Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States (On-site)
Position Overview
Structural Steel Detailer
Company: Thorough Built, LLC
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States (On-site)
Job Description
Thorough Built, LLC is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Structural Steel Detailer to join our production team in Chattanooga, TN. In this role, you will be responsible for creating precise 3D structural models, detailed shop fabrication drawings, anchor bolt plans, and field erection drawings for a range of structural and miscellaneous steel projects.
Working directly alongside our project managers, structural engineers, and shop fabrication crew, you will ensure every model and drawing package is buildable, accurate, and compliant with project specifications and industry standards.
Key Responsibilities
- 3D Modeling & Drawing Production: Construct precise 3D structural models and extract clean, comprehensive shop fabrication drawings, erection plans, anchor bolt layouts, and bill of materials (BOM) lists using Tekla Structures or SDS2.
- Contract Document Analysis: Thoroughly review architectural plans, engineering blueprints, and contract specifications to establish project scope, connection geometry, and material requirements.
- Clash Detection & RFI Management: Proactively identify spatial conflicts, design gaps, or constructability issues early in the modeling phase; draft and track Requests for Information (RFIs) to maintain project schedules.
- Standards & Compliance: Ensure all modeling and detailing strictly align with AISC guidelines, local building codes, contract specifications, and internal shop fabrication preferences.
- Fab Shop Integration & Field Support: Generate and check CNC machine files (NC/DSTV) for automated shop equipment and serve as the primary detailing contact for shop managers and field erection crews during fabrication and assembly.
Required Qualifications
- Steel Detailing Experience: Minimum 3–5 years of hands-on structural steel detailing experience in a commercial or industrial setting.
- Software Proficiency: Minimum 3 years of active, daily professional experience using Tekla Structures or SDS2.
- Contract Reading Mastery: Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and cross-reference complex architectural and structural engineering drawing sets.
- Technical & Industry Knowledge: Firm grasp of AISC standards, standard structural shapes, structural connection design (bolted and welded), framing systems, and standard shop/field erection methods.
- Precision & Spatial Reasoning: Exceptional spatial visualization, mathematical accuracy, and meticulous attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience detailing miscellaneous metals (e.g., stairs, handrails, ladders, platforms, and dunnage).
- Direct experience generating, verifying, and troubleshooting CNC data files (.nc1 / DSTV) for automated shop processing.
- Proficiency with complementary tools such as AutoCAD, Navisworks, or Trimble Connect.
- Familiarity with steel management/tracking platforms (e.g., FabSuite, FabTrol, STRUMIS, or Smartsheet).
What We Offer
- Competitive compensation matched to experience and technical capability.
- Comprehensive healthcare benefits, including Direct Primary Care (DPC), dental, and vision options.
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holiday schedule.
- Retirement plan with company match.
- Ongoing software training, professional development, and long-term career growth in a growing organization.