Lead Designer - CAD

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Lead Designer - CAD

Company: Baker Hughes

Location: Montrose, Scotland, United Kingdom / Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Engineering Design & Operations

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead and coordinate design activities for complex oilfield subsurface components, systems, and controls equipment, ensuring adherence to stringent engineering and quality standards.

• Drive the execution of business goals and processes by guiding design teams, establishing drafting best practices, and developing standardized design documentation.

• Interpret engineering specifications to create robust 2D/3D CAD designs, 3D models, and Bills of Materials, validating against manufacturing and assembly requirements.

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the design function, focusing on risk reduction, cost optimization, and performance enhancement for oilfield equipment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a leadership position within engineering design, focusing on the CAD and technical drawing aspects of oilfield subsurface equipment. The emphasis on "Lead Designer" implies significant responsibility for team coordination, process adherence, and technical output quality, aligning with a senior individual contributor or early-stage management track within a specialized engineering discipline.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and organize design activities, establishing clear schedules, priorities, and implementing corrective actions to maintain project timelines and engineering integrity.

• Generate detailed mechanical designs from complex engineering specifications, performing rigorous verification against manufacturing and assembly practices, including comprehensive tolerance studies and fit-for-function validation.

• Strictly adhere to Design Process Management (DPM) protocols and ensure all drawings and documentation comply with established company and industry drawing standards.

• Define, manage, and deliver all design-related project components to meet specific contractual obligations and third-party certification requirements.

• Accurately interpret intricate engineering requirements, defining precise dimensions and tolerances to ensure components achieve specified fit, form, and function criteria.

• Secure and coordinate the allocation of necessary design resources, collaborating closely with engineering teams and diligently monitoring progress from initiation to completion.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential hazards within designs, ensuring full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) regulations and effectively incorporating lessons learned from past projects.

• Create comprehensive layout, detail, and assembly designs that meticulously address safety, environmental considerations, and structural integrity requirements.

• Drive continuous improvement within the design department by spearheading initiatives focused on risk reduction, cost savings, and overall performance enhancement of oilfield equipment.

• Develop detailed work packs, conduct thorough reviews of drawings, create essential test procedures (including FAT and prototype testing), and provide leadership to small, focused design teams.

• Produce precise layout, detail, fabrication, and assembly drawings in strict accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards for tolerancing and geometric dimensioning.

• Develop advanced 3D models and detailed drawings suitable for direct manufacture, utilizing company-mandated parametric modeling practices and standards.

• Create and meticulously maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) within designated documentation systems, ensuring they are ready for engineering approval.

• Provide robust support for design verification activities, including detailed tolerance analysis, formal design reviews, manufacturability assessments, and fundamental engineering calculations.

• Generate basic Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) procedures, prototype test procedures, and comprehensively document all test results for formal approval.

• Ensure all design documentation is accurately and systematically archived within the company's electronic document management systems (EDMS).

• Apply advanced <span style="overflow-wrap: break-word; display: inline; text-decoration: inherit; hyphens: auto;">design-for-manufacture</span> principles specifically tailored for machining, welding, and fabrication processes to optimize production efficiency and quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design execution, team leadership, process adherence, and continuous improvement, indicative of a senior role. The emphasis on ASME Y14.5, DPM, HSE, and specific manufacturing processes (machining, welding, fabrication) points to a need for deep practical knowledge in mechanical design for heavy industrial applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on CAD operations and the design of complex components and systems.

• Proven experience in a lead or senior designer capacity, demonstrating the ability to guide junior designers and manage design workflows.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrable expertise in utilizing modern 2D/3D CAD tools (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo) and a thorough understanding of drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5).

• Proficient in interpreting engineering specifications, technical drawings, and schematics to produce accurate design documentation.

• Strong understanding of materials science, welding techniques, heat treatment processes, and elastomer properties relevant to oilfield equipment.

• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, codes (e.g., API, ASME), and established design methodologies applicable to oilfield equipment.

