Drafter / Estimator

Van Packer; Buda (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Van-Packer Company in Illinois is seeking a Drafter/Estimator to convert project drawings and specs into accurate layouts, cost estimates and submittal packages for stainless steel chimney and grease duct exhaust products. You will work with sales, engineering and manufacturing to ensure designs are compliant and cost-effective.

Candidates should have an associate degree or equivalent drafting/estimating experience, with SolidWorks and AutoCAD familiarity, and strong reading of drawings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or equivalent hands-on drafting/estimation experience.
• Proficient in SolidWorks; AutoCAD is a plus.
• Experience in mechanical drafting, estimating or quoting.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and architectural drawings accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication.

Responsibilities

• Analyze drawings and specs to define scope and materials.
• Develop layouts and shop drawings in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Prepare cost estimates and quotations with BOMs.
• Assemble submittal packages and installation instructions.
• Serve as a technical resource to sales and engineers.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to ensure fabricability and compliance.
• Recommend design changes to reduce costs while preserving quality.
• Manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Skills

Reading drawings

Attention to detail

Communication

Organizational skills

Drafting experience

Education

Associate degree in drafting or related tech

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Position Overview

Van-Packer Company manufactures listed chimney, venting and grease duct exhaust systems for commercial and industrial applications. We are hiring a Drafter / Estimator to turn project drawings and specifications into accurate system layouts, cost estimates and supporting documentation for our stainless steel chimney exhaust and kitchen grease duct exhaust products.

In this position, you will work alongside our sales team, the engineers and contractors who specify our systems, and the manufacturing team that builds them. Your work ensures each project is designed correctly, priced competitively and fabricated to the requirements of its listing.

Candidates with a solid drafting or estimating background are encouraged to apply. Prior experience with grease duct codes is not required; we provide structured training on our products and the standards that govern them.

Primary Duties

• Analyze architectural and mechanical drawings, project specifications and bid documents to define the scope, materials and configuration of each exhaust system.
• Develop system layouts, detail drawings and shop drawings in SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Prepare cost estimates and formal quotations, including material takeoffs, labor estimates and bills of material.
• Assemble submittal packages, installation instructions and engineering specifications for customer and inspector review.
• Serve as a technical resource to the sales team, specifying engineers and contractors on product selection and application questions.
• Coordinate with manufacturing to confirm that quoted designs are practical to fabricate and consistent with applicable listings.
• Recommend design alternatives that reduce cost while maintaining quality, code compliance and listing integrity.
• Manage multiple active projects at once and meet bid and submittal deadlines.

Required Skills and Experience

• Associate degree in drafting, mechanical engineering technology or a related discipline, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Working proficiency in SolidWorks. AutoCAD experience is a plus.
• Experience in mechanical drafting, estimating or quoting.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical and architectural drawings accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication, by phone and email.

Preferred Background

• Experience in commercial or industrial HVAC, ventilation products or stainless steel fabrication.
• Familiarity with NFPA 96, UL 1978 and UL 2221.
• Experience with ERP, quoting or product configurator software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

Training and Development

New team members receive structured onboarding that covers:

• Van-Packer product lines and system design practices.
• Applicable codes and listing standards, including NFPA 96, UL 1978 and UL 2221, and how listed assemblies shape design decisions.
• Our estimating and quoting process and ERP system.

Compensation and Benefits

• $20.00 to $23.00 per hour, commensurate with experience; overtime eligible
• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Ongoing professional development and training

Van-Packer Company 302 Mill Street, Buda, Illinois 61314 vpstack.com

Van-Packer is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.