Freelance Fabrication Technical Designer/Drafting

3RD AVE; United States; On-site; USD 41,328 - 110,208; Part time

Job summary

3RD AVE is seeking a Freelance Technical Designer/Drafter to support fabrication and construction projects. This remote role requires strong technical drafting experience in fabrication, themed environments, and retail builds. Responsibilities include producing technical drawing packages, translating concept drawings into buildable shop drawings, and solving technical challenges. Ideal candidates are strong communicators who can independently manage project deadlines. Compensation is project-based, with a focus on real-world fabrication experience.

Qualifications

• Strong technical design experience in fabrication and construction.
• Ability to detail for wood, metal, plastics, and mixed-material builds.
• Comfortable working from incomplete information and solving details proactively.

Responsibilities

• Produce clear technical drawing packages for fabrication and construction.
• Translate concept drawings into buildable shop drawings.
• Revise drawings quickly based on internal review or field conditions.

Skills

Technical drafting for fabrication

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Proficiency in Rhino

Proficiency in SolidWorks

Understanding materials and assembly methods

Tools

AutoCAD

Rhino

SolidWorks

SketchUp

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Overview

Project-Based | Experiential Fabrication / Construction

Freelance / Remote

We are seeking a Freelance Technical Designer / Drafter to support our fabrication and construction projects on a project-by-project basis. This role is for someone who understands how things are actually built — not just drawn — and can translate design intent into accurate technical documentation for fabrication, client review, and shop execution.

This is a remote freelance position, but responsiveness, communication, and reliability are critical. The ideal candidate has strong experience in technical drafting for fabrication, construction, themed environments, retail builds, experiential projects, or custom structural elements.

Required Software Proficiency

Candidate must be highly proficient in at least one of the following:

• AutoCAD
• Rhino
• SolidWorks

Additional experience in SketchUp, Adobe Creative Suite, or BIM-based workflows is a plus.

Core Responsibilities

• Produce clear technical drawing packages for fabrication and construction
• Translate concept drawings, renderings, and design intent into buildable shop drawings
• Create plans, elevations, sections, details, and material callouts
• Develop drawing sets that can be used by fabrication teams, vendors, and installers
• Solve technical challenges through practical detailing and construction logic
• Coordinate with project management, fabrication leadership, and field teams as needed
• Revise drawings quickly based on internal review, engineering comments, or field conditions
• Assist in developing efficient build methods and identifying fabrication risks early
• Prepare files for CNC, production, or vendor coordination when required
• Maintain drawing accuracy, organization, and version control

Required Experience

• Strong technical design experience in fabrication, custom construction, scenic, experiential, themed entertainment, retail, millwork, or architectural build environments
• Must understand materials, assembly methods, tolerances, and installation realities
• Ability to detail for wood, metal, plastics, scenic finishes, and mixed-material builds
• Experience producing drawings that are actually used in fabrication shops
• Comfortable working from incomplete information and helping solve details proactively

Ideal Candidate

• Thinks like a builder, not just a drafter
• Fast, accurate, and practical
• Strong communicator
• Able to work independently and hit deadlines
• Understands fabrication schedules and production pressure
• Can ask smart questions early rather than create downstream problems

Engagement Structure

• Freelance / Independent Contractor
• Remote
• Project-based workload depending on active production schedule
• Hourly or per-project compensation depending on scope and experience

Important Note

This role supports active fabrication work. Candidates should have real-world experience detailing projects that move into production, not strictly conceptual or architectural drafting alone.