• Proficiency with design and documentation software, including experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for document control and version management.

• Excellent personal and leadership skills, including assertiveness, positive communication, flexibility, versatility, determination, and the ability to adapt to changing work demands.

Preferred Skills:

• Exposure to Six Sigma methodologies and Lean manufacturing principles for process optimization and efficiency improvements.

• Familiarity with engineering calculation software such as Mathcad or similar tools for design validation.

• Experience with PDM/PLM systems for comprehensive product lifecycle management.

• Knowledge of fabrication processes, machining techniques, and assembly procedures specific to oilfield equipment.

• Experience in creating and reviewing Test Procedures (FAT, Prototype).

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience level is inferred from the "Lead" title and the blend of technical and leadership responsibilities. The "5-10" year range is a standard benchmark for such senior individual contributor roles in engineering design. The requirement for specific industry experience (oil & gas/energy) is a strong inference given the company's focus and the nature of the equipment designed.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive design projects that highlight your ability to translate engineering requirements into functional CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings.

• Each project within the portfolio should clearly demonstrate your role, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the final design outcomes, with a focus on process efficiency and design integrity.

• Include examples of detailed 3D models, 2D manufacturing drawings (with GD&T), and Bills of Materials (BOMs) to illustrate your technical proficiency.

• For each project, provide a brief overview of the design process followed, including any specific methodologies or standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5) you adhered to.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including workflow charts, standard operating procedures (SOPs) for CAD usage, and checklists for design reviews.

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to Design Process Management (DPM), including how you ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.

• Highlight any contributions to the development or standardization of design templates, drawing formats, or BOM structures to improve efficiency and consistency.

• Showcase an understanding of how design documentation integrates with PDM/PLM systems for version control, release management, and archiving.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are based on the "Lead Designer" title and the explicit mention of design processes, documentation, and standards. A candidate for this role would be expected to present tangible evidence of their design work and process adherence. The specifics are tailored to a CAD-focused engineering design role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: £45,000 - £65,000 per annum (Estimated)

Explanation of Estimate:

This estimated salary range for a Lead Designer - CAD in the UK, specifically in the Montrose/Aberdeen region, is based on several factors:

• Location: Scotland, particularly the North East (Aberdeen/Montrose), has a strong presence in the oil and gas sector, which can influence salary levels. However, it may not command the same premiums as major global hubs.

• Experience Level: The AI-identified experience level of 5-10 years for a "Lead" role aligns with mid-to-senior level compensation.

• Role Complexity: Leading design activities, managing teams, and working with complex oilfield equipment suggests a higher compensation bracket than a standard CAD designer.

• Industry Standards: Research into similar "Lead Designer," "Senior Mechanical Designer," or "Design Engineer" roles within the UK energy sector indicates this range.

• Company: Baker Hughes is a large, established global energy technology company, generally offering competitive compensation.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance & Wellbeing Programs: Access to initiatives promoting employee health, mental wellbeing, and flexible working arrangements where operationally feasible.

• Comprehensive Private Medical Care: Robust health insurance coverage including medical, often with options for dental and vision.

• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage: Financial protection for employees and their families in case of unforeseen events.

• Competitive Financial Programs: This could include participation in company pension schemes, potential for performance-based bonuses, or long-term incentive plans.

• Additional Voluntary or Elective Benefits: Options such as critical illness cover, accident insurance, or employee assistance programs.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for further training, certifications, and access to industry knowledge pertinent to oilfield technology and design.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, typical for full-time roles in the UK, with potential for overtime depending on project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation for the UK market, specifically considering the oil & gas hub of Aberdeen/Montrose. The benefits listed are directly extracted from the provided text and are presented with context relevant to operations professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy Technology / Oilfield Services. Baker Hughes operates globally, providing critical technology and services across the energy value chain, from upstream exploration and production to midstream and downstream operations. This industry context means a strong focus on safety, reliability, efficiency, and innovation in demanding environments.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Likely 10,000+ employees globally). As a major player in the energy sector, Baker Hughes has a significant global footprint, which implies structured processes, extensive resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths, but also potentially more hierarchical decision-making.

