About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Drafter / CAD Designer (Virtual Assistant) to support our Australian engineering team in producing accurate, high-quality mechanical and fabrication drawings. The successful candidate will have experience in drafting for industrial equipment, materials handling systems, sheet metal design and/or structural steel fabrication and be able to work collaboratively with engineers, project managers, and workshop personnel in a remote environment.
Key Responsibilities
● Prepare detailed mechanical and fabrication drawings based on engineering sketches, concepts, and project specifications.
● Produce General Arrangement (GA) drawings, fabrication drawings, assembly drawings, and detailed component drawings.
● Create and modify conveyor layouts, chutes, hoppers, platforms, walkways, and other materials handling equipment.
● Develop accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for fabrication and procurement, assisting you in creating detailed quotes for our customers.
● Perform material take-offs (MTOs) from drawings and documentation.
● Calculate costs for:
○ Raw materials
○ Fabricated components
○ Labour hours
○ Equipment and machinery
○ Subcontractor services
○ Installation requirements
○ Overheads and project allowances
● Request and compare supplier quotations for materials, components, and services.
● Assist in preparing client proposals and pricing submissions.
● Maintain estimating spreadsheets, databases, and project cost records.
● Review project variations and assist with cost adjustments.
● Collaborate with engineers, project managers, procurement teams, and workshop personnel.
● Ensure estimates are accurate, competitive, and completed within required deadlines.
● Revise and update drawings throughout the design and manufacturing process.
● Ensure all drawings comply with Australian Standards, engineering specifications, and client requirements.
● Coordinate with engineers, project managers, workshop staff, and clients to ensure drawing accuracy and project deliverables are met.
● Interpret engineering calculations, technical specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
● Maintain drawing registers, revision history, and organized project documentation.
● Assist with design improvements and drafting support throughout project delivery.
Required Skills & Experience
● Proven experience as a Mechanical Drafter, CAD Designer, or Mechanical Design Draftsperson.
● Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor.
● Strong experience producing:
○ General Arrangement (GA) drawings
○ Sheet metal designed parts
○ Fabrication & Assembly drawings
○ Manufacturing drawings
● Experience preparing Bills of Materials (BOMs).
● Strong understanding of fabrication, welding, machining, and manufacturing processes.
● Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and design mark-ups.
● Excellent attention to detail and drafting accuracy.
● Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
● Ability to work independently in a remote environment with a reliable internet connection.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience supporting Australian engineering or manufacturing companies.
● Experience in the materials handling, recycling, or industrial equipment industries.
● Knowledge of:
○ Conveyor systems
○ Structural steel fabrication
○ Sheet metal fabrication
○ Mechanical assemblies
○ Welding symbols and fabrication standards
● Familiarity with Australian Standards relating to mechanical design and fabrication, particularly around guarding/safety and platform design requirements.
● Experience preparing shop drawings and fabrication documentation.
● Understanding of manufacturing workflows and workshop requirements.
● Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Drafting, Engineering Design, or a related discipline is preferred.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a proactive and detail-oriented Mechanical Drafter with experience producing fabrication-ready drawings for industrial equipment and mechanical assemblies. They are comfortable working remotely, communicate effectively with Australian-based engineering teams, and consistently deliver accurate, high-quality documentation within project deadlines. Experience with conveyors, materials handling systems, and fabrication drawings will be highly regarded.
Please read: If you believe you're a great fit for this role, we’d love to learn more about you! Please complete this quick
Personality Test - https://forms.gle/p3zfYqpXAgsq6JJH8
Only applicants who complete the test will be endorsed to the next stage of the hiring process. We look forward to your application. Thanks