Product Drafter/Designer

Bring your creativity and drafting expertise to an organization where innovation meets advanced manufacturing. Enjoy competitive pay, 100% company-paid medical and dental, and a 401(k) with up to a 4% company match at one of the largest and most advanced manufacturing facilities in Northwest Arkansas.

NXA Manufacturing is seeking a forward-thinking Product Drafter/Designer to create, develop, and launch new consumer products made from sheet metal and stainless steel.

Unlike traditional customer-driven design roles, this position exists to build the future product portfolio of NXA. This role blends creativity, market awareness, manufacturable design, and hands-on collaboration to bring original ideas from concept through production.

This is a junior-level opportunity with strong potential for advancement within the organization. We are seeking a recent technical school graduate or a skilled trades professional with approximately 1–2 years of experience who is eager to grow in a product-focused manufacturing environment. Working knowledge of SolidWorks is highly beneficial.

If you are energized by turning ideas into real, tangible products — and want to see your designs move from sketch to shelf — this role was built for you.

Company Overview

Founded in 2003, NXA began its journey as a family-owned business specializing in process and utility piping work. Over the years, we have grown and diversified into two separate companies, expanding our offerings to include a comprehensive range of high-quality products and solutions. Today, NXA Manufacturing operates as its own entity, designing and fabricating custom stainless-steel equipment with an emphasis on products for the food, beverage, and dairy industry.

As an industry leader, we hold our team members to the highest standards, ensuring that we hire the best talent available. Our reputation for work safety, meeting deadlines, delivering quality products, and staying within budget underscores our commitment to excellence. As a family-owned business, we also understand the importance of investing in our team members and giving back to our local community.

Why you should join the NXA Manufacturing Team:

• Competitive pay with opportunity for advancement – as the company grows, you can move up the ranks. We are a career driven company where there are very real and achievable advancement opportunities.
• Phenomenal Leadership – the owner of the company has over 40 years of experience in the industry. He has built the company on a strong foundation and continues to invest in the company by purchasing the latest technology and equipment in the industry. As a leader in the industry, we hold our team members to an elite standard by hiring the best of the best.
• Safety – We strive to keep a clean and safe working environment.
• Great Work Culture – Join a team of highly skilled tradesman that work very well together because of the team-based mentality.
• Arkansas Business of the Year Finalist in 2020
• 2022 Diversity in the Workplace Award
• Voted Best Manufacturer in the 2022 Arkansas Best of Biz Awards
• Committed to Sustainability: 2021 Mayor’s Environmental Stewardship Award | Green & Sustainable Business of the Year.
• Top 10 Best Places to Live in the U.S.: Fayetteville has been ranked in the top 10 “Best Places to Live” according to the U.S. News & World’s Annual Reporting list for a consecutive 8 years in a row.

Responsibilities

Product Ideation & Innovation

• Generate original product ideas for home, kitchen, pets, décor, collegiate, and lifestyle markets
• Research market trends, customer pain points, and competitive products
• Develop sketches, concept models, and design studies exploring form and function
• Propose new product lines, variations, and feature enhancements
• Balance creativity with practicality — ensuring products are attractive, functional, and manufacturable

Design & Engineering Development

• Create 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed drawings (SolidWorks preferred)
• Apply sheet metal best practices including bend allowances, material selection, weld design, and finishes
• Design around available scrap gauges (11ga, 14ga, etc.) to optimize material usage
• Engineer products with durability, cost, and manufacturability in mind
• Iterate designs based on prototype testing and shop-floor feedback
• Support full transition from concept to production-ready documentation

Prototyping & Manufacturing Collaboration

• Work directly with Laser, Press Brake, Fabrication, Welding, and Finishing teams
• Support first-article builds and pilot production runs
• Adjust designs based on real-world fabrication insights
• Collaborate with Manufacturing to standardize components and streamline workflows

Product Launch & Documentation

• Develop product specifications, BOMs, and production documentation
• Assist with product naming, feature descriptions, and positioning with Sales/Marketing
• Support internal training by communicating design intent and product functionality
• Maintain revision control and documentation throughout the product lifecycle

Continuous Improvement & Portfolio Growth

• Identify redesign opportunities to improve existing products
• Recommend standardization across product families
• Submit regular product ideas and improvement concepts for leadership review
• Stay current on sheet metal materials, finishes, fabrication techniques, and consumer design trends
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Proven experience in product design, preferably with sheet metal or stainless steel
• Knowledge of SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software
• Knowledge of sheet metal fabrication principles (bending, welding, finishing, tolerancing)
• Strong understanding of manufacturable design and cost-conscious engineering
• Creative mindset balanced with practical execution
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing and leadership
• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.

Benefits & Compensation:

• Dental Coverage- premium paid for team member, Payroll deduction for dependents after 60 days
• 100% Company-Paid Medical (High-Deductible) for team member, Payroll deduction for dependents after 60 days
• Buy-Up Copay Medical Plan Option for team member and dependents, Payroll deduction after 60 days
• STD, LTD, Accident, Critical and Life Insurance- payroll deducted after 60 days
• Vision Coverage- payroll deducted after 60 days
• 401K up to 4% match after 60 days
• Virtual Health/Mental Health- Paid for team members and dependents starting date of hire
• Paid Vacation and Holidays

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to the individual’s race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, genetic information, status as a military veteran, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.