Founded: 1919. With over a century of history, Baker Hughes has a deep-rooted legacy in the energy industry, suggesting a culture that values experience, reliability, and established engineering principles, while also striving for innovation to remain competitive.

Team Structure:

• Operations Team Aspect 1: The design team is likely specialized within the Oilfield Sub-Surface division, comprising mechanical designers, CAD specialists, and potentially engineers with whom they collaborate closely. Team size for a lead position might range from 5-15 individuals.

• Operations Team Aspect 2: The reporting structure would typically involve the Lead Designer reporting to a Senior Engineering Manager or a Design Department Head, with direct oversight of a team of designers.

• Operations Team Aspect 3: Close collaboration is expected with cross-functional teams including Mechanical Engineers, Project Managers, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality Assurance personnel, and potentially procurement and R&D.

Methodology:

• Operations Process 1: Data Analysis and Insights Methods: Designs will be validated through tolerance analysis, simulations (if applicable), and performance reviews against engineering specifications and historical data. Lessons learned from previous projects will inform design choices.

• Operations Process 2: Workflow Planning and Optimization Strategies: The role emphasizes planning design activities, establishing clear schedules, and ensuring DPM compliance. Continuous improvement initiatives aim to optimize design workflows for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

• Operations Process 3: Automation and Efficiency Practices: Leveraging advanced 3D CAD tools, parametric modeling, and PDM systems are key to automating design tasks, standardizing outputs, and improving overall design efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.bakerhughes.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the provided description and general knowledge of Baker Hughes as a major energy technology company. The implications for operations professionals are focused on the structured environment, industry demands, and collaborative nature of such a large organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Individual Contributor or early-stage Management track within Engineering Design. It's a step beyond a standard designer role, requiring technical leadership, process ownership, and the ability to mentor junior team members. The scope includes end-to-end design responsibility for specific components or systems.

Reporting Structure: The Lead Designer will report to a higher-level engineering manager (e.g., Engineering Manager, Design Lead, or Department Head). They will directly supervise and guide a team of CAD designers and potentially junior engineers involved in the design process.

Operations Impact: The designs produced directly impact the safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of oilfield equipment, which are critical for Baker Hughes's revenue generation and market reputation. Effective design leadership ensures that products meet customer specifications, regulatory requirements, and manufacturing feasibility, thereby minimizing project delays and cost overruns.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to specialize further in specific areas of oilfield equipment design, advanced CAD techniques, or materials science.

• Leadership Development: Progression into roles such as Engineering Manager, Design Department Lead, or Project Engineering Manager, with increased responsibility for strategy, team management, and project oversight.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work on diverse projects, gaining exposure to manufacturing, project management, R&D, and sales engineering functions, broadening overall business acumen.

• Technical Expertise: Becoming a subject matter expert (SME) in specific product lines or design disciplines within Baker Hughes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Career growth is inferred from the "Lead" title and the typical progression paths within engineering and operations functions at large, established companies like Baker Hughes. The focus is on both technical specialization and management potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office and potentially workshop environment. This suggests a structured workday with direct access to colleagues, engineering resources, and manufacturing facilities.

Office Location(s):

• Montrose, Scotland, United Kingdom (Charlton Road)

• Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

These locations are key hubs for the oil and gas industry in the UK, offering a supportive ecosystem of related businesses and skilled professionals. Accessibility would depend on individual transport options to these specific sites.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect a dynamic workspace where direct interaction with engineers, manufacturing personnel, and project managers is frequent and encouraged for problem-solving and design validation.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to high-performance workstations equipped with advanced 2D/3D CAD software, PDM systems, and other relevant engineering design tools will be standard. Proximity to manufacturing floors may facilitate direct observation and feedback loops.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular team meetings, design reviews, and on-the-spot consultations with team members and stakeholders will be integral to the daily workflow, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, Monday to Friday. However, project deadlines and critical design phases may require flexibility, including potential overtime or adjusted schedules to meet demanding project timelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature of the role implies a collaborative office and workshop setting. The specific locations in Scotland are noted for their relevance to the energy sector. The context provided focuses on how the physical environment supports the operations and collaboration required for this design leadership role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your CV and portfolio by HR and potentially a senior engineering manager to assess technical qualifications, experience, and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Technical Interview: This will likely involve in-depth discussions about your CAD skills, experience with ASME Y14.5, knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, and past design projects. Expect to be asked about specific design challenges you've overcome.

• Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a short design exercise or present a detailed case study from your portfolio. This could involve interpreting a specification, proposing a design solution, or explaining your process for a complex project.

• Leadership & Team Fit Interview: Discussions focused on your leadership style, experience managing design teams, problem-solving approach, and how you handle conflict or differing opinions. This assesses your ability to integrate into the existing team culture.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a hiring manager or department head to discuss career aspirations, company vision, and finalize terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure & Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, highlighting key projects with clear titles, dates, and your specific role. Use a consistent format for each project.

• Process-Oriented Storytelling: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process (including tools and standards used), the challenges encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced reliability).

• Visual Impact: Use high-quality renderings, screenshots of CAD models, and clear manufacturing drawings. Annotate drawings to highlight key features, tolerances, and design considerations.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs. For example, "Reduced assembly time by 15%" or "Improved part tolerance by 0.05mm."

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Understand every detail of your portfolio projects, including the rationale behind design decisions, trade-offs considered, and lessons learned.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, ensure you fully understand the requirements, constraints, and objectives. Ask clarifying questions.

• Apply Relevant Standards: Demonstrate your knowledge of ASME Y14.5 and other relevant industry codes in your proposed solution.

• Focus on Process: Explain your thought process and the steps you would take to develop a robust design, even if you cannot complete the entire exercise within the given time.

• Communicate Effectively: Present your ideas clearly and concisely, just as you would in a design review meeting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application and interview process is structured based on typical practices for senior engineering and design roles in large industrial companies, with specific emphasis on portfolio presentation and technical competency relevant to CAD and mechanical design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 2D/3D CAD Software: Expertise in industry-standard tools such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, PTC Creo, or similar parametric 3D modeling software is essential. Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting is also highly likely.

• Product Data Management (PDM) / Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Systems: Experience with systems like Autodesk Vault, SolidWorks PDM, Siemens Teamcenter, or similar platforms for managing design data, version control, and workflow approvals.

• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) Software/Features: Tools integrated within CAD software or standalone applications used for defining and analyzing tolerances according to ASME Y14.5 standards.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tolerance Analysis Tools: Software integrated within CAD (e.g., Tolerance Analysis for Inventor) or standalone simulation tools used for validating dimensional stack-ups and ensuring component fit.

• Basic Calculation Tools: Familiarity with software like Mathcad or Excel for performing engineering calculations related to stress, material properties, or design parameters.

CRM & Automation:

• ERP/MRP Systems: While not direct CRM, familiarity with how design data (BOMs) feeds into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for manufacturing and procurement is beneficial.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with electronic document management systems for archiving and retrieving design documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are inferred from the job description's requirements for CAD proficiency, PDM systems, ASME Y14.5, and mention of Mathcad. These are standard tools for a Lead Designer in the mechanical engineering and manufacturing sector.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Quality: A core value emphasizing precision, accuracy, and adherence to standards in all design outputs to ensure product reliability and safety in critical oilfield applications.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering an environment where designers work effectively with engineers, manufacturing, and project teams, sharing knowledge and collectively solving complex problems.

• Safety & Compliance: A paramount value, ensuring all designs meet rigorous Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards and regulatory requirements.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging a mindset of seeking better, more efficient, and cost-effective design solutions, incorporating new technologies and methodologies.

