Associate Engineer

Robert Thomas Iron Design•North Charleston, SC

About The Position

Robert Thomas Iron Design (RTID), a high-end custom metal fabrication studio located in the historic Charleston Naval Yard, is seeking an Associate Engineer to join its engineering team. The role is CAD-forward, with most time spent creating SolidWorks models and drawings used by blacksmiths, fabricators, and machinists. The engineer designs for architectural and ornamental metalwork, furniture, lighting, hardware, and production tooling, ensuring designs are accurate and buildable using an understanding of how steel is forged, cut, machined, and joined. The role combines detailed CAD and drawing work with engineering and manufacturing support. It involves applying engineering principles to assess structural soundness, supporting fabrication and machining, and coordinating engineering information and revisions with project management, production, purchasing, clients, architects, contractors, and outside vendors. The position also supports the development of repeatable forged product lines and production processes.

Requirements

At least 5 years of hands-on SolidWorks experience, with advanced proficiency in parts, assemblies, weldments, sheet metal, configurations, and drawing creation.
A solid foundation in engineering principles, including statics, strength of materials, and the properties of carbon and stainless steels.
Working knowledge of machining processes, including milling, turning, and CNC, and the ability to produce drawings machinists can build from without questions.
Thorough understanding of drafting standards (ASME Y14.5), GD&T, and AWS weld symbols.
Understanding of metal fabrication processes, including cutting, forming, welding, forging, and finishing.
Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and shop drawings.
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Strong communication and collaboration skills, with comfort working both on the shop floor and in client meetings.
Proficiency with MS365 applications and the MS Teams ecosystem.
Process and systems mentality, with familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma and 5S principles.
Dependability, flexibility, and ability to deliver.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field (preferred).
Experience in ornamental ironwork, architectural metals, or custom metal fabrication.
Proficiency in additional CAD software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, or Fusion 360.
Understanding of MRP/ERP systems, including item masters, BOMs, routings, and work orders.
CAM software experience, such as SolidWorks CAM, Mastercam, or Fusion 360 CAM.
SolidWorks Simulation or FEA experience.
CSWA or CSWP certification.
Hands-on shop experience in machining, welding, or blacksmithing.
Familiarity with PDM and revision control systems.
Experience designing tooling, jigs, and fixtures.

Responsibilities

Create detailed SolidWorks 3D part, assembly, and weldment models for architectural ironwork, furniture, lighting, hardware, and production tooling.
Produce complete fabrication and machining drawings with dimensions and tolerances, GD&T where appropriate, weld symbols, finishes, and notes.
Develop drawing packages for internal use, client approval, and shop fabrication, including bills of materials, cut lists, and flat patterns or templates.
Prepare shop drawings and submittals for clients, architects, and contractors; incorporate redlines and manage revisions.
Model forged components and hand-forged features while accounting for the differences between forging and machining tolerances.
Translate sketches, renderings, and field measurements into buildable designs.
Import, clean up, and work with files from other CAD platforms and formats, including AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, Fusion 360, STEP, and DXF.
Build and maintain part, template, and drawing libraries; uphold drawing standards, part numbering, file naming, and revision control.
Tabulate quantity takeoffs and material estimates from drawings.
Apply engineering principles to ensure designs are structurally sound and meet applicable building codes for guards, railings, and gates.
Perform engineering calculations and basic FEA simulation when needed, and identify items requiring review by a licensed Professional Engineer.
Design for manufacturability by selecting materials, stock and standard sizes, joinery, and processes suited to RTID's forging, fabrication, and machining capabilities.
Create machining drawings and support CNC and CAM programming for parts, fixtures, dies, and production tooling, including cookware manufacturing tooling.
Design jigs, fixtures, and forging tooling to improve repeatability, quality, and throughput.
Work with the Shop Foreman and craftspeople to answer technical questions, resolve production design challenges, and incorporate lessons learned into models.
Support development of new forged product lines intended for repeatable standard and semi-custom production.
Structure BOMs and item data for the MRP system so engineering information flows to purchasing and production.
Manage engineering change orders and drawing revisions throughout project lifecycles.
Coordinate drawing release schedules and priorities with project management and production.
Coordinate and collaborate with third-party CAD, rendering, 3D modeling, and detailing services.
Collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors to clarify design intent and resolve technical questions.
Work with purchasing and outside vendors, including laser, waterjet, machining, and finishing providers, on specifications, materials, and lead times.