Detailer Drafter

Job Title: Detailer / Drafter (Joists and Decking)

Job Description

This position offers an opportunity to work as a Detailer / Drafter focused on joist and decking projects, with openings for both entry-level and candidates. You will create accurate, constructible drawings and models that support structural steel and related fabrication work, while learning and growing under the guidance of a dedicated trainer. The role suits individuals who enjoy building, visualizing how parts fit together, and taking ownership of their work from concept through to completion.

Responsibilities

• Detail joists and decking accurately, producing clear and complete drawings and models for fabrication and construction.
• Apply strong drafting principles, including drawing clean, straight lines, maintaining correct dimension placement, and avoiding poor practices such as exploding dimensions.
• Use CAD software, primarily AutoCAD and other 3D modeling tools, while supporting the transition toward Tecla.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, construction plans, and structural documents to create precise construction and fabrication drawings.
• Visualize how components fit together and understand how design changes affect other elements in the structure, similar to assembling complex items without step-by-step instructions.
• Collaborate with project stakeholders, including engineering, fabrication, and other internal teams, to clarify requirements and resolve design questions.
• Ask questions proactively and seek clarification to ensure accuracy and constructability of drawings.
• Take ownership of assigned projects, managing your workload to complete detailing tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Support design, mechanical, and basic project management activities as needed to move projects forward.
• Contribute to overall team goals by producing accurate work quickly, supporting the bonus-driven focus on plant profitability and on-time delivery.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with AutoCAD or similar CAD software for drafting and detailing.
• Solid understanding of basic drafting principles, including drawing straight lines, correct dimensioning, and proper dimension placement.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction documents, and architectural or structural drawings.
• Ability to visualize three-dimensional structures and understand how individual parts fit and function together.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in creating construction and fabrication drawings.
• Motivated, driven mindset with the ability to take ownership of tasks and follow them through to completion.
• Willingness to ask questions, seek clarification, and avoid a passive approach to work.
• Comfort working with structural steel, steel joist detailing, or related fabrication concepts, or the ability to learn them quickly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 3D modeling and CAD programs is a plus.
• Familiarity with Tecla or similar structural detailing software is beneficial; willingness to learn during the transition is valued.
• structural steel, steel joist detailing, fabrication, machining, mechanics, wood truss work, or surveying is advantageous.
• Experience in civil drafting, architectural drafting, or structural drafting and design is helpful.
• Ability to work with construction documents and construction plans with minimal supervision.
• Project management skills are helpful, particularly in coordinating tasks and meeting deadlines.
• Experience reading and working from blueprints in a shop, plant, or construction environment is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to take on challenges, solve problems, and "conquer" new tasks with minimal hesitation.

Work Environment

The role is based in office environments that support focused, detail-oriented work. In one location, the office is described as fairly quiet, with each detailer working in an individual office, providing a calm setting for concentration and complex detailing tasks. In another location, offices are shared and there is more interaction and activity due to the proximity of the plant, sales, customer service, and shipping teams, creating a more dynamic atmosphere with frequent cross-functional contact. You will work primarily with CAD tools such as AutoCAD and other 3D modeling software, while supporting a transition toward Tecla. The culture emphasizes teamwork, shared goals, and collective success, with a quarterly bonus structure for office employees tied to the plant’s positive profit. This bonus serves as a rallying point that encourages accuracy, speed, and collaboration across the team. The environment includes informal recognition and small celebrations, such as birthday acknowledgments, which help maintain a sense of community even when larger team-building events are less frequent. Dress expectations are typical of an office-based technical role and may vary slightly depending on proximity to the plant.