• Accountability & Ownership: Empowering individuals to take responsibility for their designs, project deliverables, and the overall success of the design function.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The design team is integral to the product development lifecycle, requiring seamless interaction with engineering for specifications, manufacturing for feasibility, and project management for timelines.

• Process-Oriented Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive feedback during design reviews, focusing on improving processes, designs, and team efficiency.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, lessons learned, and technical insights among team members to elevate the collective expertise and problem-solving capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: Company culture and values are inferred from Baker Hughes's industry (energy technology, oilfield services) and the emphasis on technical leadership, design quality, and safety within the job description.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Diverse Project Demands: Balancing the needs of multiple projects with varying timelines, technical complexities, and stakeholder expectations simultaneously.

• Ensuring Design Compliance in a Regulated Industry: Consistently meeting stringent industry standards (e.g., ASME, API), HSE regulations, and specific client requirements for safety-critical equipment.

• Integrating Evolving Technologies: Adapting to new CAD software features, simulation tools, or manufacturing techniques while maintaining existing design workflows and standards.

• Leading and Mentoring Teams: Effectively guiding and motivating a team of designers, ensuring consistent quality and development, especially with varying skill levels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD & Simulation Training: Access to specialized courses on advanced modeling techniques, simulation software, or specific CAD modules relevant to oilfield equipment design.

• Industry Certifications: Opportunities to pursue certifications related to mechanical design, GD&T, or project management that can enhance career progression.

• Mentorship Programs: Potential to be mentored by senior engineers or leaders within Baker Hughes, or to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and technical guidance skills.

• Exposure to New Product Development: Involvement in the R&D phases of new product introductions, providing exposure to cutting-edge technology and innovation within the energy sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are derived from the nature of a lead design role in a complex, regulated industry like oilfield services, combined with typical career development pathways in large technology firms.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex mechanical design challenge you faced in a previous role and how you applied ASME Y14.5 principles to solve it. What was the outcome?" (Focus on problem-solving, technical application, and results.)

• "How have you led or mentored a design team? Provide an example of how you ensured quality and adherence to standards across the team's work." (Assess leadership, team management, and process adherence.)

• "Walk me through your process for developing a Bill of Materials (BOM) and ensuring its accuracy for manufacturing." (Test understanding of documentation, data integrity, and manufacturing integration.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Baker Hughes's role in the energy technology sector, and how do you see your design expertise contributing to our mission?" (Demonstrate research and alignment with company goals.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with manufacturing engineers to ensure designs are optimized for production?" (Assess cross-functional communication and understanding of manufacturing constraints.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose 2-3 key projects that showcase a range of skills, complexities, and problem-solving approaches.

• Focus on Your Role: Clearly define your specific contributions and responsibilities within each project.

• Tell a Compelling Story: Structure each project narrative with a clear beginning (problem/requirement), middle (your process/solutions), and end (outcome/impact).

• Highlight Technical Detail: Be ready to discuss specific CAD features, GD&T callouts, material selections, and manufacturing considerations.

• Quantify Impact: Use metrics to demonstrate the value of your design work (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements, lead time reduction).

• Be Prepared for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and lessons learned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation advice is tailored to a Lead Designer role, focusing on CAD, ASME standards, leadership, collaboration, and the presentation of a technical portfolio, all within the context of the oil and gas industry.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Lead Designer - CAD position:

• Submit your application through the Baker Hughes career portal link provided.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight specific CAD software proficiency (mentioning tools if known), experience with ASME Y14.5, PDM systems, and any relevant industry experience (oilfield, energy, heavy manufacturing). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a digital portfolio showcasing 2-3 key design projects. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your design process, technical solutions, and measurable outcomes, with a strong emphasis on CAD deliverables and GD&T application.

• Company & Role Research: Familiarize yourself with Baker Hughes's current projects, values, and the specific challenges within the oilfield subsurface sector. Understand the importance of HSE and design compliance in this industry.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, leadership approach, and technical expertise. Be ready to walk through your portfolio projects with detail and confidence, focusing on your problem-solving skills and impact.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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