CAD Designer / Manufacturing Project Engineer

About Fairfield Industries

Founded in 1961, Fairfield Industries is an established American manufacturer specializing in custom metal fabrication, industrial access covers, spill containment systems, and specialty steel products.

Located in Georgetown, South Carolina, our facility provides a wide range of manufacturing capabilities, including laser and plasma cutting, welding, bending, rolling, machining, and powder coating.

We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented CAD Designer / Manufacturing Project Engineer to join our team. This position combines CAD design, cost estimating, and hands-on production support. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of metal fabrication, enjoys solving technical problems, and can take a project from initial customer specifications through production.

Key Responsibilities

CAD Design & Cost Estimating

Review and interpret customer drawings, sketches, specifications, and project requirements.
Create accurate 2D and 3D CAD drawings for standard and custom-fabricated products.
Prepare customer-facing drawings and cut sheets for review and approval.
Develop material lists, cost estimates, and supporting documentation for customer quotations.
Prioritize design and estimating assignments based on customer needs and project deadlines.
Coordinate with the main office to ensure project drawings, specifications, and related documentation are properly maintained.

Manufacturing & Production Support

Prepare detailed fabrication drawings and shop-ready documentation for production.
Review customer purchase orders and approved drawings to ensure all specifications and requirements match.
Create flat patterns and sheet metal layouts for laser and plasma cutting.
Assist machine operators with material nesting and efficient sheet utilization.
Work directly with welders, fabricators, and machine operators to resolve technical questions throughout production.
Coordinate with purchasing to identify special materials, components, and hardware needed for upcoming projects.
Review completed products for accuracy and consistency with approved drawings and customer requirements.
Support daily production planning, scheduling, and shipping coordination.

Project Management & Process Improvement

Help coordinate projects from initial design through manufacturing and completion.
Maintain an organized library of standard product drawings, designs, and revisions.
Assist in developing new products, prototypes, and custom fabrication solutions.
Identify opportunities to reduce material waste, production time, and manufacturing costs.
Recommend and implement improvements to fabrication processes, tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
Collaborate with management and shop personnel to improve production efficiency and product quality.
Demonstrate leadership, accountability, and a team-oriented approach to daily operations.

Qualifications

Required

Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD only.
Ability to read, interpret, and create technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
Working knowledge of sheet metal fabrication, welding, and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of dimensional tolerances, material selection, and fabrication methods.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Excellent communication skills and willingness to work directly with production personnel.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify potential design or manufacturing issues.

Preferred

Experience in a custom metal fabrication or manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in SolidWorks, including sheet metal design and flat pattern development.
Familiarity with laser cutting, plasma cutting, CNC equipment, and material nesting.
Experience preparing material takeoffs, bills of materials (BOMs), and cost estimates.
Experience designing fabrication fixtures, tooling, and prototypes.
Background in manufacturing engineering, mechanical design, or production management.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who can do more than create drawings. The right candidate understands how products are actually manufactured and can work closely with the shop to turn designs into finished products.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys a combination of computer-based design and hands-on manufacturing involvement. You should be comfortable managing your own workload, solving problems, and helping improve the way products are designed and built.

Why Join Fairfield Industries?

Join an established American manufacturer with over 60 years of experience.
Work on a wide variety of custom fabrication projects and industrial products.
Gain direct involvement in design, estimating, manufacturing, and production.
Collaborate with an experienced team of fabricators and manufacturing professionals.
Have a meaningful impact on product development, quality, and operational efficiency.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume along with a summary of your CAD and manufacturing experience.

Learn more about us at www.fairfield-industries.com.

Pay: $35.69 - $42.98 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
Health insurance
Paid time off

Work Location: In person

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