Design Drafter

The Design Drafter is responsible for interpreting customer specifications, plans, and order information to create production and customer submittal drawings that align with Valmont standards and manufacturing requirements. This role supports efficient order processing by preparing accurate drawings and documentation, identifying missing or conflicting information, and collaborating with internal teams to resolve issues.

Working closely with the Drafting Manager and cross-functional departments, the Design Drafter helps ensure quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery of customer orders while maintaining compliance with company procedures and manufacturing capabilities. The position also contributes to continuous improvement initiatives by recommending enhancements to drafting processes, systems, and product designs.

Essential Functions:

• Review and interpret customer specifications, plans, and order requirements to accurately process orders.

• Create production drawings and customer submittal drawings in accordance with company standards.

• Identify and resolve inconsistencies, conflicts, or missing information within customer orders.

• Manage assigned workload to meet departmental productivity, quality, and delivery objectives.

• Maintain awareness of current drafting policies, procedures, manufacturing capabilities, and product specifications.

• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, sales, and other departments to resolve order-related challenges.

• Maintain accurate customer requirement documentation and filing systems.

• Recommend and support improvements to drafting procedures, systems, and standard product designs.

• Provide technical and drafting support to internal departments as needed.

• Verify documentation for compliance with customer specifications and manufacturing requirements.

• Assist in maintaining department backlog and meeting customer commitments.

• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field with atleast one year of drafting experience, and/or two years of relevant drafting experience.

• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Inventor, and Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Strong understanding of drafting principles, fabrication processes, and manufacturing practices.

• Working knowledge of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry.

• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications, plans, and technical drawings.

• Strong problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Demonstrated commitment to quality, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Autodesk Inventor 2013 or newer version

• AutoCAD 2013, Reproduction Equipment, Scientific Calculator and Drafting Equipment knowledge/experience

• Experience supporting multiple product lines in a manufacturing environment.

• Knowledge of drafting workflows, systems, and documentation processes.

• Experience identifying process improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.

What Success Looks Like:

• Consistently delivers accurate drawings and documentation on time.

• Maintains high productivity while meeting quality standards.

• Effectively collaborates across departments to resolve customer and manufacturing issues.

• Contributes ideas that improve drafting processes, product designs, and operational efficiency.

• Supports a positive team environment focused on customer satisfaction and continuous improvement.