Our client, a leading manufacturing company, is looking for a skilled AutoCAD Drafter to support the design, detailing, and approval of highly customizable mechanical parts and assemblies. This role will be responsible for creating detailed 2D drawings and 3D models, applying engineering principles to ensure designs meet functional and manufacturing requirements, and providing final design approval prior to release for manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have a strong mechanical engineering foundation, hands-on CAD experience, and the ability to manage custom designs from concept through final sign-off. This position is based in Lake Forest, Illinois, with an on-site/hybrid arrangement as applicable. AutoCAD Drafter Responsibilities: - Design and draft custom and configurable mechanical parts and assemblies based on customer requirements and engineering inputs. - Create, revise, and maintain detailed 2D engineering drawings and 3D models using CAD software. - Apply mechanical engineering principles to ensure designs meet functional, safety, quality, and manufacturing requirements. - Review, validate, and approve final drawings and models for release to manufacturing, serving as the technical authority for assigned projects. - Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and sales teams to resolve design challenges and ensure customer requirements are met. - Incorporate geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), dimensional tolerances, materials, and finishes appropriate for production. - Develop and maintain designs for highly customizable products that may vary by configuration, size, material, or application. - Support prototype development, design revisions, and continuous improvement initiatives. - Ensure designs comply with applicable engineering standards, specifications, and internal design controls. - Maintain accurate engineering documentation, drawing revision histories, bills of materials (BOMs), and related design records. - Evaluate designs for manufacturability and collaborate with production teams to address potential manufacturing challenges. - Manage assigned designs from initial concept and development through final review, approval, and release. AutoCAD Drafter Requirements: - Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in engineering design and drafting, preferably in a highly customizable or engineered-to-order manufacturing environment. - Strong working knowledge of mechanical engineering fundamentals and design principles. - Proven experience designing custom parts and assemblies that vary by configuration, size, material, or application. - Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, or similar platforms. - Ability to review, validate, and provide final engineering approval on drawings and 3D models before release to manufacturing. - Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, tolerances, materials, and design-for-manufacturability principles. - Experience interpreting and applying GD&T and engineering specifications. - Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and documentation discipline. - Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, quality, sales, and customers. - Ability to manage multiple design projects and take ownership of assigned designs through final approval. Compensation: $33-35/hour plus time and half for any OT Benefits: Our consultants are eligible to enroll in health, dental, and vision coverage. If this position interests you and you meet the requirements, apply today! Thank you, Kelly Wagner Director LNESC