Mechanical Designer/drafter

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Designer / Drafter

Job Description

This temporary Mechanical Designer / Drafter role provides mechanical drafting support using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create, revise, and maintain detailed part, assembly, and installation drawings. Working under general supervision with some detailed instructions and intermittent review, you will transform engineering notes, sketches, and written instructions into accurate and readable engineering documentation in accordance with standard drafting practices and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clear and readable detailed drawings, parts lists, sketches, schematics, assemblies, and installation drawings for engineering and manufacturing purposes based on engineering notes, written instructions, and detailed sketches, with some latitude for independent action.
• Create new drawings or complete revised drawings that show dimensions, tolerances, tabulations, and appropriate sectional views in accordance with established procedures, drafting practices, standards, machinist handbooks, and vendor catalog data.
• Verify completed work by checking dimensions, specified materials, and quantities to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Incorporate changes to existing drawings, including redrawing or tracing as appropriate, and rearrange views according to instructions.
• Use standard CAD digitizing techniques to create and modify 2D and 3D wireframe or solid model geometry, and to create and modify text, dimensions, and parts lists.
• Revise CAD drawings and hand-drafted board drawings as needed to reflect design updates and corrections.
• Maintain records, files, drawings, parts lists, and other documentation essential to the completion and traceability of engineering drawings.
• Work closely with engineers by receiving assignments, progressing tasks through completion, participating in reviews, and returning finalized work for engineering approval.
• Support the sustainment of existing drawings by updating them for errors, change notices, and configuration changes, and contribute to new concept-phase design tasks when experience allows, including work related to landing gear design.
• Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations whenever conducting business on behalf of the company.
• Follow established operating procedures and practices to work safely at all times.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support engineering and drafting activities.

Essential Skills

• Experience as a mechanical drafter or designer, with at least one year of experience at an entry-level drafting role.
• Proficiency using 2D and 3D CAD modeling tools to create and modify mechanical drawings and models.
• Working knowledge of basic engineering drawing techniques and standard engineering drafting practices.
• Familiarity with industry practices and standards related to mechanical design and drafting.
• Intermediate knowledge of trigonometry, algebra, and plane and solid geometry, typically acquired through high school and/or trade school studies.
• Ability to use CAD software such as CREO, Siemens NX, or SolidWorks to create and update models and drawings.
• Experience using product lifecycle management tools such as Windchill and Teamcenter.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials and methods of manufacture.
• Proficiency with basic office software, including Microsoft Word, to support documentation and communication.
• Sound knowledge of computer operations and drafting-related software tools.
• Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple drawings, files, and tasks accurately.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with engineers and other team members.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, following guidance while also taking initiative when appropriate.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required to meet project deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• One or more years of experience as an entry-level drafter; additional education may substitute for some or all of the required experience. 3+ years of experience for higher level roles.
• Trade school coursework in drafting, mechanical design, or related fields is beneficial.
• Experience working on new concept designs as well as the sustainment of existing designs.
• Exposure to landing gear or similar mechanical systems design is advantageous.
• Ability to interpret machinist handbooks and vendor catalog data when developing drawings and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when creating and revising drawings and parts lists.
• Comfort working with change notices and configuration updates in a structured engineering environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a collaborative engineering environment where you work closely with engineers, receive assignments, progress tasks, participate in design reviews, and return completed work for approval. The position involves extensive use of CAD tools, including CREO, Siemens NX, and SolidWorks, as well as product lifecycle management systems such as Windchill and Teamcenter, along with standard office software such as Microsoft Word. Much of the work focuses on sustaining existing drawings by updating them for errors and change notices, while also supporting concept-phase and new design tasks when needed, including potential involvement in landing gear design. The environment emphasizes adherence to established operating procedures, safe work practices, and compliance with all applicable regulations. Work hours may occasionally extend beyond standard schedules to meet project demands, and the setting is typically an office or engineering department with computer-based drafting equipment and digital records management.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 10, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on ziprecruiter.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.