Steel Fabrication Designer / Detailer
Location: Preston, Idaho
Position: Full-time, in-house
About Fusion Steel
Fusion Steel is a growing custom fabrication company serving Idaho and Utah. We specialize in structural steel, architectural steel, custom railings, commercial projects, and high-end residential metalwork.
Our work ranges from structural steel packages for commercial and residential construction to luxury custom railings, stair systems, and architectural features in some of the region’s finest homes.
We are not a repetitive production shop. Every project presents different design, fabrication, and installation challenges. We take pride in delivering work that is structurally sound, visually appealing, practical to build, and completed to a level of quality that exceeds expectations.
We’re looking for a skilled designer and detailer who cares about accuracy, understands how designs translate into fabrication, takes ownership of their projects, and wants to grow with the company.
Position Overview
The Steel Fabrication Designer / Detailer is responsible for turning architectural plans, engineering drawings, field measurements, sketches, and project requirements into complete, accurate, and buildable fabrication packages.
This position will create 3D models, shop and assembly drawings, individual part drawings, bills of materials, and manufacturing files that give our shop and installation teams the information they need to complete projects correctly and efficiently.
The ideal candidate combines strong CAD ability with practical problem-solving. They can identify missing information, resolve design conflicts, anticipate fabrication and installation challenges, and communicate clearly with leadership, customers, contractors, engineers, fabricators, and installers.
The role will initially be approximately 75% design and detailing and 25% project coordination, with the opportunity to take on greater project-management responsibility as the individual learns Fusion Steel’s standards and demonstrates strong judgment.
Project Types
- Structural steel packages for residential and commercial construction
- Interior and exterior railings
- Custom stair systems and stair components
- Architectural steel and decorative metalwork
- Decks, balconies, canopies, awnings, and pergolas
- Commercial miscellaneous-metals packages
- High-end residential steelwork
- Custom brackets, supports, frames, and fabricated components
- Standardized Fusion Steel products and reusable design systems
- Occasional specialty and one-off fabrication projects
Responsibilities
- Review architectural plans, engineering drawings, field measurements, sketches, specifications, and project requirements.
- Create accurate 3D models and fabrication-ready designs.
- Produce shop drawings, assembly drawings, individual part drawings, and installation details.
- Prepare DXF, STEP, bills of materials, material takeoffs, and other fabrication information.
- Verify dimensions, elevations, clearances, connections, material specifications, and finish requirements.
- Design components with fabrication, finishing, transportation, and installation in mind.
- Identify missing information, design conflicts, and constructability concerns before drawings reach the shop.
- Prepare and track design questions, RFIs, drawing approvals, and revisions.
- Coordinate routine design questions with leadership, the shop, installers, contractors, customers, and engineers.
- Maintain organized project files, drawing records, and revision control.
- Support fabrication and installation teams by answering drawing-related questions.
- Manage assigned priorities and meet design deadlines across multiple active projects.
- Update project information and status in.
- Help develop reusable components, templates, standard details, and Fusion Steel design standards.
- Provide clear project-status updates and identify potential cost, schedule, fabrication, or installation issues early.
Required Qualifications
- Experience producing accurate CAD models and fabrication or construction drawings.
- Ability to read and interpret architectural plans, engineering drawings, shop drawings, and specifications.
- Strong understanding of dimensions, tolerances, elevations, and construction details.
- Ability to translate plans, measurements, sketches, and requirements into practical, buildable designs.
- Strong spatial reasoning, technical problem-solving, and attention to detail.
- Ability to check your own work and take responsibility for accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, priorities, and revisions.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to identify missing information and ask the right questions.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with the office, shop, and field teams.
- Reliable transportation for occasional site visits.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with structural steel, railings, stairs, or architectural metalwork.
- Experience with software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, Tekla Structures, SDS2, Advance Steel, AutoCAD, or Revit.
- Experience creating assembly drawings, individual part drawings, DXF files, STEP files, and bills of materials.
- Practical understanding of welding, steel fabrication, finishing, transportation, and installation.
- Familiarity with building codes, guardrail and stair requirements, or structural-steel standards.
- Experience managing RFIs, submittals, drawing approvals, and revisions.
- Project-coordination or project-management experience.
- Experience with Job Tread, spreadsheets, and PDF document management.
- Technical degree, drafting certificate, engineering-related education, or equivalent practical experience.
Formal education is valued but not required. Demonstrated ability to create accurate, practical, fabrication-ready designs will carry more weight than a degree alone. High-potential junior candidates may be considered if they already possess strong CAD fundamentals and can demonstrate their ability through a portfolio and practical design assessment.
The Type of Person Who Excels Here
- Takes pride in producing accurate, complete work.
- Notices details and inconsistencies other people miss.
- Thinks about how a design will actually be fabricated and installed.
- Solves problems and presents recommended solutions instead of waiting for constant direction.
- Communicates questions and potential problems early.
- Takes ownership of mistakes and learns from them.
- Manages priorities and follows through on commitments.
- Works effectively with fabricators, installers, contractors, engineers, and customers.
- Continuously looks for ways to improve designs, standards, and processes.
- Enjoys varied custom projects instead of repetitive production work.
Schedule and Work Location
This is a full-time, in-house position based at Fusion Steel’s office in Preston, Idaho. The normal schedule will be approximately 40 hours per week, with occasional flexibility required to meet critical project deadlines.
Because this position works closely with company leadership, the fabrication shop, and installation crews, regular in-person collaboration is an important part of the role. Limited remote work may be considered after the employee is fully trained and has demonstrated consistent performance, communication, and accountability. Occasional travel to project sites throughout Idaho and Utah may be required.
Compensation
Compensation will be based on relevant experience, technical ability, productivity, and the candidate’s ability to independently produce complete fabrication packages. Experienced steel detailers and fabrication designers are encouraged to apply. Benefits and advancement opportunities are available for the right candidate.
Why Join Fusion Steel?
- Diverse and technically challenging projects
- High-end custom fabrication and architectural work
- Direct interaction with the people building and installing your designs
- Opportunity to influence design standards and company systems
- Opportunity to grow into greater project-management responsibility
- Direct impact on project quality, efficiency, and company success
- Strong team environment with room for advancement as the company grows
If you’re looking for a position where accuracy matters, practical design is valued, and your work has a visible impact from concept through installation, we’d like to hear from you.
Please send your resume and examples of relevant design or detailing work to [email protected].
Pay: $26.00 - $38.00 per hour
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
