Mechanical Drafter

IDEAL ELECTRIC stands as the last independent, vertically integrated manufacturer and servicer of high-power specialized rotating electric motors, generators, and associated equipment. Family-run and oriented, we're large enough to service, small enough to care – combining the capabilities of a major manufacturer with the entrepreneurial agility and innovative spirit that drives us to adapt quickly and solve complex challenges. This position is based at our historic Mansfield, Ohio facility and reports to the Engineering Supervisor.

About the Role

The Mechanical Drafter plays a vital role in our engineering team, creating and refining designs for our industry-leading rotating electrical equipment products and services. Using SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD system and with minimal guidance, you will create/modify 3D models and prepare clear, complete, and accurate assembly and detail drawings (or revisions) from rough or detailed sketches, similar part drawings, or notes. This role requires strong technical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail to ensure designs meet our exacting standards of quality and functionality. You will collaborate with the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering team to develop manufacturable solutions that uphold IDEAL's deep reputation for excellence.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify comprehensive 3D models and prepare clear, complete, and accurate assembly and detail drawings (or revisions) from rough or detailed sketches, similar part drawings, or notes.
• Evaluate technical requirements to determine appropriate materials, dimensions, and specifications for each component and assembly.
• Research similar existing drawings and evaluate their potential application to current projects to optimize design efficiency.
• Make drawing revisions as required based on engineering feedback and production requirements.
• Research and identify parts and part numbers using available resources to maintain consistency in documentation.
• Create finished designs from written or oral instruction; assure designs meet requirements specified in resource documents.
• Apply technical knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure designs meet quality standards.
• Use SOLIDWORKS CAD system and SOLIDWORKS PDM for document and revision control.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously while adhering to project timelines.

Requirements

• Three or more years of experience performing similar duties (preferred).
• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school; or six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Due to the sensitive nature of some projects, U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.
• Proficiency in SOLIDWORKS® 3D CAD and SOLIDWORKS® PDM systems (other CAD platforms may be considered depending on experience and satisfactory evaluation of sample work).
• Knowledge of GD&T and mechanical drawing standards.
• Experience with product lifecycle management and revision control processes.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, material properties, and design for manufacturability principles.
• Knowledge of various products, drafting and engineering practices, mathematics, and other physical sciences to complete drawings.
• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend written instructions, engineering specifications, and technical documents.
• Ability to write correspondence and other documentation.
• Ability to effectively present information to others in one-on-one and small group settings.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Excellent spatial visualization skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

Skills

• Technical literacy with demonstrated proficiency in:
  • Microsoft 365 suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
  • ERP systems for parts management and documentation.
  • PDM/PLM systems for design and product lifecycle management.
  • Work Management platforms for project tracking and collaboration.
  • Enterprise cloud-based content management systems for team collaboration and secure file sharing.
• Exceptional attention to detail and time-management skills.
• Experience with rotating machinery failure analysis and root cause investigation is a plus.
• Passion for IDEAL's mission to preserve and advance American manufacturing and sustainment of specialized rotating electrical equipment.

Schedule

• Daily minimum of 8 hours.
• Weekly 40-hour minimum.

Working Conditions

• This position generally operates in a professional office environment.
• This position often uses standard office equipment such as phones, computers, and copiers/printers.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee:

• Is regularly required to talk, hear, read, and write/type.
• Must perform physical activities that may include:
  • Standing, sitting, and walking throughout the workday.
  • Using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls.
  • Reaching with hands and arms, stooping, kneeling, or crouching occasionally.
• Must be able to exhibit specific vision abilities required by this job which include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• May occasionally need to walk through manufacturing areas to verify design concepts or validate measurements.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions of the position.

Due to the sensitive nature of some projects, this position requires access to, or development of, technology or technical data that is subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). The successful candidate must be a "U.S. Person" as defined by the ITAR (22 C.F.R120.62) or be able to obtain the appropriate U.S. government authorization (export license) to access such technology or technical data. U.S. Person status is required for this position.

A U.S. Person includes a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident alien (Green Card holder), a refugee, or a person granted asylum.