Construction Drafter

Construction Drafter

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Company: SpaceStars Deck Builders

Department: Operations

Job Title: Construction Drafter

Reports To: Director of Operations

Direct Reports: None

Company Vision: To be an organization where great people can build an amazing career and life for themselves and their families, develop as people, and be part of a high integrity team environment, through strong systems and processes, training, and personal development.

Company Overview: South East Michigan's premier deck building company is looking to grow by adding a leader to our marketing team. We are poised for growth, looking to scale up from $12m sales to $100m+/year over the next 3-4 years by further professionalizing, systematizing, and expanding operations.

Position Summary

SpaceStars Deck Builders is hiring a full-time Drafter in Southeast Michigan to turn project concepts into permit-ready drawings, produce accurate material takeoffs, and place material orders for every job. The role also supports plot plans and zoning variance applications.

Key Responsibilities

Drafting and permit documents

• Produce permit-ready 2D drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections, details, site and foundation plans) that meet local and state Michigan building code requirements.
• Revise drawings in response to plan review comments, field changes, and client or contractor input.
• Maintain organized drawing files, version control, and a complete permit submission package for each job.

Estimating and material ordering

• Complete material takeoffs from drawings for every job, with allowances for waste and a clear scope assumptions list.
• Place and track material orders so deliveries match the job schedule, and flag shortages, substitutions, or price changes to the Director of Operations.
• Compare takeoff quantities and costs against actual usage, and use the results to sharpen future estimates.

Plot plans and zoning variances

• Research zoning ordinances, setbacks, lot coverage, and other local requirements for each municipality as needed to gain job approvals.
• Assemble variance packets and supporting exhibits, and help prepare for board of appeals or planning commission meetings.

Coordination

• Communicate with building departments, suppliers, and project staff on permit status, orders, and drawing questions as well as inspection schedules and permit close-outs.
• Keep the production team updated on open permits, pending orders, and upcoming deadlines.

Technology Enhancements

• Work actively with team members to develop, implement and improve workflows in various technology platforms with the goal of improving the accuracy, speed and value of permit documents and materials orders.

Qualifications

Required

• 3+ years of drafting experience producing residential permit drawings.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD or comparable software.
• History of using technology to improve workflows, improve accuracy and efficiency.
• In-depth knowledge of the Michigan Residential Building Codes and of how local building departments review, and approve, plans.
• Experience preparing plot plans or zoning variance applications in Southeast Michigan municipalities.
• Experience doing material takeoffs and ordering materials from suppliers.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, plus email and basic document management.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for occasional site visits and municipal office visits.
• Basic experience with CRMs and other workflow management software.

Preferred

• Degree or certificate in drafting, architectural technology, construction management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Background in the construction trades or in a contractor's office.
• Eagerness to use AI, and other tools, to build and refine workflows.

Core Competencies

• Accuracy: Catches errors in dimensions, quantities, and code compliance before drawings go out or orders are placed.
• Organization: Tracks many jobs, permits, and orders at once and meets deadlines without close supervision.
• Research: Reads ordinance language carefully and finds the requirement that applies to the property.
• Communication: Works clearly with building officials, suppliers, and coworkers, in writing and by phone.
• Ownership: Takes responsibility for the cost and schedule effects of takeoffs and orders.

Compensation

This is a hybrid role with occasional site visits and trips to municipal offices. Site visits involve uneven ground and outdoor conditions, and the work requires extended computer use.

Salary range: $60k - $70K per year, depending on experience.

Benefits: Employee sponsored health, vision, dental insurance, paid time off, holidays, 401(k) with 3.5% match.

SpaceStars Deck Builders is an equal opportunity employer. This description outlines the main duties of the role and does not limit the tasks that may be assigned.

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Application Question(s):

• How many years of drafting experience producing residential permit drawings do you have? (Answer required for consideration)
• In which of your former roles have you worked autonomously tracking multiple jobs, permits and orders concurrently, that included meeting deadlines? (Answer required for consideration)
• What is your level of experience with Michigan Residential Building Codes and local building departments review and approval process? (Answer required for consideration)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Wayne County, MI