Job Description
General Purpose of Job The successful candidate must be capable of stepping into an active manufacturing environment and contributing immediately with minimal training. This is not an entry-level drafting position. Candidates must have hands-on experience creating production-ready fabrication drawings and large assembly models for heavy industrial equipment or OEM machinery. This role works closely with engineering, welding, machining, plasma cutting, purchasing, and assembly teams to support manufacturing, improve product quality, maintain CAD systems, and ensure accurate documentation throughout the production process. This position also supports Autodesk Inventor and Vault administration, CAD standards, file management, and mentoring of lower-level designers and new hires. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Create and maintain detailed 3D models and assemblies in Autodesk Inventor. Generate fabrication drawings, weldment drawings, assembly drawings, and part prints for manufacturing. Design welded steel structures, fabricated components, brackets, guards, platforms, and mechanical assemblies. Create accurate flat patterns, cut lists, weldment documentation, and assembly instructions. Develop and revise hydraulic routing layouts and mechanical component integrations. Work directly with welders, machinists, plasma operators, and assembly technicians to resolve manufacturing issues. Assist engineering and shop personnel with measurements and as-built documentation. Ensure drawings contain all dimensions, weld symbols, tolerances, material specifications, and manufacturing details required for fabrication. Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials and part numbers within Epicor ERP. Maintain electronic engineering files, Autodesk Vault structure, and CAD standards. Create and maintain Inventor Content Center materials and engineering libraries. Support CAD software upgrades, workflows, and process improvements. Process engineering changes and customer-specific modifications. Design product improvements and cost-reduction modifications. Assist with field issues, retrofit documentation, and manufacturing support. Train and support lower-level designers and new engineering personnel. Collaborate with purchasing and production teams regarding materials and component specifications. Candidates must demonstrate advanced working knowledge of Autodesk Inventor including 3D modeling, weldments, large assembly management, multi-sheet fabrication drawings, sheet metal tools, flat patterns, BOM generation, revision management, derived parts and assemblies, and file organization. Strong understanding of Autodesk Vault administration, file management, and engineering workflows is required. Experience with Epicor ERP or similar ERP systems is strongly preferred. Candidates must have practical understanding of manufacturing processes including welding, machining, plasma cutting, forming, and mechanical assembly. Strong knowledge of weld symbols, fabrication standards, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing is required. Candidates should possess strong technical writing, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Candidates should have direct experience in heavy equipment manufacturing, industrial machinery, structural steel fabrication, material handling equipment, hydraulic equipment, or OEM manufacturing environments. Strong preference will be given to candidates with experience involving large welded assemblies, hydraulic systems, fabricated steel structures, machined components, and shop-floor manufacturing support. Experience supporting production environments and interacting directly with fabrication and assembly teams is required. OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSBILITIES : Supervisory Responsibilities As a Principal Designer there are no direct reports however this position is considered an expert in their field and as such, will be responsible for training lower level employees and new hires. Education HS diploma, Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school preferred. Minimum Qualifications Minimum of 5 years Autodesk Inventor experience in a manufacturing environment. 5–10 years of mechanical design or drafting experience preferred. Proven ability to create production-ready fabrication and assembly drawings. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Strong mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving ability. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to train and mento