3D Modeller / Mechanical Drafter - Dayshift Remote

Employment: Full Time - Independent Contractor

The company is a premier New Zealand manufacturer of high-quality agricultural machinery, based in Christchurch. The business designs and manufactures a broad range of equipment for New Zealand farmers, including farm trailers, bale feeders, cultivation equipment, rollers, mowers, and specialized agricultural machinery. The company places a strong emphasis on practical engineering, durability, and building machinery that performs reliably in demanding farming environments—with longevity, strength, and ease of maintenance designed into every product.

We are seeking an experienced 3D Modeller / Mechanical Drafter to join our team in a remote capacity to support the company's ongoing design and manufacturing operations.

This is a hands-on drafting and 3D modeling position working closely with the company's New Zealand-based team. The primary focus of this role is taking existing company designs, technical drawings, and engineering directions and accurately translating them into detailed 3D models and manufacturing drawings using Autodesk Inventor. You will also manage drawings, models, revisions, and design files using Autodesk Vault.

Note: This is not a senior mechanical engineering or product-development position. The company provides the engineering direction, and a senior engineer will review and sign off on all work. The priority is finding a candidate who is technically strong, accurate, and highly proficient in Autodesk Inventor from day one.

• 3D Modeling & CAD: Create accurate 3D models of agricultural machinery, components, and assemblies using Autodesk Inventor; replicate existing machinery designs and components within CAD.
• Drafting & Documentation: Produce and update detailed 2D manufacturing, fabrication, and detail drawings from existing company designs for use by the manufacturing and fabrication team.
• Revisions & Maintenance: Modify existing models and drawings based on instructions from the company’s engineering team; update drawings whenever machinery designs or components are revised.
• Data & Version Management: Maintain drawings, models, revisions, and documentation within Autodesk Vault, adhering to established design standards, file structures, and drafting processes.
• Technical Communication: Participate in regular video calls (e.g., MS Teams) with the New Zealand engineering team to discuss drawings, changes, and priorities; respond efficiently to feedback and revision requests.

• Formal Education: A formal mechanical engineering degree or accreditation is not required. We prioritize practical capability, strong CAD skills, and relevant drafting experience over formal qualifications.
• Technical Experience: Demonstrated hands-on experience using Autodesk Inventor in a professional drafting or manufacturing environment, with a strong portfolio of 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings.
• Software Capability: Immediate proficiency in Autodesk Inventor is essential. (Candidates with experience primarily in SolidWorks will only be considered if they can demonstrate strong, current proficiency in Autodesk Inventor without requiring software training).

• Data Management: Prior experience using Autodesk Vault for document management and version control.
• Domain Knowledge: Previous drafting experience within agricultural machinery, trailers, mechanical equipment, heavy fabrication, or manufacturing environments.
• Manufacturing Processes: Experience drafting sheet metal and fabricated steel components, with a solid understanding of practical manufacturing processes (welding, bending, cutting, assembly).
• Remote Experience: Proven track record of working remotely with Australian or New Zealand engineering/manufacturing businesses.

• Technical Accuracy: Exceptional attention to detail, dimensional accuracy, and the ability to interpret existing measurements, drawings, and technical instructions reliably.
• Communication Skills: Confident spoken and written English, with the ability to discuss technical details clearly with the New Zealand-based team via video calls.
• Self-Management: Ability to work independently, manage multiple drawings/revisions effectively, follow established engineering direction, and proactively ask for clarification when needed.
• Reliability: A organized approach to work, ensuring design integrity and accuracy across all deliverables to serve as a seamless extension of our engineering team.

Originally posted on Himalayas