Position Summary
The Drafter / Engineer is responsible for producing precise shop drawings and machine-ready files that enable flawless fabrication and installation of commercial architectural millwork. Working closely with Project Managers, Estimators, and the Production team, this role bridges design intent and production reality. Deep proficiency with Microvellum, AutoCAD, and INNERGY is essential.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Shop Drawing Development:
- Translate architectural drawings, specifications, and field dimensions into fully detailed shop drawings for submittal.
- Ensure drawings clearly communicate intent for cabinetry, countertops, panels, and custom architectural features.
- Prepare elevation, plan, section, and detail views aligned with AWI standards and project expectations.
Engineering for Fabrication:
- Generate machine-ready files (CNC, edgebander, dowel) using Microvellum.
- Account for all machining operations, including dadoes, rabbets, boring, edgebanding, and dowel placement.
- Collaborate with Production to ensure drawings and files are optimized for throughput and ease of assembly.
ERP Integration (INNERGY):
- Ensure engineering data flows correctly into INNERGY’s work order system.
- Build and maintain INNERGY-compatible product libraries when needed.
- Tag drawings, components, and materials per INNERGY conventions to support accurate purchasing and scheduling.
Change Management & Coordination
- Reconcile changes from RFIs, ASIs, or client requests and update drawings and machine programs accordingly.
- Coordinate with Project Managers and Field staff to ensure continuity from submittal through final installation.
- Flag constraints, conflicts, or missing information to the appropriate stakeholder early in the process.
Documentation & Standards
- Maintain drawing templates, layer standards, and CNC part libraries.
- Ensure all output complies with AWI standards and internal best practices.
- Archive and document final drawings for post-installation reference and warranty support.
Qualifications:
- 3+ years of experience drafting for architectural woodworking or millwork required.
- Understanding of AWI and woodworking construction methods and terminology, and shop fabrication workflows.
- Proficiency in Microvellum.
- Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD modeling.
- Experience with INNERGY is a massive plus.
- Able to read and interpret architectural, MEP, and structural drawings.
- Methodical, organized, and relentless about drawing accuracy.
- Analytical mindset with a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential issues early in the project lifecycle.
- A proactive mindset with a commitment to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
- Teachable is indispensable, team-minded, with aggressive intelligent initiative and a strong bias for action.
- Strong negotiation skills.
- Deadline and detail-oriented.
- Ideal candidate understands and believes in Theory of Constraints (TOC) management and lean manufacturing (read The Goal by Eli Goldblatt).
- Strong believer in continuous personal improvement, reading and studying assigned material or seek resources on their own.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a minority- and veteran-owned custom architectural woodworking firm that lives lean principles every day. We value transparency, continuous improvement, and a one-piece-flow mentality—from estimating through delivery. If you’re driven by precision, empowered by The Goal, and ready to elevate our drafting and engineering function, we’d love to meet you.
- Be part of a growing, award-winning company that is at the forefront of custom architectural woodworking.
- Work alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence and innovation.
- Opportunity to contribute to large-scale projects with some of the most respected names in the construction industry.
- Competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
Mutual Understandings:
- Goal work schedule: 0600-1630, M-F
- Schedule to be results-driven; working hours to respect reasonable expectations of life/work balance and family time
- Introduced to the team with a transparent and clear set of expectations for the role
- Computer, screens, and other tech for productivity will be provided
- Joining the team with a committed mindset and with a hopeful expectation of ESOP potential in the near future
Compensation:
$70,000/yr
- 26 pay periods/year, W-2 employee (standard deductions apply)
- Potential for increases after 180 days, and yearly thereafter, driven by results and contribution margin per drafter profitability
- Health Insurance
- Quote upon request
- Coverage to include MEDICAL and DENTAL, deducted per pay period
- Your total premium per annum would be: $____________ (on PPO plan; other plans available)
- 401k/Retirement (after year 1), with 3% company match on minimum 4% paycheck contribution
- 1 week of paid time off (per calendar year; increase to 2 weeks after year 2, and 3 weeks after year 5)
- 5 personal days (per calendar year)
Company Description
CS ARCHITECTURAL was established in 2013 as a premium manufacturer of custom architectural woodworking for high-end commercial clients. We work with GC's all over the Chicago-land area as providers of casework and millwork for schools, healthcare facilities, public buildings, private offices, and many other types of facilities.