What are the responsibilities and job description for the Design Drafter -Birmingham position at Valmont Industries, Inc.?
Position Summary – Design Drafter (Lighting and Transportation Division)
This is an individual contributor role responsible for interpreting customer orders and preparing production and submittal drawings of moderate to high complexity, in alignment with Valmont’s drafting standards. Reporting to the Drafting Supervisor, the drafter collaborates with various departments and may occasionally communicate with customers to resolve design/order issues.
The role ensures accurate and efficient order processing, maintains drawing quality and lead-time goals, and supports continuous improvement by recommending changes to designs, procedures, and systems. The incumbent reads and interprets customer specifications and escalates inconsistencies to leadership. A solid understanding of manufacturing processes, drafting tools (AutoCAD, Inventor), and internal systems is required.
Essential Functions:
- Reports to Drafting Supervisor; no direct reports or travel
- Reads customer specs to prepare accurate order drawings
- Manages and updates order backlog, maintaining output and accuracy goals
- Identifies and helps implement improvements to drafting standards and product designs
- Supports interdepartmental communication and provides technical drafting assistance
- Reviews and approves peer drafting work per department policy
- Maintains awareness of manufacturing capabilities and drafting procedures
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma 2 years relevant work/education
- At least 1 year drafting experience in relevant industry
- Proficient in AutoCAD, Inventor, and Microsoft Office
- Strong 3D modeling skills; knowledge of fabrication and manufacturing processes
- Solid math skills (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry)
- Ability to read and resolve issues in customer specifications
- Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and communication skills
- Positive, professional attitude in deadline-driven environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate’s degree in Drafting
- Experience with structural steel drafting/checking
- Familiarity with Inventor 2013 , AutoCAD 2013 , PDF tools (e.g., Nitro Pro), and related drafting tools
