Lead CAD Drafter

North Shore Steel•Houston, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

North Shore Steel is where CAD meets real-world execution. For over 65 years, we’ve built a reputation for precision, reliability, and performance in steel processing. Our team doesn’t just design parts, we bring them to life through advanced cutting, forming, and fabrication that supports critical industries across the country. We are seeking a Lead CAD Operator who wants to grow into a true expert in production-driven design, someone who understands that great CAD work isn’t just accurate, it’s efficient, manufacturable, and built for performance. This role offers the opportunity to own your work, influence nesting strategy and material efficiency, and directly impact production outcomes. You won’t be working in isolation, your decisions will shape how work flows through the shop and how effectively we deliver for our customers. If you take pride in precision, think in terms of optimization, and want to see your work come to life on the floor, this is the kind of role where you can do your best work. This is a role for someone who wants to move beyond drafting and become a true technical leader in a production environment.

Requirements

5+ years of CAD and nesting experience in a steel service center or fabrication environment
Advanced proficiency in:
SolidWorks
Tekla
ProNest / PrimeCut
Strong understanding of:
CNC plasma and oxy-fuel cutting processes (Messer, Kinetic, or similar)
Steel plate processing and fabrication methods
Proven ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings and specifications
Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities
Sound judgment and problem-solving capability in a fast-paced environment
Professional communication skills and team-oriented mindset

Responsibilities

Drawing Interpretation & CAD Development
Interpret customer drawings, specifications, and project requirements with precision
Convert customer-supplied files (PDF, DWG, etc.) into production-ready SolidWorks and Tekla models
Develop detailed part and assembly drawings aligned with manufacturing capabilities
Ensure all drawings meet internal standards and customer specifications
Nesting & Production Optimization
Create CNC nests using ProNest and PrimeCut for plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems
Optimize nests for material yield, cut time, and machine efficiency
Align nests with machine capabilities (Messer, Kinetic, etc.) and production schedules
Continuously refine nesting strategies based on real production feedback
Quality & Accuracy
Serve as the final check to ensure all drawings and nests are accurate and production-ready
Identify and resolve discrepancies between customer requirements and manufacturability
Maintain organized, version-controlled files for all drawings and nests
Drive consistency and standardization across CAD and nesting practices
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Sales to support accurate quoting and material takeoffs
Work closely with Production to ensure seamless execution on the floor
Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders to resolve technical questions quickly
Lead-Level Contribution
Set the standard for drawing quality, speed, and discipline
Support training and development of less experienced CAD operators
Contribute to process improvements, standardization, and operational excellence

Benefits

At North Shore Steel, we invest in the well-being of our team. Full-time employees receive a robust benefits package that includes multiple Major Medical plan options, Dental, Vision, Voluntary Life, Short-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, and HSA options for qualifying plans.
We also provide Long-Term Disability, Basic Life, and AD&D coverage at no cost to you. You’ll also enjoy a generous holiday schedule, a competitive PTO program, and a Safe Harbor 401(k) with company contributions to support your long-term financial goals.

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