Senior Design Drafter

To qualify for the Senior Design Drafter position in O'Fallon, candidates typically need a High School Diploma or General Education Degree. An Associate's degree or higher in drafting, design, or a related field is preferred. Additionally, having seven or more years of drafting or design experience in Solid Works, particularly in Sheet Metal, is crucial. Candidates should ideally possess CSWA, CSWP, CSWP-SM, or CSWP-Drawing certifications, or be willing to obtain them.

The Senior Design Drafter at our O'Fallon location is responsible for creating designs and technical drawings, analyzing design issues, and collaborating with engineers to meet project objectives. This role also involves leading efforts to improve manufacturing design standards, mentoring junior drafters, and managing multiple complex projects with minimal supervision.

Key skills for Senior Design Drafters in O'Fallon include proficiency in Solid Works and AutoCAD, particularly for Sheet Metal design, alongside strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team is essential, as is a high attention to detail.

The standard work schedule for a Senior Design Drafter at our O'Fallon company is Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Regular and reliable attendance is crucial to ensure ongoing collaboration with team members and project success.

Senior Design Drafters at our O'Fallon location have significant opportunities for growth, including taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior drafters, and potentially moving into higher management or lead design roles as they develop their skills and knowledge further.

In my previous roles, I have extensively used Solid Works and AutoCAD. I have created 3D models and technical drawings that adhere to manufacturing standards and collaborated with engineering teams to improve product designs.

I once encountered a design issue with a product that didn't meet manufacturing criteria. I analyzed the original specifications, consulted with engineers for input, and modified the designs to improve manufacturability, ultimately leading to a successful product launch.

I prioritize tasks based on deadlines and project complexity. Using project management tools helps me keep track of my assignments, and regular communication with my team ensures we stay aligned with our goals.

In my last position, I actively mentored junior drafters by providing guidance on best practices, reviewing their work for technical accuracy, and encouraging their professional development through constructive feedback.

When designing for manufacturability, I focus on simplifying designs to reduce production costs, ensuring that components can be easily assembled, and selecting materials that minimize waste while maintaining product integrity.

I regularly attend workshops, webinars, and industry conferences, and I subscribe to relevant journals and online forums. Additionally, I invest time in practicing new software features and staying engaged with professional networks.

In a recent project, I collaborated with engineers to align the design specifications with manufacturing capabilities. Through open communication and regular updates, we successfully addressed all concerns and achieved our project goals.

I double-check my work by conducting thorough reviews and cross-referencing against project specifications. Soliciting feedback from peers and using checklists also aids in maintaining high-quality standards in my drawings.

When evaluating legacy designs, I assess their performance against current standards and manufacturing processes. I consult with team members for input, test the designs for practicality, and incorporate updates to enhance functionality.

I approach tight deadlines by breaking projects into manageable tasks and prioritizing the most critical components. Effective communication with my team helps us stay focused and allows for prompt troubleshooting of any issues that may arise.