Design Drafter

Valmont Industries, Inc. • Birmingham, AL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This individual contributor role in the Lighting and Transportation division is responsible for reading and interpreting customer order information and preparing production and customer submittal drawings in the moderate‑to‑high complexity range. The position creates all required drawings and data for internal teams and manufacturing, and—under direction from the Site Drafting Manager or Drafting Supervisor—may interface with other departments and customers to resolve order or manufacturing issues. The Drafting Department supports both customers and manufacturing by producing accurate drawings while meeting quality and lead‑time objectives. This role works cross‑functionally with teams across the organization to maintain strong internal relationships and efficient communication. With required supervision, the incumbent reviews customer specifications, plans, and order information to determine the appropriate format and reports any inconsistent or missing information to the Drafting Supervisor or Senior Design Drafter. The role requires knowledge of departmental and company goals, policies, procedures, and relevant product lines, with minimal deviations unless beneficial to the department or division. This position directly impacts departmental and divisional results. Within company guidelines, the incumbent may establish work routines to maintain efficient order flow and may recommend improvements to product designs, drafting procedures, or systems.

Requirements

• High School diploma and 2+ years of work/educational experience
• 1+ year drafting experience within the division’s market channel
• Technical drafting and math skills (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry) gained through an AAS degree and/or related experience
• Strong background in 3D modeling
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Autodesk software (AutoCAD, Inventor)
• Understanding of product end‑use, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications, plans, and order details
• Ability to identify inconsistent, conflicting, or missing information and determine appropriate resolution with some guidance
• Strong problem-solving abilities, detail orientation, and numerical aptitude

Nice To Haves

• Associate Degree in Drafting
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor 2013+, AutoCAD 2013+, PDF tools (e.g., Nitro Pro), Zoom, Inventor 2019, scientific calculator, and drafting equipment
• Previous experience in structural steel drafting and checking

Responsibilities

• Analyze all information necessary to process an individual order accurately and efficiently
• Manage the department backlog by monitoring order schedules, providing updates to computerized backlog and meeting “Promises Kept” in accordance with departmental priorities
• Maintain required productivity output in accordance with departmental priorities
• Maintain required order accuracy in accordance with departmental priorities
• Maintain a cooperative and professional attitude in dealing with all departments of the company
• Maintain and update an accurate filing system of customer requirements
• Maintain an awareness of current Drafting policies and procedures
• Maintain an awareness of current manufacturing capabilities and limitations
• Identify, recommend and help implement changes to standard drafting procedures and systems
• Identify, recommend and help implement changes to standard designs to improve customer acceptance or reduce product cost
• Handle special assignments as requested by Drafting Supervisor/Manager
• When necessary, provide assistance to all departments in the interpretation of customer specification, manufacturing capabilities or drafting procedures
• Provide technical or drafting support of any department, for any project which will enhance product or company interest
• Maintain appropriate professional competencies, certifications, licenses, etc., necessary to perform job duties
• Review and approve drafting prints created by other drafters per department policy

Benefits

• Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
• 401k retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off
• Employer paid life insurance
• Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
• Work Life Support
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
• Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED