Job Description

Overview

The Storage Tank Drafter is responsible for preparing detailed fabrication, erection, and as-built drawings for welded steel storage tank projects, ensuring compliance with relevant standards while collaborating with Project Managers, Engineers, and Shop Supervisors.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare detailed shop fabrication drawings and field erection drawings for welded steel storage tanks.
  • Develop General Arrangement (GA) drawings, shell layouts, roof layouts, bottom layouts, nozzle details, ladder and platform details, and structural attachment drawings.
  • Produce fabrication details for shell courses, roof framing, bottom plates, manways, nozzles, reinforcement pads, stairs, handrails, and appurtenances.
  • Create assembly drawings, weld maps, and installation details.
  • Prepare as-built drawings upon project completion.
  • Work closely with engineers to incorporate design calculations into fabrication drawings.
  • Coordinate drawing revisions resulting from Requests for Information (RFIs), change orders, and field modifications.
  • Review project specifications and contract drawings to ensure all requirements are incorporated into the design package.
  • Assist with design coordination meetings and constructability reviews.
  • Prepare detailed bills of materials (BOMs) for fabrication and procurement.
  • Generate steel plate, structural steel, piping, and hardware takeoffs.
  • Verify material quantities against project drawings and specifications.
  • Coordinate with Purchasing to ensure accurate material ordering.
  • Maintain drawing accuracy, revision control, and document management.
  • Ensure drawings comply with company drafting standards and project requirements.
  • Coordinate drawing releases with Project Management and Production.
  • Archive completed project drawings and maintain electronic records.
  • Support fabrication personnel by answering drawing-related questions and clarifying details.
  • Coordinate with Project Managers and Shop Foremen to resolve fabrication issues.
  • Revise drawings to reflect approved field changes.
  • Participate in project meetings as required.

Requirements

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
  • Minimum of 3 years of drafting experience in steel fabrication, industrial construction, or storage tank projects.
  • Experience with API 650 and/or API 620 storage tanks is preferred.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD is required.
  • Experience with Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, Tekla Structures, or similar 3D modeling software is preferred.
  • Strong understanding of fabrication and construction practices.
  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and welding symbols.
  • Strong knowledge of steel fabrication methods and detailing practices.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.

Additional Information

  • Ability to work in an office environment with occasional visits to fabrication shops and construction sites.
  • Ability to climb ladders and access elevated work areas during shop or field inspections.
  • Ability to wear required PPE while visiting active fabrication or construction areas.
  • Primarily office-based with periodic visits to fabrication facilities and project sites.
  • Occasional travel may be required to support fabrication, field erection, or project meetings.

How this job compares in Phoenix, AZ

Pay in context

This employer didn't publish a rate. For reference, welding jobs in Phoenix, AZ currently run a median of $30/hr in our index, with the middle half of them falling between $23–$39/hr across 95 postings with published pay. That median is a reasonable floor to anchor on when a recruiter asks what you're looking for.

The local market in Phoenix, AZ

We're tracking 209 other active welding openings in Phoenix, AZ right now, from 130 different employers. 57 of them were added in the last week. Across Arizona as a whole we're tracking 509 other active welding openings from 257 employers. A metro this active generally means you have real leverage — employers here are competing for the same welders. Browse every welding job in Phoenix, or widen the search to Arizona.

The most active employers in Arizona at the moment, by number of open welding reqs, are Sundt Construction (29), Welding Shop in Phoenix, AZ (20), and EZARC (16). Volume like that usually means either a genuine expansion or a staffing agency working several client sites — worth knowing which before you apply.

Within Arizona, the best-paying metros we track by median hourly rate are Tempe at $32/hr, Phoenix at $30/hr, and Surprise at $30/hr. Phoenix is among them.

Similar openings near Phoenix, AZ

Pay figures are medians computed from live postings in the Welding Pros index, not from survey data, and they move as employers post. Storage Tank Drafter figures were last recalculated when this page was built.