Job Summary Draftsman/Steel Detailer
The Draftsman / Steel Detailer is responsible for developing accurate fabrication drawings, erection drawings, shop details, and Bills of Material (BOMs) from engineering drawings, customer specifications, and project requirements. This position serves as a critical link between engineering, project management, purchasing, and shop production by ensuring fabrication packages are complete, accurate, and production-ready.
The Steel Detailer works closely with engineers, estimators, project managers, quality personnel, and shop supervisors to support safe, efficient, and high-quality fabrication operations.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities Draftsman/Steel Detailer
Drafting & Steel Detailing
- Prepare detailed fabrication drawings for structural steel, miscellaneous metals, industrial platforms, stairs, handrails, pipe supports, and custom fabricated assemblies.
- Develop erection drawings for field installation.
- Produce shop drawings from engineering design packages.
- Interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
- Create detailed part drawings with dimensions, weld symbols, tolerances, and material specifications.
- Generate assembly drawings for fabrication personnel.
Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Create complete Bills of Material.
- Verify material quantities.
- Identify material grades and sizes.
- Coordinate cut lists and purchasing requirements.
- Assist purchasing with material takeoffs.
Production Support
- Provide fabrication packages to production.
- Resolve shop drawing questions.
- Issue drawing revisions as required.
- Coordinate drawing changes with project management.
- Support fabrication sequencing to improve shop efficiency.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure drawings comply with:
- AISC standards
- AWS welding requirements
- Customer specifications
- Company drafting standards
- Verify dimensions prior to fabrication.
- Maintain revision control.
- Support quality inspections when required.
Project Coordination
- Participate in project kickoff meetings.
- Coordinate with:
- Engineers
- Project Managers
- Estimators
- Fabrication Supervisors
- QA/QC personnel
- Track drawing completion schedules.
- Assist with project closeout documentation.
Desired Qualifications Draftsman/Steel Detailer
Education
- Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent experience may be substituted for formal education.
Experience
- 3+ years of structural steel detailing experience preferred.
- Experience with sheet metal fabrication and ductwork layout preferred.
- Knowledge of structural steel fabrication and erection practices.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency with:
- Autodesk Inventor (preferred)
- AutoCAD
- Bluebeam Revu
- ProNest, SigmaNEST, or similar nesting software (preferred)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Knowledge of:
- Structural steel fabrication practices
- Ductwork and sheet metal fabrication
- Material optimization and nesting processes
- AWS welding symbols
- AISC standards
- Reading architectural and structural drawings
- CNC cutting equipment and file preparation
Competencies
- Strong attention to detail
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Organizational and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
- Effective communication and collaboration
- Customer-focused mindset
- Commitment to quality and accuracy
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
- Regularly lift up to 50 pounds.
- Ability to visit fabrication and production areas as needed.
- Must possess visual acuity necessary to review drawings and specifications.
Working Conditions
- Office environment with periodic exposure to fabrication shop conditions.
- Interaction with production personnel, customers, engineers, and project managers.
- Occasional travel to project sites or customer meetings may be required.