Help shape the future of Niwa Projects

Niwa Projects is a young Wellington construction company with a clear direction: high-performance building, offsite manufacturing, and Passive House principles, done properly. Today we’re a subcontractor on Tier 1 commercial façade projects. Tomorrow we’re a main contractor running a full digital-first OSM operation. This role sits right in the middle of that journey — and helps drive it.

We’re not hiring someone to fill a seat in a finished system. We’re looking for someone to help build the system.

The opportunity

This is a foundational role. You’ll own our Cadwork modelling and, over time, help stand up the BIM, 4D and digital coordination capability that our offsite-manufacturing future depends on. You’ll have real influence over how Niwa models, plans and coordinates as we grow — the standards, the workflows, the digital backbone. As the company scales toward prefab manufacturing, this role scales with it.

What you’ll do

Day one, the core is modelling:

• Develop detailed 3D models in Cadwork for timber framing, façade and structural elements — built for offsite manufacturing and machine output.
• Establish our Cadwork workflow from scratch: standards, templates, naming conventions, and the digital handoff from design to fabrication to site.

As we grow, the role broadens into:

• 4D modelling — linking the Cadwork model to programme and construction sequencing, working with Asta Powerproject.
• Quantity take-offs and QS capability driven directly from the model.
• Digital coordination across structural (mass timber), mechanical and façade trades — resolving clashes before they reach site.
• Contributing to our QA and project systems as they mature.

Who we’re looking for

• Strong Cadwork skills — or solid timber/BIM modelling experience and the ability to get up to speed quickly.
• A genuine understanding of timber construction, framing and offsite manufacturing.
• Curiosity and drive around the wider picture: 4D, programming, QS, digital construction. You don’t need all of this today, but you should want to build it.
• A self-starter who’s comfortable with ambiguity — happy creating process where none exists yet.
• Alignment with our kaupapa: better building standards, continuous improvement, and doing things the right way.

About Timber Engineering

Timber Engineering Inc is a global leader in mass timber structural engineering. We are a boutique firm that is a powerhouse for mass timber engineering and design. We offer cost-efficient conventional and innovative solutions through system design approach for projects in Canada, USA, South America and Asia. Our expertise ranges from small to big, simple to complex geometry, residential, office, education and recreation, commercial, warehouse, First-Nation buildings and custom homes.
We are currently seeking an experienced Structural CAD Detailer to join our production team. This role will focus on mass timber detailing while also supporting the broader drafting department. Cadwork and AutoCAD are mandatory. Revit and BIM 360 are considered assets. This is an excellent opportunity for a detailer with solid experience to take ownership of project deliverables.
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Key Responsibilities
Structural Detailing (Mass Timber Focus)
• Prepare and deliver shop drawings, assembly drawings, and connection details for Glulam, CLT, and light frame walls using Cadwork (minimal supervision required).
• Develop layout plans incorporating structural member sizes based on engineer sketches.
• Produce accurate 2D shop drawings for timber elements, including manufacturing sizes, dimensions, and bills of materials.
• Create and manage 3D models in a shared environment, focusing on mass timber components.
• Revise drawings based on redlines, RFI responses, and direct feedback from engineers.
• Generate RFIs independently and incorporate responses as required.
Drafting Department Support (AutoCAD / Revit / BIM 360)
• Support the drafting department with general CAD production, revisions, and redline corrections across multiple projects.
• Convert legacy 2D drawings into Revit models (3D) as needed.
• Maintain drawing files, layer standards, title blocks, and sheet sets according to company standards.
• Provide backup support to other drafters during peak workloads.
Coordination & Quality
• Coordinate with other trades (structural, architectural, MEP) to ensure seamless integration of timber elements.
• Follow and help enforce in-house QA/QC processes and industry standards.
• Conduct thorough reviews of own and junior team members' drawings for accuracy and compliance.
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You Will Bring (Required)
• Diploma from a recognized technology institute (civil, structural, or architectural technology).
• 2–4 years of drafting experience in mass timber or structural detailing.
• Solid working knowledge of Cadwork (3D modeling, bills of materials, dimensioning, drawing annotations – able to work independently).
• Solid working knowledge of AutoCAD (layers, blocks, xrefs, sheet sets, attribute management).
• Strong ability to read and interpret complex structural and architectural drawings.
• Proven attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Fluent in English (spoken and written).
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Able to work in-person in our Vancouver office (team collaboration required).
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Assets (Nice to Have)
• Revit experience (intermediate level)
• BIM 360 experience (cloud collaboration, version control, issue management)
• Familiarity with wood framing, timber, or steel connections
• Courses or certifications in Mass Timber Construction & Design
• German language familiarity is a plus.
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Additional Requirements
• Work hours: 8:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm, working in-person in our Vancouver, BC office.
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Compensation & Benefits Summary
• Salary: $62,000 – $75,000 annually (based on education, qualifications, and experience)
• Extended health care plan.
• Paid time off
• Benefits begin after successful completion of 3-month probationary period
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How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience with:
• Cadwork (mandatory – provide years of use and proficiency level)
• AutoCAD (mandatory)
• Any exposure to Revit or BIM 360
Include past employers (or co-op placements) and contact information.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.