Mechanical Drafter/Designer

Recruiting Resources, Inc.; California; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Recruiting Resources, Inc. is seeking a skilled CAD Drafter to join our California fabrication team. The role focuses on SolidWorks sheet metal design, producing parts, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings.

You will create flat-patterns, apply bend radii and K-factors, generate BOMs, and export accurate DXF/DWG files for laser cutting. Reverse engineering and on-site measurements are also part of the job.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of hands-on drafting/design experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment, including substantial SolidWorks sheet metal work.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, especially Sheet Metal, assemblies, and flat-pattern development.
• Ability to independently create sheet metal models and flat patterns with bend allowances, K-factors, and thickness.
• Experience reverse engineering parts using measurements and existing drawings.
• Ability to read fabrication drawings, tolerances, weld symbols, and material specs.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise SolidWorks 3D parts, assemblies, and detailed drawings for sheet metal components.
• Prepare fabrication-ready drawings with dimensions, tolerances, and material specs; export DXF/DWG patterns.
• Reverse engineer existing parts using measurements and available drawings.
• Perform shop and site measurements and document installation conditions.
• Maintain BOMs, part numbers, and revision records; ensure model and drawing consistency.
• Coordinate with engineering and fabrication staff to confirm manufacturability and installation requirements.
• Review drawings for accuracy and resolve shop questions through the approval process.
• Maintain organized project files and revision control.

Skills

SolidWorks Sheet Metal

Drafting

Manufacturing Drawings

Flat Pattern Development

Reverse Engineering

Education

Associate or Bachelor's degree in drafting/design technology

Tools

DXF/DWG Export

Job description

• Create and revise SolidWorks 3D parts, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings for sheet metal components, frames, guards, hoppers, chutes, and related equipment.
• Use SolidWorks Sheet Metal tools to create base flanges, edge flanges, bends, hems, reliefs, and flat patterns. Apply material thickness, bend radii, bend allowances, and K-factors appropriate to shop tooling.
• Prepare fabrication-ready drawings with dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, weld symbols, bend information, and assembly details. Export accurate DXF/DWG flat patterns for laser or waterjet cutting.
• Reverse engineer existing parts and equipment using field measurements, sketches, photographs, and available drawings. Reconstruct models and verify fit, interfaces, and missing dimensions.
• Perform shop and customer-site measurements using appropriate measuring tools; document installation conditions, clearances, and equipment connection points.
• Prepare and maintain as-built drawings that reflect verified fabrication and installation changes, field modifications, and final equipment configuration.
• Develop and maintain accurate bills of materials, part numbers, quantities, and revision records; keep models, drawings, and BOMs consistent.
• Coordinate with engineering, technical supervisors, and fabrication staff to confirm manufacturability, forming limits, weld access, assembly fit, and installation requirements.
• Review drawings for accuracy before release; resolve shop questions, investigate fit-up issues, and revise documentation through the established review and approval process.
• Maintain organized project files and revision control; ensure teams receive current approved drawings and support improvements that reduce errors, scrap, and rework.

Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of hands‑on drafting/design experience in a fabrication or manufacturing environment, including substantial SolidWorks sheet metal work.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks is required, particularly Sheet Metal, assemblies, manufacturing drawings, and flat‑pattern development. General CAD experience alone does not meet this requirement.
• Ability to independently create sheet metal models and flat patterns and apply bend allowances, K‑factors, material thicknesses, bend radii, and reliefs based on fabrication requirements.
• Experience reverse engineering physical parts or equipment and converting verified measurements into accurate 3D models and production drawings.
• Experience preparing as‑built drawings and incorporating documented shop and field changes into final project records.
• Ability to read and interpret fabrication drawings, dimensions, tolerances, weld symbols, and material specifications; practical understanding of cutting, bending, welding, and assembly processes.
• Proficiency with measuring tools such as tape measures, calipers, and angle gauges; ability to verify dimensions and identify incomplete or conflicting information.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in drafting/design technology, mechanical design, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, and problem‑solving skills; ability to manage multiple drawing assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate with shop personnel and engineers, accept design feedback, and follow drawing review, approval, and revision procedures.