Drafter/Engineering Designer

Rasmussen Mechanical Services; Council Bluffs (IA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Rasmussen Mechanical Services is seeking an experienced Engineering Designer to bring mechanical projects to life on screen and in the field. You will create 3D models, P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for HVAC, piping, boilers, and process equipment from site scans and client data.

Expect collaboration with welders, fitters, and field crews to ensure drawings are buildable. The role emphasizes hands-on Plant 3D skills, a trade background a plus, and occasional travel to

Qualifications

• 3+ years of drafting and 3D modeling experience with piping or mechanical systems.
• Hands-on AutoCAD Plant 3D experience — this one's a must.
• A trade background is a plus; welding, pipefitting, or fabrication experience helps.
• A track record of drawings that field crews can actually build from.
• Strong attention to detail and good time management.
• People skills: able to work with engineers, project managers, field crews, and customers.
• Valid driver's license; able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Willing to travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning.

Responsibilities

• Building the model: 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans.
• Drafting for the field: P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings.
• Scoping new work: walking job sites with project managers and sales engineers.
• Winning the job: producing proposal drawings and renderings.
• Staying grounded: coordinating with welders and field staff to ensure drawings are buildable.

Skills

AutoCAD Plant 3D

3D modeling

P&IDs

Drafting

Fabrication drawings

FARO 3D scanning

Tools

FARO 3D scanning

Job description

EXPLORE CAREERS AT RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL SERVICES

Rasmussen Mechanical Services 1.31K subscribers

Join a family-owned company that values its employees above all else. With over 50 years of experience in commercial and industrial equipment, we've grown from a two-person team to 10 locations, 10 departments, and over 200 technicians across the Midwest—built for the long haul.

Council Bluffs, IA • Mechanical Design & 3D Modeling

Since 1970, Rasmussen Mechanical Services has been a family-owned mechanical contractor working across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. We've grown to over 200 people across seven locations, but we've kept the small-shop feeling that's made people stay with us for 20, 30, even 37 years.

We're looking for an experienced Engineering Designer to join the family — someone with real AutoCAD Plant 3D chops, ready for more interesting work. Bonus points if you've also got hands‑on welding or fabrication experience — knowing how a spool actually gets built makes for better drawings.

The Work

You'll bring mechanical projects to life on the screen before they're built in the field: 3D modeling, P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for everything from commercial HVAC systems to complex industrial piping, boilers, and process equipment. A typical week might include:

• Building the model. Building 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans of customer facilities.
• Drafting for the field. P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings the shop and field crews can actually build from.
• Scoping new work. Walking job sites with project managers and sales engineers to scope new work.
• Winning the job. Producing proposal drawings and renderings that help customers say yes.
• Staying grounded. Sitting down with our welders, fitters, and field techs to make sure what you're drawing makes sense to build.

If You've Ever Built What Someone Else Drew

Some of the best designers we know came up through the trades — fitters, welders, fab shop detailers — people who spent years building from other people's drawings and thought, I could draw this better.

If that's you, we want to talk. Knowing how a spool actually gets fabricated, rigged, and fitted in a tight mechanical room is knowledge you can't teach in a CAD class, and it shows up in every drawing you produce. We'll get you the rest.

And if you love the satisfaction of seeing your drawings turn into real, working systems — this is your kind of team.

Why People Stay at RMS

• Family-owned, and it shows. The Rasmussens are still here. Leadership is accessible, decisions get made quickly, and people get treated like people.
• Variety you won't get elsewhere. Ten specialized departments — HVAC, boilers, mechanical construction, controls, reliability, and more — so no two projects look alike.
• Modern tools, and training to match. FARO 3D scanning and AutoCAD Plant 3D, with company‑provided training and continuing investment in your skills.
• Your drawings get built. Not shelved, not value‑engineered into oblivion by someone three states away. Built — by our own crews, usually within a few miles of your desk.
• Industry‑leading pay and benefits, plus a culture that takes work‑life balance seriously.
• A genuinely good place to work. Modern offices, 24/7 gym, golf simulator, team lunches — and yes, “fun” really is one of our core values.

What You Bring

• Experience. 3+ years of drafting and 3D modeling experience with piping or mechanical systems.
• Plant 3D skills. Hands‑on AutoCAD Plant 3D experience — this one's a must.
• A trade background is a plus. Welding, pipefitting, or fabrication experience is a strong plus — you don't need a degree if you know how things get built and can draw it.
• A track record. Producing drawings that field crews can actually build from.
• The right habits. Strong attention to detail and good time management.
• People skills. Comfortable working with engineers, project managers, field crews, and customers.
• The basics. Valid driver's license; able to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Flexibility. Willing to occasionally travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning.

Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning — typically day trips, with occasional overnight stays. You'll need to be able to lift 25–30 lbs occasionally and sit at a workstation for extended periods.

Rasmussen Mechanical Services is an equal opportunity employer

I started here as a Service Coordinator and have grown into the Project Manager role. One of the things I appreciate most about Rasmussen Mechanical Services is the trust and autonomy they give employees. You’re empowered to make decisions and take ownership of your work without being micromanaged. Leadership is approachable, and the open‑door policy isn’t just talk—it’s real. Whether you need advice or want to bounce ideas off someone, there’s always support. It’s a place where hard work is recognized, and you truly feel valued as part of the team.

ALLY - EVENT COORDINATOR

This is a great place to work. Though the company has grown, it still has the “small family owned” feeling. The owners are present, management is positive and helpful and everyone is willing to help each other out. “Fun” is a core value of RMS and it shows. They’ve got games and a golf simulator in their recreation room and are consistently hosting employee pizza parties, lunches, golf outings, etc.

The building is brand new and has a very modern vibe with private offices and open community gathering space.Fully outfitted gym open 24/7 is a HUGE plus, too.

RYAN - PROJECT MANAGER

I’ve been with Rasmussen Mechanical Services for 9 years, and and what stands out the most is the company’s commitment to a good work-life balance. In my role I have the flexibility to manage my responsibilities while still making time for what matters outside of work. The leadership here understands that people need both support and freedom to succeed. RMS has given me the freedom to learn, grow and succeed with support and direction when I needed it. It’s a place where integrity isn’t just a word—it’s how we do business every day.

GAIL - MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

I’ve worked here for almost 37 years and helped Rasmussen grow from a handful of employees to over 200 at 7 locations. From the beginning, quality service to the customer was how we strengthened those relationships. Keeping that mindset is how we’ll continue to grow. When I started Erv Rasmussen and I ran several service calls every hour of the day and holidays. He would be very proud to see what Rasmussen has become.

TIM - DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PROJECTS

I started at Rasmussen Mechanical Services as a technician and, over time, transitioned into project management before stepping into my current role as Director of Corporate Projects. Hard work is noticed, and if you’re willing to put in the effort, there’s no limit to where you can go. The Rasmussen’s truly supports career development, giving employees the tools, training, and trust to take on bigger roles. It’s a place where you can build a long‑term career, not just a job.

NICOLE - LOCATION MANAGER

I’ve worked at Rasmussen Mechanical Services for over 20 years, and what I enjoy most is its family‑owned culture that treats you like family. Rasmussen provides growth opportunities, which I’ve experienced firsthand throughout my career. I’ve worked in accounting, recruiting, and now as a location manager. It’s a company that values its employees and customers while fostering a fun atmosphere. The support and camaraderie make it a place you enjoy coming to every day.