Find & Apply For CAD Designer / Drafter Jobs in Poway, California

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Mechanical Designer / Drafter (Mid-Level) Job Description This mid-level Mechanical Designer / Drafter role focuses on creating, updating, and maintaining engineering drawings and performing light 3D CAD modeling to support active aerospace programs. You work with moderate supervision, handle engineering change activities, and contribute to sustainment efforts across multiple platforms. The position offers the opportunity to support advanced unmanned aircraft systems and next-generation aerospace technology in a collaborative engineering environment. Responsibilities Create and revise detailed mechanical engineering drawings and associated documentation in accordance with engineering standards and drafting best practices. Perform light 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design work to support engineering projects and sustainment activities. Support engineering change packages, including implementing drawing updates, processing documentation releases, and executing sustainment efforts. Update existing drawings to correct errors, incorporate change notices, and ensure configuration accuracy across multiple aerospace programs. Collaborate closely with engineers and cross-functional technical teams to translate design requirements into accurate drawings and models. Work independently on assigned drafting and design tasks while managing priorities and meeting project deadlines. Apply advanced drafting techniques and solid modeling practices to produce high-quality, manufacturable designs. Ensure drawings and models align with manufacturing processes, engineering standards, and configuration control requirements. Maintain organized CAD files and documentation to support ongoing engineering, ground support, avionics, and propulsion systems work. Essential Skills High school diploma or technical certification plus 3+ years of drafting and design experience, or equivalent education. Alternatively, AS degree with 1+ year of relevant work experience, or High School Diploma with 3+ years of work experience. Hands-on experience with advanced drafting techniques and mechanical drafting for engineering applications. Proficiency with 3D CAD solid modeling and mechanical design workflows. Experience using CAD software, with Creo preferred; NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar platforms also acceptable. Strong understanding of engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, notes, and standard views. Familiarity with manufacturing processes, engineering standards, and drafting best practices. Ability to support engineering change activities and sustainment updates with moderate supervision. Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers and technical teams. Solid organizational skills to manage multiple drawing updates and documentation tasks concurrently. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working on aerospace or defense-related mechanical design and drafting projects. Background supporting engines, propulsion systems, ground support equipment, avionics, or configuration-related engineering work. Comfort working in a collaborative environment with in-house R D, engineering, manufacturing, and technical support teams. Ability to adapt to different CAD tools and design standards as required by program needs. Interest in long-term innovation and technology development within complex engineering environments. Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, error-free engineering documentation. Work Environment You work within a collaborative engineering setting that supports engines, propulsion systems, ground support, avionics, and configuration-focused mechanical engineering under a larger aerospace systems organization. The role involves extensive sustainment of existing drawings, frequent updates based on error corrections and change notices, and close collaboration with an engineering team responsible for multiple active aerospace programs. You use modern CAD software such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA in a technology-driven environment that integrates R D, engineering, manufacturing, and technical support. The position offers hybrid work flexibility after onboarding and follows a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off. The culture emphasizes high-impact work on mission-critical aerospace and defense programs, long-term innovation, and teamwork across disciplines. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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) Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.