Job Title: Mechanical Drafter – Trade Show & Exhibit Design Company
About Our Company
We are a full-service trade show exhibit company specializing in custom exhibits, modular displays, rentals, and show services. We support our clients from initial concept through fabrication, installation, and on-site execution at major trade shows nationwide.
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Drafter to produce precise technical drawings for trade show and exhibit booths. This role focuses on booth setup plans, electrical layouts, and graphic templates that support fabrication, show services, and on-site installation teams.
The ideal candidate understands the fast-paced nature of trade shows and can translate design concepts into clear, buildable, and show-compliant drawings.
Key Responsibilities
Exhibit Booth & Setup Drawings
- Create detailed exhibit booth layout drawings including floor plans, elevations, sections, and isometric views
- Prepare setup and installation drawings for custom and modular booths
- Show accurate placement of structural elements, counters, monitors, furniture, and accessories
- Ensure drawings meet show regulations, venue rules, and Corporate Designs standards
Electrical & AV Plans
- Develop electrical layouts showing:
- Lighting locations and fixture types
- Power drops and outlet locations
- AV equipment power requirements (monitors, kiosks, demo stations)
- Coordinate electrical plans with show service manuals and union requirements
- Assist project managers with electrical order documentation and clarifications
Graphic Templates
- Create accurate graphic production templates for:
- SEG fabric frames
- Rigid panels (Sintra, PVC, acrylic, aluminum, etc.)
- Hanging signs, headers, and lightboxes
- Provide print-ready files with proper scale, bleed, trim, and material callouts
- Coordinate with internal designers and external vendors to ensure correct fit and placement
Technical Support & Documentation
- Generate bill of materials (BOMs) and component callouts
- Maintain drawing revisions and as-built documentation
- Support sales and project management teams with technical input during quoting and execution
- Review designs for fabrication efficiency, crating, transport, and on-site installation
Required Qualifications
- Associate’s degree or certificate in Mechanical Drafting, CAD Design, or related field
- 3+ years of drafting experience (trade show or exhibit experience strongly preferred)
- Proficiency in AutoCAD (required)
- Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator,
- Ability to interpret show service manuals and floor plans
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines
Preferred Experience
- Trade show exhibit fabrication or show services environment
- Familiarity with:
- Custom wood and aluminum exhibit construction
- Modular exhibit systems and rentals
- Union labor rules and I&D documentation
- Experience with SketchUp, SolidWorks, Blender, Revit, Canva or Fusion 360 a plus
Software Skills
- AutoCAD (required)
- Adobe Illustrator (required for graphics templates)
- SketchUp / SolidWorks (preferred)
- Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
What we offer:
- Competitive compensation based on experience
- Opportunity to work on custom exhibits and national trade shows
- Collaborative, hands-on environment with designers, fabricators, and project managers
- Long-term growth opportunity within a well-established exhibit firm
