Drafting Engineer

Job Title: Drafting Engineer
Company: Plasser American Corporation
Location: New Milford, Connecticut

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The story of how steel tracks turned the American promise into American progress and forged a trusted pathway to the possibilities of the future. It’s a story that continues today, an American legacy unfolding mile by mile. There is a lot riding on those tracks and we know that support, quality and know-how are all important aspects in staying on track.

 That’s why the Plasser American tradition begins with a promise. A promise to do things right. An unapologetic commitment to quality that makes us the longtime trusted leader in cutting edge American made innovations for the North American railway. It’s a promise to see things differently to turn ordinary steel into safer passages. To be a partner that you can count on to engineer solutions for the challenges of today and for the opportunities of tomorrow. From research and design, expert manufacturing and delivering unapparelled services, our customers trust us to keep them ahead of the curve.

 Progress is about more than getting from Point A to Point B. It’s knowing you have a trusted foundation to move you forward toward new possibilities waiting around the corner. Join Plasser American to become part of our team forging ahead towards new opportunities in railway maintenance. The railway is a path to the future, choose this path and apply today.

Position Summary

We are seeking a detail-oriented Drafting Engineer to support the design, assembly, and modification of ultrasonic rail testing equipment and related mechanical systems. This position will develop accurate 3D models, manufacturing drawings, and technical documentation for inspection vehicles, testing trolleys, and equipment installations.

The ideal candidate will work closely with production, and field service teams to turn design concepts and field measurements into practical drawings for fabrication and assembly.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings for mechanical components, assemblies, and equipment installations.
• Develop drawings for mounting brackets, frames, enclosures, ultrasonic test carriages, and vehicle or trolley modifications.
• Prepare fabrication and assembly drawings with dimensions, tolerances, materials, and welding requirements.
• Create and maintain bills of materials, parts lists, and assembly documentation.
• Measure existing equipment and develop drawings for replacement parts or modifications.
• Support the integration of ultrasonic and geometry inspection systems into vehicles and portable testing equipment.
• Work with production personnel and suppliers to resolve drawing questions and fabrication issues.
• Update drawings to reflect approved design changes and completed installations.
• Maintain drawing revision control and organized engineering records.
• Check designs for fit, clearances, service access, and ease of manufacturing.
• Assist with prototype assembly and verification that completed components meet drawing requirements.
• Follow company engineering practices and safety procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certificate in mechanical drafting, CAD technology, mechanical engineering technology, or a related field; equivalent practical experience will be considered.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or equivalent.
• Ability to create and interpret mechanical drawings, dimensions, tolerances, and assembly details.
• Understanding of machining, welding, sheet metal fabrication, and mechanical assembly.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple assignments.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work with engineering, shop, and field personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of mechanical drafting or design experience.
• Experience with mobile equipment, rail equipment, inspection systems, or industrial machinery.
• Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with drawing revision control and engineering change processes.
• Familiarity with hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical component layouts.

Work Environment

This position is primarily based at the New Milford facility and includes office drafting work and hands-on coordination in the assembly shop. Occasional travel to customer sites or other company facilities may be required to collect measurements and support equipment installations.

 Benefits:

• Accrue 80 Hours of Paid Time Off during your first year of employment
• 10 Paid Holidays per year
• 401(k) match of $0.50 for every $1.00 you contribute up to 6% of your salary
• You may receive a merit bonus after completion of the audit at the end of the fiscal year
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Free Short and Long Term Disability after 90 days of employment
• Free Life Insurance – 2 times your annual salary
• Company Events
• Free employee medical and dental coverage. – valued at $7,500.00

About Plasser American:

As part of the Plasser family brand, which is the largest Maintenance of Way equipment provider in the world, PAC is a rapidly growing provider of railway equipment in North America. Continuing for the next few years, PAC will continue to make significant investments in the North American Market including a new office building and a substantial addition to our manufacturing facility. PAC is making the needed investments to continue its growth trajectory for many years to come. The next several years will be an exciting time of transformation. We look to the future to enhance our team and achieve our goals.

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to work with cutting-edge inspection technology in a dynamic, global environment. You’ll play a critical role in ensuring the safety and reliability of rail infrastructure while gaining valuable international experience.