Drafting Specialist

The Drafting Specialist produces and maintains the CAD drawing packages and shop drawings that document integrated security technology systems, including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, intercom, and related low-voltage systems.

The position works from specifications, site survey notes, sketches, redlines, and design direction to produce accurate, standards-compliant, installation-ready drawing packages, and produces the as-built drawings issued at project closeout. 

This position consists of a hybrid work schedule and will require 3 days in our Herndon, VA office and 2 days remote.

All candidates under consideration are required to take a written and practical CAD test.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Drafting Manager and has no direct reports. Work is assigned through the CAD and Design Ticket Request Queue. The Drafting Specialist works closely with Solutions Engineering, Systems Engineering, Project Management, installers, and subcontractors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Drawing Production

• Create and maintain AutoCAD drawing packages and shop drawings for security and low-voltage systems, including legends and general notes, floor plans and device layouts, riser diagrams, one-line diagrams, device and mounting details, closet and equipment rack elevations, load charts, point-to-point and interconnect diagrams, schedules, and supporting detail sheets.
• Translate device markups from Solutions Engineering, site survey notes, specifications, sketches, and design direction into complete drawing packages.
• Apply established drawing standards, including title block conventions, sheet numbering, layering, and the company block and symbol library, and contribute updates to the library as new devices and details are introduced.
• Prepare drawings supporting permit submission and Authority Having Jurisdiction review as required by the project.
• Support BIM coordination using Revit and Navisworks, and review documentation using Bluebeam.

Revisions, As-Builts & Documentation

• Update drawings from redlines, field feedback, and approved change orders, and maintain revision control and version history throughout the project.
• Produce as-built drawings from field redlines and Systems Engineering redlines, and issue the completed as-built package to Project Management at closeout.
• Escalate when redlines or field documentation are incomplete, illegible, or contradictory rather than assuming installed conditions.
• Maintain drawing logs, project documentation, and drawing archives so completed packages remain retrievable for future service and project work.
• Reconcile drawing content against the Bill of Materials and project scope, and identify discrepancies in device counts, types, or locations.

Communication & Coordination

• Communicate drawing status, progress, and completion clearly to Project Management and requesting engineers, and communicate proactively when a package will be late, is blocked, or depends on information not yet received.
• Identify and request the information needed to complete a drawing package, including missing markups, specifications, field dimensions, and device data, and follow up until it is received rather than proceeding on unstated assumptions.
• Raise conflicts, discrepancies, and constructability concerns found in source documents to the requesting engineer or Project Manager rather than resolving them silently.
• Coordinate with Project Managers, subcontractors, installers, Solutions Engineering, Systems Engineering, and, where applicable, general contractors and architects, so drawing content reflects current project conditions.
• Escalate promptly and with context when a request exceeds available capacity, authority, or technical scope, providing documented findings so the receiving party can act without repeating work already performed.

Coordination & Development

• Complete assigned tickets within established turnaround expectations, and document work performed.
• Assume work from other members of the CAD and Design team during absence, deadline pressure, or capacity constraints as assigned.
• Review architectural, electrical, low-voltage, and security drawings to identify project requirements, coordination items, and missing information.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, subcontractors, installers, Solutions Engineers, and Systems Engineers to confirm understanding of drawing content and design intent.
• Assist with request for information documentation and drawing markups supporting responses.
• Perform site surveys as needed to support drawing development and documentation updates.
• Follow site-specific safety programs when visiting customer and project sites, and stop work and escalate when conditions are unsafe.
• Maintain professional conduct in occupied, escorted, and secure customer environments, and protect the confidentiality of customer security information and design documentation. Other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE & REQUIREMENTS

• Associate degree, technical degree, drafting certification, or equivalent experience in CAD, construction technology, electronic security, low-voltage systems, or engineering technology.
• 5+ years of technical drafting experience supporting access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, intercom, low-voltage systems, or construction documentation.
• Practical experience with Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 or later, including Sheet Set Manager, external references, dynamic block creation, attributed data, and linking data objects within the CAD environment.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, electrical, and security drawings, construction documents, specifications, and redlines.
• Working knowledge of physical security systems and components, including card readers, locks, cameras, access control panels, power supplies, head-end equipment, and related network components.
• Knowledge of construction documentation practices, industry drawing standards, and applicable codes and project specifications.
• Proficient with Bluebeam for drawing markup, review, and takeoffs. Experience with Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, or BIM coordination workflows is a plus; familiarity with platforms such as Genetec, Mercury, Software House, Lenel/S2, Gallagher, Axis, Hanwha, Commend, Aiphone, and Milestone is a bonus.
• Autodesk AutoCAD certification preferred but not required. Strong attention to detail, organization, and documentation discipline.
• Candidates under consideration shall be required to complete a written and practical CAD and design assessment.
• Ability to travel up to 20% and meet applicable customer, site-access, badging, and background investigation requirements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Technical Leadership – Provides sound direction on complex technical issues.
• People Development – Coaches and develops technical talent.
• Customer Focus – Prioritizes system reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Problem Solving – Drives issues to root-cause resolution.
• Communication – Clearly communicates with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaboration – Partners effectively across Engineering, Service, Operations, Installation, Business Development, and Project Management.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Primarily an office-based technical role; prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer, and use of keyboard, telephone, and communication equipment.
• Ability to read detailed drawings and computer screens for extended periods.
• Occasional access to customer and project sites, equipment rooms, and construction areas; ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb ladders, and wear required PPE.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 20 pounds occasionally, with assistance or mechanical aid for heavier items. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record required.

This description defines the scope of the position. Assignment to and advancement between levels is determined by the Manager based on sustained demonstrated performance, business need, and available position, and is not established by performing individual tasks described at a higher level.

Pay Range 60000 - 75000 USD