Drafter / Designer – Truck Bodies, Trailers & Metal Fabrication

Goodwin Recruiting; Somerset (Somerset County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwin Recruiting is seeking a Drafter/Designer in Somerset, NJ to develop detailed drawings, 3D models, and specifications for truck bodies, trailers, and fabricated metal products. The role links design with production by preparing drawings, BOMs, and complete work order packages.

The ideal candidate combines drafting skills with manufacturing knowledge, strong organization, and the ability to mentor junior drafters and designers.

Qualifications

• Experience with 3D modeling and design using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
• Ability to translate sketches, parts, and instructions into accurate manufacturing drawings.
• Prepare bills of materials and organized production documentation.
• Familiarity with ERP, inventory, and project management systems.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed drawings and 3D models from sketches, existing parts, and instructions.
• Modify existing designs to meet customer and work order requirements.
• Prepare bills of materials identifying materials and labor requirements for production.
• Process sales work orders into complete production packages, including drawings and BOMs.
• Prepare and reproduce drawings for production teams.
• Create proposal drawings to help visualize products and design options.
• Develop programs for computer-controlled production equipment.
• Maintain a shared database tracking work orders moving through engineering and production.
• Coordinate work assignments with the Engineering Manager and identify resource shortages.

Skills

Drafting & design

Education

Associate degree or equivalent

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

Seeking a Drafter / Designer with experience in Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD to develop detailed drawings, 3D models, and specifications for truck bodies, trailers, related equipment, and fabricated metal products.

This role connects design with production by preparing accurate drawings, bills of materials, and complete work order packages. The ideal candidate combines technical drafting skills with manufacturing knowledge, strong organization, and the ability to mentor less experienced team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Create detailed drawings and 3D models from sketches, existing parts, and written or verbal instructions.
• Modify existing designs to meet specific customer and work order requirements.
• Prepare bills of materials identifying materials and labor requirements for production.
• Process sales work orders into complete production packages, including drawings, bills of materials, purchasing requisitions, and vendor instructions.
• Prepare and reproduce drawings for production teams.
• Create proposal drawings to help sales teams and customers visualize products and design options.
• Develop programs for computer-controlled production equipment.
• Maintain a shared database tracking work orders moving through engineering and production.
• Coordinate work assignments with the Engineering Manager and identify resource shortages.
• Track engineering progress and communicate potential schedule delays.
• Identify opportunities to improve engineering workflows, accuracy, and efficiency.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead work teams on specific assignments as needed.
• Train and mentor less experienced drafters and designers.
• Share technical knowledge and support team development.
• Help coordinate assignments and monitor progress with guidance from the Engineering Manager.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with 3D modeling and design using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.
• Ability to independently perform drafting and design work beyond the junior level.
• Ability to translate sketches, physical parts, and technical instructions into accurate manufacturing drawings.
• Ability to prepare bills of materials and organized production documentation.
• Strong mathematical skills, including algebra, geometry, proportions, percentages, area, and volume.
• Ability to interpret complex technical instructions and solve practical design problems.Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and communicate changes.
• Familiarity with ERP, manufacturing, inventory, and project management systems, along with spreadsheet and word processing software.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Associate degree in a related technical field; or a high school or postsecondary technical diploma with approximately two years of related experience or training.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Quality & Safety

• Follow and actively support the ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
• Maintain accurate documentation and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Follow safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment when working in fabrication areas.
• Demonstrate accountability, professionalism, and respectful teamwork.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

Work includes computer-based design activities and time in the fabrication shop as needed. Shop conditions may include moving mechanical equipment, fumes or airborne particles, vibration, electrical hazards, and moderate noise.

The position regularly requires sitting and using hands, with frequent reaching and communication. Occasional standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling may be required. Duties include frequently lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision requirements include close vision, color recognition, and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.