Job Title: HVAC + Sheet Metal Designer and Drafter

Job Description

This onsite HVAC + Sheet Metal Designer and Drafter role focuses on designing, detailing, and supporting the fabrication of complex industrial ventilation and ductwork systems, with a strong emphasis on reverse-engineering existing shipboard and industrial installations. You will work primarily in an office environment using 3D scan data, customer drawings, and field measurements to create accurate, fabrication-ready models, drawings, and shop packages for replacement ductwork and sheet metal assemblies. This position is ideal for a highly detail-oriented CAD professional who enjoys translating real-world systems into precise designs while collaborating closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams on long-term industrial and maritime projects.

Responsibilities

• Reverse-engineer existing ductwork and ventilation systems using 3D scan data, customer drawings, and field measurements to understand current conditions.
• Develop detailed 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings for replacement ductwork and sheet metal assemblies that can be used directly by manufacturing and shop personnel.
• Create cut lists, bills of materials, and material requirement documents to support fabrication and production planning.
• Perform material takeoffs and calculate quantities required for purchasing and production activities.
• Compile takeoff information into spreadsheets and coordinate with purchasing and materials teams to ensure timely procurement.
• Prepare complete fabrication documents and shop packages that provide manufacturing teams with everything needed to build replacement systems.
• Support field walkthroughs aboard ships and in industrial environments to validate scope, verify measurements, and gather missing information.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with project requirements.
• Interpret and apply drawings, specifications, and field data to develop accurate models and fabrication documentation.
• Manage design projects independently from concept through fabrication, ensuring deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Use CAD and detailing software to model existing ductwork, generate replacement system layouts, and refine designs based on feedback from the field and shop.
• Contribute to the redesign and replacement of HVAC and ventilation systems on ships and other industrial facilities as part of larger repair and modernization programs.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience in HVAC detailing, sheet metal detailing, industrial ductwork design, or mechanical drafting and fabrication detailing.
• Proven experience creating fabrication-ready drawings that are used directly by manufacturing or shop personnel.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and field measurements and translate them into accurate CAD models and fabrication documents.
• Demonstrated experience working independently and managing design projects from concept through fabrication.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and mechanical CAD drafting for HVAC, ductwork, and sheet metal systems.
• Hands-on experience with HVAC design, sheet metal design, and reverse engineering of existing systems.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling for mechanical and sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Ability to generate bills of materials (BOM), cut lists, and material takeoffs for fabrication and purchasing.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in drafting, modeling, and documentation.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering, fabrication, production, and purchasing teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred experience with AutoCAD MEP for mechanical and HVAC system detailing.
• Preferred experience with Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct for sheet metal and ductwork fabrication workflows.
• Preferred experience with Design2Fab or similar sheet metal fabrication software.
• Experience with SolidWorks for mechanical and sheet metal 3D modeling.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor, Rhino, or similar 3D design tools.
• Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for precise mechanical detailing.
• Background in HVAC fabrication, sheet metal manufacturing, industrial ventilation systems, or mechanical fabrication.
• Experience in shipbuilding, marine, or maritime environments, particularly with shipboard ductwork and ventilation systems.
• Experience in manufacturing drafting or pre-construction detailing for mechanica