Designer I

Company Overview

At Pioneer, you're more than an employee, you’re an owner. As a 100% employee-owned company, everyone shares our success through our ESOP retirement plan. We specialize in custom unitized curtain wall systems and are known for our innovative designs, award-winning technology, and commitment to quality. With offices across the Midwest and East Coast, we’re growing—and so can your career.

Pioneer provides a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, which includes medical, dental, vision, critical illness, and accident coverage. The company also offers employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), tuition reimbursement, and a 401(k) plan with a 4% company match. Committed to supporting work-life balance, Pioneer offers flexible work schedules to help employees thrive both professionally and personally.

Join a team that values your voice, invests in your future, and celebrates your success.

Job Summary

Interpret project scope documents and apply engineering, mathematical, and architectural principles to develop shop and fabrication drawings using CAD software. Contribute to design strategy and assist in resolving technical challenges related to building envelopes, fenestration systems, and various architectural elements—such as unitized curtain walls, entrances, punched windows, coping, and interior partitions. Provide mentorship to junior team members and collaborate with Production Control, Shop, and Field teams to support the manufacturing and installation of designed components.

Key Responsibilities

Design

• Analyze project specifications, architectural/structural drawings, and bid documents to inform design decisions.
• Develop basic to moderate complexity designs for assemblies and components using CAD tools.
• Apply engineering and architectural principles to various structure types (e.g., concrete, steel).
• Review structural calculations from subcontracted engineers and update drawings accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with company and industry standards.

Shop & Fabrication Drawings

• Create and review shop drawings including embeds, elevations, plans, sections, and details.
• Produce and verify fabrication drawings for assemblies and components.
• Revise drawings based on redlines and feedback.

Software Tools

• Utilizes RMS, AutoCAD, Autodesk Inventor, and Revit as needed.

Problem Solving

• Support manufacturing and installation teams by investigating and resolving related issues.
• Collaborate with project teams to address design and drafting challenges.
• Apply prior experience to new problems and seek guidance when needed.

Additional Duties

• Mentor and coach less experienced staff.
• Pursue ongoing professional development and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Minimal travel may be required.
• May need to drive a company or personal vehicle for business purposes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, or Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Design & Drafting, or related field with 5 years of relevant fenestration drafting experience, or 7 years of relevant experience without a degree.
• Proficient in interpreting architectural and structural drawings, specifications, and other construction documents.
• Familiar with engineering principles and blueprint symbols across various structure types.
• Capable of reviewing system calculations and solving moderately complex problems using trigonometry and basic math.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid drafting and mechanical drawing abilities with knowledge of drafting standards.
• Able to work effectively under time constraints and adapt to changing requirements.
• Proficient in AutoCAD; experience with Autodesk Inventor and Revit is preferred.

Pioneer Cladding and Glazing Systems, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and E-Verify Compliant. We maintain a drug-free workplace.