What are the responsibilities and job description for the CAD Designer / Draftsman – Aluminum Fabrication position at Bayou Manufacturing?
CAD Designer / Draftsman – Aluminum Fabrication
Position Summary
The CAD Designer / Draftsman is responsible for creating accurate, production-ready drawings and models for aluminum fabrication projects. This role bridges engineering, sales, and shop floor operations to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with customer requirements.
This position plays a critical role in turning concepts, quotes, and customer specifications into clear, buildable instructions for fabrication and assembly.
**Starting pay is dependent upon experience. The pay listed for this position is the absolute minimum starting.
Key Responsibilities
- Create detailed 2D drawings and 3D models using CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)
- Develop shop drawings, weldments, and assembly drawings for aluminum structures and components
- Translate customer specs, sketches, and RFQs into manufacturable designs
- Produce and maintain:
- Bills of Materials (BOMs)
- Cut lists
- Flat patterns (sheet/extrusion)
- Collaborate with:
- Production teams to ensure designs are buildable
- Sales teams during quoting and design iterations
- Apply knowledge of:
- Aluminum extrusion profiles
- Tolerance and fit-up requirements
- Review drawings for accuracy, completeness, and manufacturability
- Support continuous improvement by optimizing designs for:
- Material yield
- Fabrication efficiency
- Cost reduction
- Assist with revision control and document management
Required Qualifications
- CAD drafting or design experience (manufacturing or fabrication preferred)
- Proficiency in:
- AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Technical drawings
- Blueprints
- Engineering specifications
- Experience with:
- Weldments and assemblies
- Sheet metal or extrusion-based design
- Strong understanding of:
- Dimensional tolerances
- GD&T (preferred)
- High attention to detail and accuracy
Preferred Qualifications (Aluminum Industry Focus)
- Experience working with:
- Aluminum extrusion systems
- Structural or marine aluminum applications
- Familiarity with:
- CNC programming integration
- Nesting software
- ERP systems (job tracking, BOM integration)
Key Competencies
- Strong problem-solving mindset—designs must work in the real world, not just on screen
- Ability to collaborate across departments (engineering, production, sales)
- Time management and ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
- Continuous improvement mindset
Work Environment
- Combination of office and shop floor interaction
- Frequent collaboration with fabrication teams
- Fast-paced, project-driven manufacturing environment
What Success Looks Like in This Role
- Drawings require minimal rework from the shop floor
- Projects move efficiently from design → fabrication → delivery
- Material waste and production delays are reduced through smart design
- Strong communication between engineering and production
Pay: From $45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- AutoCAD: 1 year (Preferred)
- SolidWorks: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Slidell, LA 70460 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $45,000