CAD Designer (Structural Emphasis)

Industrial Fabrication Services (IFS), based in Lake Crystal, Minnesota, is a premier custom metal fabrication facility serving the bulk material-handling industry. With an 80,000-square-foot facility and a dedicated team of approximately 115 employees, IFS delivers high-quality components to clients across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and beyond. Guided by core values of Service, Innovation, Respect, Value, and Craftsmanship, IFS offers a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees take pride in their contributions. As a CAD Designer at IFS, you will play a key role in transforming customer requirements into precise, fabrication-ready drawings that drive efficient manufacturing and uphold the company’s reputation for excellence.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate project, fabrication, and shop drawings based on customer requirements, specifications, and applicable standards.
• Develop models, assemblies, details, bills of material, and supporting documentation for purchasing and fabrication processes.
• Prepare drawings that align with IFS manufacturing capabilities, including structural processing, sheet and plate cutting, forming, welding, machining, and assembly.
• Review drawings, specifications, and customer information for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and potential manufacturing concerns.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Manufacturing Engineering, shop personnel, customers, contractors, and vendors to clarify requirements and resolve design-related questions.
• Identify and recommend safe, efficient, and practical manufacturing methods in partnership with internal teams.
• Provide timely support for drawing, material, fit-up, or fabrication questions during production.
• Communicate revisions, missing information, project concerns, and potential schedule impacts to relevant team members.
• Maintain organized and accurate project files, drawings, revisions, and related documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in drafting, engineering technology, construction, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent education and experience will be considered.
• One to three years of experience in drafting, construction, metal fabrication, or a related mechanical or technical field preferred.
• Experience with structural steel detailing, structural fabrication, or structural processing highly preferred.
• Proficiency with Autodesk Advance Steel, Autodesk Inventor, and AutoCAD preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, dimensions, weld symbols, and fabrication requirements.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate across departments, manage changing priorities, and respond constructively to feedback.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, and Adobe PDF tools.
• Ability to perform physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation with profit-sharing opportunities after 90 days of employment
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance options
• Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 5%
• Optional supplemental life, disability, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity coverage