Mechanical Eng. Draftsperson
About FOCAL
FOCAL is a premium architectural metalwork fabrication business based in Queenstown. We design and build bespoke metalwork for high-end residential and commercial projects across New Zealand — balustrades, staircases, facades, cladding systems, structural elements, and more.Our work ends up on some of the country's most architecturally ambitious builds.
We run a modern shop with laser cutting, CNC press brake, and full in-house fabrication capability. Our digital fabrication workflow is central to how we deliver — from drawing to cut file to finished product.
The Role
This is a technical drawing and CAD role sitting at the intersection of design intent and the workshop floor. You'll take architectural drawings, specifications, and client briefs and convert them into fully resolved shop drawings and production-ready files — the link between what an architect imagines and what we can actually build.
Day to day you'll be producing detailed fabrication drawings in Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, generating DXF cut files for our laser cutter and press brake programs, and working closely with our production team to make sure everything that leaves your screen can be built without ambiguity.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare detailed fabrication drawings and 3D CAD models for architectural metalwork components including balustrades, staircases, cladding, and structural elementsConvert architectural and engineering drawings into production-ready shop drawings, DXF cut files, and press brake programs
Generate bills of materials (BOMs) from CAD models to support material procurement and job costing
Maintain and manage the drawing register and digital file library across active projects
Identify and resolve dimensional discrepancies, unclear specifications, or buildability issues — raising RFIs to architects and builders where requiredCollaborate with the production team and workshop to ensure drawings accurately reflect fabrication constraints and material standards
Revise drawings in response to client or site variations and maintain accurate version control
Support estimation with drawing takeoffs and material schedules for new project tenders
What You'll Need
Minimum 3 years' experience in a technical drawing or CAD role in a manufacturing, fabrication, or engineering environmentProficiency in Autodesk Inventor and/or AutoCAD — you need to be fast and accurate in 3D modelling and 2D drafting
Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings with confidence
Strong spatial reasoning — able to visualise how flat patterns and formed parts relate to 3D assemblies
Understanding of metal fabrication processes including laser cutting, press brake forming, and welding is a significant advantage
High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Good communication — you'll be dealing with builders, architects, and the workshop regularly
What We Offer
Competitive salary commensurate with experience — range $65,000–$85,000 depending on skills and backgroundPermanent full-time role, 40 hours per week
Queenstown location — work in one of the most sought-after places to live in New Zealand
Tight-knit team, interesting work, high-quality projects
Direct exposure to New Zealand's premium residential construction market
To Apply
Send your CV and a brief cover note to george@focalqt.com. Include examples of CAD work or a portfolio if you have one — drawings, models, cut files, whatever shows what you can do.