heart of it all. With industry-defining brands in life safety and security, you’ll be part of a legacy of leadership working with cutting-edge technologies that protect lives and property worldwide. As a leading fire safety brand, our mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. We’re committed to expanding our impact and providing dynamic opportunities for growth within our team. You’ll be part of a company that prioritizes quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, with the resources, training, and incentives to ensure your success every step of the way.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and be part of an innovative, mission-driven team, apply now!

CAD/Design Manager

Location: Remote US

Base Salary Rate: $130,203 – $153,180 per year

Job type: Full-time position

About This Role

The CAD/Design Manager is responsible for leading and managing the design engineering and CAD team in the development of fire alarm and life safety system designs. This position oversees departmental operations, ensures design quality and compliance, develops team capabilities, manages workloads and project schedules, and drives continuous improvement in design processes and standards.

The CAD/Design Manager serves as a leader for all design resources, supporting sales, project management, field operations, and customers through the delivery of accurate, code-compliant, and cost-effective design solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of CAD designers, BIM specialists, and design engineers.
• Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, and development plans.
• Conduct performance reviews, coaching sessions, and career development planning.
• Recruit, onboard, and train new design staff.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Resource Planning & Project Management

• Manage design department workload, capacity planning, and resource allocation.
• Prioritize assignments to ensure adherence to project schedules and customer commitments.
• Coordinate with sales, project management, service operations, and field teams regarding project requirements.
• Monitor departmental KPIs related to design production, turnaround times, quality, and utilization.
• Identify and mitigate resource constraints and project risks.

Design Oversight

• Ensure all drawings, calculations, and design packages meet company standards and applicable codes.
• Review and approve design deliverables prior to customer submission.
• Establish and maintain standard design practices, templates, and documentation.
• Support complex design reviews and provide technical guidance to the design team.
• Oversee BIM coordination and clash detection activities when applicable.

Technical & Code Compliance

• Maintain expertise in applicable industry standards including:
  • NFPA 72
  • NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
  • International Building Code (IBC)
  • International Fire Code (IFC)
  • Local AHJ requirements
  • Applicable UL/FM standard

• Ensure designs comply with customer specifications, contractual requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support permitting activities and AHJ coordination as required.

Process Improvement

• Develop and implement best practices for design production and project execution.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through technology, automation, and process standardization.
• Manage CAD standards, drawing libraries, design tools, and software platforms.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase productivity and quality.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with project managers to support project execution and customer satisfaction.
• Support field operations through design clarifications and technical issue resolution.
• Participate in customer meetings, project reviews, and strategic initiatives as required.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 5+ years of experience in fire alarm, life safety, security, or low-voltage systems design.
• 2+ years of leadership experience managing design, CAD, or engineering teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Drafting, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
• Experience supporting large-scale commercial and national account projects preferred.
• Working knowledge of project delivery processes within construction and service environments.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit.
• Experience with BIM coordination and 3D modeling preferred.
• Strong understanding of fire alarm system design and life safety codes.
• Experience utilizing design and project collaboration platforms.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

Compensation and Benefits

Individuals may be eligible for an annual performance bonus based on both individual and company’s performance. The final compensation for this position will be set based on the individual’s knowledge, skills, and experience as it relates to the job requirements. Kidde Global Solutions is committed to providing a competitive benefits package to our employees including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan, paid time off (vacation, sick, company holidays), 401(k) with employer match, EAP assistance, and more.

World Leaders in Fire and Life Safety

Kidde Global Solutions is a world leader in fire & life safety solutions tailored for complex commercial facilities to homes. Through iconic, industry-defining brands including Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, Gloria and Aritech, we provide residential and commercial customers with advanced solutions and services to protect people and property in a wide range of applications, all around the globe.

Kidde Global Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Requires a high school diploma, 5+ years designing fire alarm, life safety, security, or low-voltage systems, and 2+ years leading design, CAD, or engineering teams. AutoCAD and Revit proficiency preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• leading designers
• managing workloads
• reviewing designs

Skills & Tools

AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, Microsoft Office

Job Details

• Category: Engineering
• Seniority: Senior Level
• Commitment: Full Time
• Workplace: Remote — United States
• Salary: USD 130,203 – 153,180 / year
• Languages: English

Benefits

• 401k matching
• Generous paid time off
• Retirement plan

About Kiddeglobal

A global technology leader providing fire and life safety solutions and services. — Industry: Manufacturing