Drafter Lead-

Position Overview

The Drafter Lead works hand in hand with the Engineering Manager to operate the drafting department. The Lead is the department's first line of technical authority and quality checks, owning drawing accuracy, drafting standards, and technical guidance to the team, while the Engineering Manager holds scheduling, workload assignment, budget, and personnel. The two operate with shared visibility and constant communication across responsibilities, and the Lead is the first point of resolution for technical questions from both the drafting team and project management and then escalates from there as necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Review all shop drawings and fabrication documents produced by the team for technical accuracy, completeness, and code compliance before submission.
• Execute the daily drafting plan set with the Engineering Manager, keeping work moving against committed dates and flagging conflicts early.
• Serve as the first point of resolution for technical questions from the drafting team and project management, escalating decisions that carry budget, personnel, or cross-department implications.
• Partner daily with the Engineering Manager on department operations, maintaining shared visibility on schedule, workload, and project risk.
• Produce complex shop drawings for glass and glazing projects including curtain wall, storefront, and specialty glazing systems.
• Serve as the primary technical resource for drafting team members, answering questions and providing guidance on glazing systems and drawing standards.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-level drafters, providing training, feedback, and performance coaching.
• Coordinate with project managers to understand project schedules, submittal requirements, and any changes to scope or design.
• Collaborate with fabrication and installation teams to resolve drawing questions, field conflicts, and material specification issues.
• Maintain and enforce drafting standards, file naming conventions, and drawing revision protocols across the team.
• Track drawing submittal status and approval timelines, escalating potential delays to the Engineering Manager and keeping project managers informed of drawing status.
• Support drafters when project managers pressure committed dates, and escalate schedule changes to the Engineering Manager rather than conceding them.
• Maintain daily discipline updating project records and milestone dates in the drafting team's tracking system, and manage all project manager communication and requests through the department's ticket system.
• Coordinate with outsourced drafting partners on overflow or specialized drawing packages and solicit engineering quotes as needed to support project schedules.
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and preconstruction coordination to align drawing production with project schedules.
• Evaluate and recommend improvements to drafting workflows, software tools, and documentation practices.
• Provide the Engineering Manager with current status on progress, risk, and available capacity so scheduling and assignment decisions are made on accurate information.
• Qualifications & Requirements

Education: Associate's degree or certificate in Drafting, CAD Technology, or related field preferred; equivalent hands-on trade experience in glazing or construction drafting will be accepted in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 7+ years of glazing or construction drafting experience, with at least 1-2 years in a lead or senior drafting role. Demonstrated expertise producing shop drawings for commercial glazing projects.

Skills & Competencies: Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD required, including Binswanger Glass's proprietary AutoCAD customization layer. Working knowledge of major glazing systems and manufacturers including Kawneer, Tubelite, and Oldcastle. Thorough understanding of glazing systems including curtain wall, storefront, and window wall. Strong review and quality control skills. Proven ability to lead and mentor a drafting team. Excellent coordination and communication skills across project and fabrication teams.

Preferred: Experience with glass fabrication documentation and cut sheet production. Familiarity with glazing codes, standards, and industry specifications.

About Binswanger Glass

Binswanger Glass offers clients glass and glazier solutions that will help restore, transform and increase the beauty of their home or commercial property. We use our 150 years of experience in the industry to provide proficient project management, expert installation, and productive teamwork to assist clients with their needs. Originally founded in 1872, Binswanger Glass is headquartered in Memphis, TN and is the largest retailer and installer of Architectural Glass and aluminum products within the construction and residential markets in the United States.

Best in Glass Benefits

Binswanger Glass offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees:

• Industry-leading Compensation
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Plans
• 401K with employer match
• 100% Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life Insurance and additional Voluntary Benefits
• Personal Health Advocate
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) including 9 annual holidays
• Daily Pay

EEO/AA Employer/F/M/disabled/veterans