CAD Design Drafter

HMR Designs; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

HMR Designs in Chicago is seeking a CAD Drafter to create detailed scenic and furniture production drawings for custom event fabrication projects. You will convert design concepts into precise AutoCAD drawings and work with Design, Sales, Production, and Installation teams to ensure on-time delivery.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, creative, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in scenic, set, or interior design.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed scenic designs and production drawings using AutoCAD. Drawings include accurate dimensions, annotations, installation instructions, and details.
• Produce fabrication and assembly drawings for items moving into the shop.
• Create CNC files from production drawings as needed.
• Revise drawings based on design changes and production feedback.
• Verify dimensions, material specifications, and assembly details before drawings are released.
• Maintain organized drawing files and revision history.
• Manage assigned workload to meet production schedules with the project manager.
• Upload AutoCAD files to the company drive and maintain organized project folders.
• Communicate blockers and missing information proactively.
• Collaborate with Design, Sales, Production, and Installation teams.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Time management

Communication

Independent worker

Collaboration

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

The CAD Drafter is responsible for creating accurate scenic and furniture production drawings for custom event fabrication projects. This position works closely with the Design, Sales, Production, and Installation teams to convert design concepts into detailed design and fabrication drawings while ensuring projects are completed accurately, on schedule, and with complete documentation.

The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, creative, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced custom fabrication environment.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• 3-5 years of experience in scenic, set, or interior design.
• Familiarity with custom fabrication, exhibit development, or scenic fabrication.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent time management and ability to manage multiple competing deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with fabrication methods and materials, including wood, aluminum, acrylic, and steel.

Drafting

• Create detailed scenic designs and production drawings using AutoCAD. Drawings are to include accurate dimensions, annotations, installation instructions, and details.
• Produce fabrication and assembly drawings for items moving into the shop.
• Create CNC Files from production drawings as needed.
• Revise drawings based on design changes and production feedback.
• Verify dimensions, material specifications, and assembly details before drawings are released.
• Maintain organized drawing files and revision history

Project Coordination

• Manage assigned workload to meet production schedules in coordination with the project manager.
• Curiosity and eagerness to independently seek out information and resolve drawing questions from multiple sources, including the warehouse team, project management, design, sales, and production departments.
• Proactively communicate scheduling concerns or project delays to management.
• Participate in project meetings as needed to clarify scope and requirements.
• Work closely with the Shop manager to estimate materials needed and determine construction details.

Documentation

• Upload all AutoCAD files to the company drive at the end of each workday.
• Maintain organized project folders and file naming standards.
• Create installation guides and other production documentation as required.

Quality Control

• Identify and flag potential fabrication or installation issues during the drafting process.
• Maintain drafting standards and consistency across projects.
• Respond timely to production questions and revise drawings as necessary during fabrication.

Performance Expectations

The successful candidate will:

• Complete drawings accurately and by established deadlines.
• Maintain daily updates in the project management system.
• Upload any AutoCAD or other files that need to be created on local desktops to their respective HMR Direct drive job folders each workday.
• Communicate blockers and missing information proactively.
• Collaborate professionally with Design, Sales, Production, and Installation teams.

Compensation

Salary Range: $75,000–$85,000 annually , commensurate with experience, technical skills, and demonstrated ability to manage projects independently.

In addition to base salary, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored benefits in accordance with company policies.