Freelance Cad Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Elevation3D, we design, build, and deliver immersive brand experiences that bring ideas to life. As a full-service exhibit, event, and environment company, we specialize in creating custom trade show exhibits, experiential activations, and architectural installations for some of the most recognizable brands in the world.

Position Overview:

The CAD Manager is a working technical leader responsible for producing high-quality CAD detailing while providing leadership and direction to the Las Vegas CAD team. This position is expected to maintain an active project workload, with approximately 85% of time dedicated to CAD detailing and technical execution, and 15% focused on team leadership, coaching, and departmental management.

The CAD Manager ensures drawings are accurate, manufacturable, and delivered on schedule while promoting consistency in drafting standards, SOP compliance, and best practices. This role partners closely with the CAD Manager in the Shrewsbury office to maintain a unified CAD department across both locations and works collaboratively with Design, Project Management, Shop, Assembly, and Operations to continuously improve quality, efficiency, and execution.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Las Vegas CAD team through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Assign, prioritize, and balance workloads across the team to meet project deadlines.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and support employee growth and development.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and training new CAD Detailers.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solution-oriented team culture.
• Promote consistency in drafting standards, documentation, and best practices.
• Maintain approximately an 85% project workload while dedicating 15% of time to leadership, coaching, quality oversight, and process improvement.
• Ensure all team members consistently follow established CAD standards and department SOPs.
• Reinforce accountability for quality, consistency, and adherence to processes through reviews and coaching.
• Partner closely with the Shrewsbury CAD Manager to maintain consistent detailing standards, workflows, templates, and best practices across both offices.
• Identify opportunities to improve department efficiency through standardization, automation, and continuous process improvement.

Project Execution

• Independently manage and complete assigned CAD detailing projects from concept through production.
• Create accurate 3D solid models, shop drawings, floorplans, electrical layouts, rigging plans, CNC parts files, and installation drawings.
• Review design concepts and collaborate with Design and Project Management to develop practical fabrication solutions.
• Support production teams by resolving technical questions throughout fabrication and installation.
• Balance personal project workload while providing guidance and support to the CAD team.
• Lead by example through hands-on detailing while demonstrating the quality, efficiency, and documentation standards expected of the CAD team.
• Collaborate proactively with Project Managers, Shop Foremen, Assembly teams, and Operations leadership to develop practical fabrication solutions and improve production workflows.
• Incorporate lessons learned from fabrication and installation into future detailing standards and department best practices.

Technical Oversight & Quality

• Review drawings prepared by team members to ensure accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance with company drafting standards.
• Ensure all technical documentation consistently follows established CAD standards, SOPs, naming conventions, and documentation practices.
• Continuously develop, maintain, and improve CAD standards, templates, block libraries, and department procedures.
• Drive consistency between the Las Vegas and Shrewsbury CAD departments by working closely with the Shrewsbury CAD Manager on standards, workflows, training, and quality expectations.
• Partner with the Shop Foreman, Assembly Leads and Operations Manager to identify production challenges and implement detailing improvements that increase manufacturing efficiency and installation success.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for complex detailing challenges, fabrication methods, and constructability reviews.
• Promote continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to simplify processes, reduce rework, improve communication, and enhance overall project execution.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience within a CAD detailing, engineering, or fabrication environment.
• Strong understanding of exhibit fabrication, cabinetry, millwork, and custom environments.
• Ability to successfully balance leadership responsibilities with an active project workload.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Highly detail-oriented with strong time management abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Willingness to work extended hours and weekends when project schedules require.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and enforce department standards while coaching others toward consistent execution.
• Experience collaborating with production, fabrication, and operations teams to improve manufacturing processes and project outcomes.
• Strong commitment to continuous improvement, process discipline, and cross-functional collaboration.

Technical Skills

• Expert proficiency in AutoCAD 2020+, including advanced 3D modeling and technical drafting.
• Experience using Mastercam X9 or newer to generate CNC parts files.
• Familiarity with beMatrix aluminum extrusion systems.
• Strong knowledge of trade show fabrication methods, production workflows, utility drawings, and installation requirements.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of CAD detailing experience within the trade show, exhibit, millwork, or custom fabrication industry.
• Previous experience leading or mentoring a technical team.
• Experience implementing process improvements and department standards.

In-Office Position

Salary: Starting at $100,000 - Based on Experience