Full-Time Industrial Designer Sign Fabrication Cape Girardeau, MO

Industrial Designer – SolidWorks / Sign Fabrication Cape Girardeau, MO

Shop Drawing Specialist * Full-Time

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Industrial Designer to join our engineering team and own the shop drawing process for a full mix of sign products — channel letters, illuminated cabinets, monuments, pylons, wayfinding, dimensional letters, awnings, and architectural signage. The successful candidate is fluent in SolidWorks and translates sales concepts, site surveys, and landlord criteria into fabrication-ready drawing packages that drive our shop floor, CNC equipment, and permit submittals.

Key Responsibilities

· Develop complete 3D models and 2D shop drawings in SolidWorks for all sign types in production.

· Produce fabrication-ready output: views, sections, exploded assemblies, BOMs, and CNC-ready DXF/DWG files.

· Translate sales sketches, renderings, and field measurements into manufacturable, code-compliant designs.

· Coordinate with sales, project managers, installers, and outside structural and electrical PEs for stamped submittals.

· Maintain standard part libraries, drawing templates, and design automation tools to reduce repeat work.

· Verify field measurements and issue as-built corrections after install when required.

SolidWorks Core Proficiency

· Part, assembly, and drawing creation with disciplined feature trees and clear design intent.

· Sheet metal module: flat patterns, bend allowances, K-factors for cabinets and channel letters.

· Weldments for structural frames, monument armatures, and pylon supports.

· Configurations and design tables for size and material variants of recurring sign families.

· Large assembly performance management and best practices.

· Custom drawing templates, title blocks, and BOM templates.

Shop Drawing Output

· Hardware callouts, fastener schedules, and finish and paint specifications.

· Material callouts: aluminum grades, ACM, polycarbonate, acrylic, steel.

· DXF output for CNC routers, lasers, plasma, and waterjet.

· BOM/Cutlist that feed purchasing and production.

Sign Industry Domain Knowledge

· Channel letters: returns, faces, trim cap, backs, mounting patterns, drain holes.

· Cabinets and lightboxes: retainer systems, face attachment, access panels.

· Monuments and pylons: foundations, anchor bolt layouts, internal structure, skin attachment.

· Pole signs and structural supports: wind load awareness, footing coordination.

· Wayfinding and dimensional letters: stud mounts, pin patterns, installer pattern drawings.

· Awnings, blade signs, and projecting signs.

· Vinyl, digital print, and routed graphics integration.

Electrical and Lighting

· LED module layouts, power supply sizing, and amperage calculations.

· UL 48 listing requirements and labeling.

· Wiring diagrams, disconnect locations, and primary/secondary circuit separation.

· Familiarity with neon where still applicable.

Materials and Fabrication Processes

· Aluminum, steel, stainless, ACM, acrylic, polycarbonate, HDU, PVC.

· CNC routing, laser cutting, plasma, waterjet, and press brake forming.

· Welding (MIG/TIG), riveting, and mechanical fastening methods.

· Paint systems, powder coat, vinyl overlays, and digital print finishing.

· Installation hardware: anchors, tamper-resistant fasteners, mounting brackets.

Codes, Standards, and Engineering Coordination

· Permit drawing requirements across varying municipalities.

· Coordination with structural and electrical PEs for stamped submittals.

· UL and ETL listing knowledge.

Workflow and Supporting Software

· Solidworks for Design Layout.

· FlexiDesign for art and vector handoff.

· Enroute for route file setup

Process and Soft Skills

· Reading architectural drawings, site surveys, and landlord criteria packages.

· Translating sales sketches or renderings into manufacturable designs.

· Design-for-manufacturability mindset and active shop floor collaboration.

· Estimating support: material takeoffs and labor input.

· Revision control discipline.

· Field measurement verification and as-built corrections.

· Clear communication across sales, project management, installation, and clients.

Nice to Haves

· Rendering for client presentations (SolidWorks Visualize, KeyShot).

· Prior sign industry experience or related architectural metals background.

Why Join Admiral Signs?

– Top-tier pay based on your experience and skill level

– Modern, well-equipped fabrication shop

– Stable, long-standing company with continuous growth

– Paid holidays, PTO, retirement plan and competitive benefits package

If you’re a seasoned industrial designer looking for a place that recognizes your skill and rewards your experience, Admiral Signs wants to talk to you!

Submit your resume to begin the conversation.

[email protected]
• Background check & drug screening required*

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 – $30.00 per hour

Benefits:
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to Commute:
• Scott City, MO 63780 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:
• Scott City, MO 63780: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person