Robert Thomas Iron Design (RTID) is a high-end custom metal fabrication studio specializing in architectural and ornamental metalwork. We strive to create an environment where people can learn and pursue their craft in an artisanal production environment; a creative place to learn, grow, develop and build a fulfilling career. Our goal is to inspire craftsmanship in all we do. Located in the historic Charleston Naval Yard, we are committed to a high standard in everything we do and have fun doing it. Check us out at: www.robertthomasiron.com
We are seeking an Associate Engineer to join our engineering team. This role is CAD-forward: most of your time will be spent building SolidWorks models and producing the drawings our blacksmiths, fabricators, and machinists build from. Every gate, railing, light fixture, piece of furniture, and production tool that leaves our shop starts as a model, so it has to be right. The ideal candidate pairs advanced SolidWorks skill with a solid foundation in engineering principles and machining, and understands how steel is actually forged, cut, machined, and joined.
Key Responsibilities
CAD Modeling & Drawing Creation
• Create detailed 3D part, assembly, and weldment models in SolidWorks for architectural ironwork, furniture, lighting, hardware, and production tooling.
• Produce complete, accurate fabrication and machining drawings, including dimensions and tolerances (GD&T where appropriate), weld symbols, finishes, and notes.
• Develop drawing packages for internal use, client approval, and shop fabrication, including bills of materials (BOMs), cut lists, and flat patterns/templates
• Prepare shop drawings and submittals for clients, architects, and contractors; incorporate redlines and manage revisions.
• Model forged components and hand-forged features with an understanding of how forging tolerances differ from machined tolerances.
• Translate sketches, renderings, and field measurements into buildable designs.
• Import, clean up, and work with files from other CAD platforms (AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, Fusion 360, STEP, DXF) supplied by architects, designers, and 3rd party design services.
• Build and maintain RTID’s part, template, and drawing libraries; uphold drawing standards, part numbering, file naming, and revision control.
• Tabulate quantity takeoffs and material estimates from drawings.
Engineering & Manufacturing Support
• Apply sound engineering principles (statics, strength of materials, load paths, connection and weld design) to ensure designs are structurally sound and meet applicable building codes for guards, railings, and gates.
• Perform engineering calculations and basic simulation (FEA) where needed, and identify items that require review by a licensed Professional Engineer.
• Design for manufacturability: select materials, stock/standard sizes, joinery, and processes that fit RTID’s forging, fabrication, and machining capabilities.
• Create machining drawings and support CNC and CAM programming for parts, fixtures, dies, and production tooling, including tooling for our cookware manufacturing division.
• Design jigs, fixtures, and forging tooling that improve repeatability, quality, and throughput.
• Work closely with the Shop Foreman and craftspeople to answer technical questions, resolve design challenges during production, and feed lessons learned back into the models.
• Support development of new forged product lines designed for repeatable standard and semi-custom production.
Systems & Coordination
• Structure BOMs and item data for use in our MRP system so engineering information flows cleanly to purchasing and production.
• Manage engineering change orders and drawing revisions throughout the project lifecycle.
• Coordinate with project management and production on drawing release schedules and priorities.
• Coordinate and collaborate with RTID’s supporting 3rd party design services (CAD, rendering, 3D modeling, detailing).
• Collaborate with clients, architects, and contractors to clarify design intent and resolve technical questions.
• Work with purchasing and outside vendors (laser, waterjet, machining, finishing) on specifications, materials, and lead times.
Wage Range: $28.00-$33.00/hour
Qualifications
Qualifications & Skills
Required
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on SolidWorks experience, with advanced proficiency in parts, assemblies, weldments, sheet metal, configurations, and drawing creation.
- Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred;
- Solid foundation in engineering principles, including statics, strength of materials, and the properties of carbon and stainless steels.
- Working knowledge of machining processes (milling, turning, CNC) and the ability to produce drawings a machinist can build from without questions.
- Thorough understanding of drafting standards (ASME Y14.5), GD&T, and AWS weld symbols.
- Understanding of metal fabrication processes, including cutting, forming, welding, forging, and finishing.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, and shop drawings.
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills; equally comfortable on the shop floor and in a client meeting.
- MS365 Applications and MS Teams ecosystem proficient.
- Process and systems mentality – familiarity with Lean/Six Sigma and 5S principles.
- Dependable, flexible, and can be counted on to deliver.
Desirable
- Experience in ornamental ironwork, architectural metals, or custom metal fabrication (desirable but not required).
- Proficiency in additional CAD software such as AutoCAD, Rhino, Inventor, or Fusion 360.
- Understanding of MRP/ERP systems, including item masters, BOMs, routings, and work orders.
- CAM software experience (SolidWorks CAM, Mastercam, Fusion 360 CAM, or similar).
- SolidWorks Simulation / FEA experience; CSWA or CSWP certification.
- Hands-on shop experience in machining, welding, or blacksmithing.
- Familiarity with PDM and revision control systems.
- Experience designing tooling, jigs, and fixtures.