Job Details

Join Our Team as a Drafter/Estimator – Fabrication & Machine Shop

We’re looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Drafter/Estimator to support our growing team. If you enjoy working on custom projects and turning concepts into real-world parts, this role offers the chance to dive into both the creative and technical sides of fabrication. From packaging and insulation to construction and impact protection, you'll be involved in drafting accurate plans, estimating materials and labor, and helping bring high-quality, custom-fabricated solutions to life. This is a hands-on role with a lot of variety, ideal for someone who’s organized, communicative, and passionate about precision and problem-solving.

Major Responsibilities:

Drafting:

• Produce accurate and detailed digital drawing sets for client approval based on raw sketches, redlines, and project specs.
• Translate approved designs into shop-ready documentation, including 2D and 3D files, BOMs, cut lists, hardware specs, and quality standards.
• Provide accurate cut files (.DXF or .STEP) for internal CNC or external vendor use and coordinate with production and vendors during handoffs.
• Confirm current pricing and delivery timelines, and coordinate with internal stakeholders as needed.

Estimating:

• Clarify quote request scopes and identify relevant project elements, including dimensions, finishes, materials, and fabrication requirements.
• Submit RFIs to clients and RFQs to vendors to clarify scope, lead times, and costs.
• Estimate labor hours or coordinate with the Shop Foreman to gather and understand time projections.
• Draft internal scope language for Client Service Manager to finalize proposals.

Communication:

• Coordinate with potential and existing client engineers to define scope of applications and specified requirements
• Respond to client changes in a timely and effective manner
• Communicate potential cost savings to clients by means of materials and design updates

General Coordination:

• Maintain clear, well-organized project files in shared digital folders, ensuring the latest working models are uploaded and accessible weekly.
• Build and maintain an organized library of frequently used parts and components.
• Adhere to established SFM CAD Standards for modeling practices, file structure, and documentation clarity.
• Proactively communicate project updates and expected hours to the Manager weekly.
• Flag scope or timeline changes early to support internal alignment or client-issued change orders.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proficient in Rhino 6+, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and Excel/Google Sheets.
• Strong understanding of fabrication methods and mechanical design principles.
• Ability to model in 3D and extract 2D shop drawings with high attention to detail.
• Familiarity with CNC workflows and cut file creation (.dxf, .step).
• Experience in estimating materials, labor, and coordinating with vendors.
• Organized, methodical, and clear communicator verbally and in writing.

• Effective problem-solver with a creative, solution-oriented mindset.
• Able to shift between big-picture thinking and fine technical detail.
• Collaborative and communicative, able to work independently and take feedback constructively.
• Confidently managing multiple projects and timelines in a deadline-driven environment.