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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Draftsperson

💰 $45,000 - $85,000

DraftingEngineeringArchitectureConstructionCAD

🎯 Role Definition

A Draftsperson (CAD/Drafting Technician) prepares detailed technical drawings, plans, and models that translate design intent into accurate construction, fabrication, or manufacturing documentation. This role leverages CAD and BIM tools (AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, MicroStation, Navisworks, etc.), applies drafting standards and codes, performs quality checks, and collaborates closely with architects, engineers, fabricators, and site teams to deliver permit-ready, shop, and as‑built drawings. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong technical drafting skills, disciplined file management, and the ability to interpret engineering and architectural specifications for practical implementation.

Keywords: Draftsperson, CAD, AutoCAD, Revit, BIM, technical drawings, shop drawings, as‑built drawings, construction documents, detailing, drafting standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • CAD Technician / CAD Operator with 0–2 years of experience.
  • Architectural Assistant or Junior Architectural Technician.
  • Mechanical/Structural Technician or technical school graduate in drafting.

Advancement To:

  • Senior Draftsperson / Lead Drafter
  • BIM Coordinator / BIM Manager
  • CAD Manager or Technical Documentation Lead
  • Project Engineer or Design Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Estimator (construction/fabrication)
  • BIM Modeler / Revit Specialist
  • Shop Foreman / Fabrication Coordinator

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Prepare and deliver accurate 2D and 3D technical drawings, plans, and construction documents using AutoCAD, Revit, SolidWorks, or MicroStation that conform to project specifications, industry standards, and applicable codes.
  • Convert conceptual sketches, architectural plans, and engineering calculations into detailed shop drawings and fabrication-ready documents, including dimensions, tolerances, material callouts, and finish notes.
  • Produce comprehensive as‑built and record drawings by capturing field markups and measured site dimensions following construction completion, ensuring final documentation reflects actual conditions.
  • Create and maintain BIM models and families for architectural, structural, and MEP components; coordinate model updates with architects and engineers to maintain a single source of truth.
  • Interpret engineering and architectural design drawings, specifications, and RFIs to develop detailed part/component drawings and assembly drawings for manufacturing or construction teams.
  • Perform clash detection and coordination reviews using Navisworks or similar software, documenting and resolving interdisciplinary conflicts between structural, mechanical, electrical, and architectural elements.
  • Prepare permit submission packages, including scaled drawings, detail sheets, sections, and schedules, and work with regulatory authorities to incorporate required revisions.
  • Develop and maintain drawing templates, title blocks, layer standards, and CAD/BIM library content to ensure consistent project outputs and efficient reuse of details.
  • Produce bill of materials (BOMs), parts lists, and cut-lists derived from drawings and models, ensuring alignment with procurement and fabrication workflows.
  • Apply industry-specific drafting conventions, dimensioning practices, and geometric tolerancing (GD&T) where relevant, ensuring drawings are unambiguous for fabrication and inspection.
  • Manage drawing revisions, document control, and version history using PDM/PLM systems or cloud-based project collaboration platforms (e.g., BIM 360), ensuring traceability of changes and approvals.
  • Perform technical quality control and QA/QC checks of drawings and models prior to issue, verifying scales, annotations, tolerances, and compliance with project and contractual requirements.
  • Coordinate closely with project managers, site superintendents, and subcontractors to integrate field constraints into drawing revisions and support construction sequencing.
  • Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) and markups by updating drawings, providing clarification notes, and communicating design changes to stakeholders in a timely manner.

Secondary Functions

  • Conduct site visits and field measurements to verify existing conditions, capture measurement data, and document discrepancies for as‑built deliverables and retrofit projects.
  • Assist engineers and architects by preparing detailed detail drawings, connection details, and shop detail packages that facilitate efficient fabrication and installation.
  • Support procurement and fabrication vendors by providing technical clarifications, annotated drawings, and revised details to ensure parts are manufactured to specification.
  • Create and export drawings and PDFs for client review, tender packages, or construction teams, applying clear annotation, sheet numbering, and drawing lists for easy navigation.
  • Maintain organized CAD and BIM file structures, backup routines, and naming conventions to improve team productivity and reduce rework due to file mismanagement.
  • Train and mentor junior drafters, CAD interns, or new team members on company drafting standards, CAD/BIM best practices, and software workflows.
  • Assist in estimating drafting efforts and prepare time and resource estimates for drawing production tasks, enabling accurate project scheduling and budgeting.
  • Participate in multidisciplinary coordination meetings and technical reviews to represent drafting constraints, recommend alternative detailing, and capture actionable minutes for drawing updates.
  • Implement improvements to drafting standards, template libraries, and model efficiency (families/components) to reduce repetitive work and accelerate project delivery cycles.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and production of construction/shop drawings.
  • Experienced with Revit for BIM modeling, families creation, and coordinated deliverables.
  • Familiarity with Navisworks or similar tools for clash detection and model coordination.
  • Competent in SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar 3D CAD tools for mechanical/industrial drafting (when applicable).
  • Knowledge of MicroStation for infrastructure, civil, or transportation projects (where applicable).
  • Strong understanding of drafting standards (ISO, ANSI, BS, ASME) and dimensioning/tolerancing conventions (including GD&T basics).
  • Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings, specifications, and structural calculations.
  • Experience producing shop drawings, fabrication details, connection details, and material schedules.
  • Proficient with PDF markup tools (Bluebeam, Adobe) and ability to convert markups into updated CAD/BIM deliverables.
  • Experience with file and drawing management systems (BIM 360, SharePoint, PDM) and version control processes.
  • Basic knowledge of construction methods, materials, and installation tolerances relevant to the trade (architectural, structural, MEP, mechanical).
  • Competent in creating BOMs, parts lists, and cut sheets from drawings and models.
  • Field measurement and site verification skills, including use of tape, laser distance meters, and digital capture devices.
  • Familiarity with scripting or automation in CAD (AutoLISP, Dynamo) is a plus for productivity and template automation.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail and a methodical approach to producing error‑free technical documentation.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills to liaise with engineers, architects, contractors, and clients.
  • Strong time management and task prioritization skills to meet tight project deadlines and revision cycles.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to propose practical detailing solutions that reduce cost and simplify fabrication.
  • Team orientation and collaboration skills for multidisciplinary coordination and model integration.
  • Adaptability to changing project scope, design revisions, and site-driven constraints.
  • Customer-focused mindset to respond to field teams and vendors with timely and usable drawing updates.
  • Proactive attitude toward continuous improvement of drafting standards and automation of repetitive tasks.
  • Ability to train and mentor junior staff and contribute to knowledge-sharing within the technical team.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent plus a relevant technical certificate in drafting, CAD, or architectural/engineering technology.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's degree in Architectural Technology, Drafting and Design Technology, Civil/Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related field.
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management for more advanced drafting roles or BIM leadership positions.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Architectural Technology
  • Drafting & Design Technology
  • Civil / Mechanical / Structural Engineering Technology
  • Construction Management
  • Industrial Design / Manufacturing Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • Junior Draftsperson: 0–2 years of CAD/BIM experience.
  • Intermediate Draftsperson: 2–5 years with demonstrated production of shop drawings and coordination models.
  • Senior Draftsperson: 5+ years with BIM coordination, standards development, and team leadership experience.

Preferred:

  • 3–7 years experience producing construction and shop drawings in the relevant sector (architectural, structural, MEP, mechanical, or civil).
  • Experience with project delivery workflows (design-bid-build, design-build) and constructing permit packages.
  • Demonstrated track record in multidisciplinary coordination, on-site verification, and delivering drawings used directly for fabrication/installation.
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