Specialty Metal Detailer

Industry: Structural Steel & Miscellaneous Metals Fabrication

Location: Rock Hill, SC

Position Type: Full-Time, Direct-Hire

Work Arrangement: On-site (5 days/week during onboarding to interface directly with the shop floor; eligible for hybrid flexibility after 6 months based on performance)

Target Compensation: $80,000-$85,000 Base Salary (commensurate with miscellaneous detailing depth and 3D scan processing experience)

Position Overview

A leading, well-established steel fabricator in the greater Charlotte metro area is seeking a self-driven, detail-oriented Miscellaneous & Specialty Metals Detailer to serve as the primary in-house detailing authority at its Rock Hill, SC facility.

Unlike standardized structural framing where basic beam-and-column macros drive output, miscellaneous and specialty metals demand creative spatial problem-solving, architectural coordination, and precise geometric accuracy. In this role, you will not be buried in a drafting bullpen or waiting in a checking queue. You will report directly to executive leadership, take full ownership of 3D modeling and 2D fabrication drawing packages, interface directly with shop fabricators on the floor, utilize advanced 3D laser scanning technology, and help build and mentor an expanding detailing department.

Key Responsibilities

1. 3D Modeling & Shop Drawing Production

• Develop complete, fabrication-ready 3D models and 2D detail/erection drawings for complex miscellaneous steel packages using Tekla Structures and 3D AutoCAD.
• Model non-standard systems, including monumental, industrial, and egress stairs; custom guardrails and handrails (pipe, stainless, cable, glass); canopies; ladders; bollards; embeds; and specialty architectural metals.
• Generate and verify accurate bills of materials (BOM), advanced bill of materials (ABM), bolt lists, cut lists, and DXF/NC files for automated shop equipment.
• Take personal responsibility for maintaining strict submittal schedules, working with speed, precision, and a zero-defect mindset.

2. Shop Floor Integration & Field Coordination

• Serve as the immediate, on-site technical contact for shop fabricators, fitters, welders, and production managers to resolve discrepancies, clarify dimensions, and coordinate drawing revisions.
• Step out directly onto the shop floor to inspect assemblies, troubleshoot fit-up challenges, and verify dimensional clearances.
• Process and integrate 3D laser scan data / point clouds into Tekla and CAD environments to accurately capture field conditions, floor elevations, and existing building interfaces prior to fabrication release.
• Recognize and communicate design discrepancies, errors, and omissions; draft clear Requests for Information (RFIs) to project managers and engineers.

3. Engineering Compliance & Standards

• Read and interpret complex architectural drawings, structural plans, and connection design calculations.
• Implement project connection designs provided by internal engineers or third-party specialty structural engineers.
• Adhere strictly to company detailing standards and industry specifications, including AISC, AWS (D1.1, D1.2, D1.3), ASTM, OSHA egress guidelines, and IBC/ADA code requirements (e.g., stair rise/run, handrail continuous graspability, clearance rules).

4. Leadership & Department Growth

• Collaborate directly with the Division Executive to establish, refine, and optimize internal modeling standards, drawing templates, and standard details.
• Coordinate with external third-party detailing partners to enforce detailing standards, manage drawing submittals, and communicate revisions.
• Assist leadership in establishing best practices, mentoring incoming drafting personnel, and scaling the internal detailing department as capacity increases.

Qualifications & Experience

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3 years of dedicated steel detailing and modeling experience within a fabrication shop or steel detailing environment.
• Core Detailing Focus: Demonstrated track record modeling miscellaneous, architectural, or specialty metals (stairs, railings, canopies, misc steel framing) rather than exclusively standard structural framing.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in Tekla Structures (with specific experience detailing miscellaneous metals components). Working proficiency in AutoCAD 3D and 2D CAD drafting tools.
• Fabrication & Shop Knowledge: Strong working knowledge of steel fabrication techniques, welding processes/symbols, fit-up tolerances, and field erection practices.
• Code & Regulatory Understanding: Familiarity with AISC standards, AWS specifications, OSHA regulations, and IBC/ADA accessibility and egress guidelines.
• Mindset: Highly self-motivated, proactive problem-solver with strong ownership over their work and the ability to operate independently without daily supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience processing 3D laser scan data / point clouds (e.g., Leica, Faro, Trimble) inside Tekla or AutoCAD for field verification (training can be provided for candidates with strong foundational modeling skills).
• Prior experience coordinating submittals and reviewing models from third-party detailing bureaus.
• Associate degree or technical diploma in Drafting, CAD Technology, Structural Engineering Technology, or equivalent hands-on trade experience.

Schedule & Working Conditions

• Location: On-site at the fabrication facility in Rock Hill, SC. Daily shop proximity is essential to quickly walk the floor, inspect assemblies, and resolve shop questions in real time.
• Flexibility: Hybrid work flexibility (partial remote) is available after 6 months of demonstrated performance, established drawing accuracy, and strong shop rapport.
• Performance Evaluation: Evaluated on model precision, submittal turnaround times, reduction of shop rework, proactive communication, and ownership of the detailing function.