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Entry Level Mechanical Drafter
Career Insights for Mechanical / Electrical Drafter
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Scorecard
Based on California data
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What they do
A Mechanical or Electrical Drafter prepares detailed drawings needed to manufacture or repair machinery and equipment, with dimensions and other specific engineering data. Uses computer aided design software. May create diagrams for products that include mechanical and electronic components, such as cars or computers, or prepare the diagrams used to install wiring and electrical equipment in buildings or in electrical distribution systems.
$65,033 / year median in California
-6% projected decline
Job Description
Job Title:
Mechanical Drafter (Drafter 2 - Entry Level) Job Description This entry-level Mechanical Drafter (Drafter 2) role supports sustainment engineering by updating engineering drawings, managing documentation, and performing administrative drafting tasks for aerospace programs. Responsibilities Revise and update mechanical and engineering drawings in support of sustainment engineering efforts. Create, modify, and maintain 2D and 3D CAD models for mechanical components and assemblies. Support documentation and change management activities, including maintaining accurate records and complete drawing packages. Assist with sustainment engineering paperwork, documentation releases, and administrative drafting tasks. Execute drawing updates to correct errors, incorporate change notices, and support ongoing sustainment of aerospace platforms. Collaborate with engineering teams working on engines, propulsion systems, ground support, avionics, and configuration-related mechanical engineering projects. Ensure all drawings and documentation comply with established engineering drawing techniques and drafting standards. Communicate effectively with engineers and other stakeholders to clarify requirements and implement requested changes. Essential Skills High school diploma with at least 1 year of drafting or related work experience, or an AS degree with no prior work experience. Working knowledge of engineering drawing techniques and drafting standards. Experience using 2D and 3D CAD software, with Creo preferred; NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA are also acceptable. Ability to create and revise engineering drawings and CAD models for mechanical design and drafting. Basic understanding of trigonometry and algebra to support accurate measurements and calculations in drafting work. Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in drawings, documentation, and change records. Good organizational skills to manage multiple drawing packages, documentation updates, and sustainment tasks. Effective communication skills to coordinate with engineers and team members on drawing updates and documentation changes. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with mechanical design, mechanical drafting, and 3D modeling in a CAD environment. Familiarity with Creo, SolidWorks, NX, AutoCAD, or CATIA for CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation. Interest in working on aerospace platforms, engines, propulsion systems, ground support equipment, avionics, and configuration-related projects. Motivation to grow within a structured engineering organization and develop long-term CAD and documentation expertise. Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, multidisciplinary engineering team environment. Desire to support mission-critical defense programs and high-impact aerospace projects. Work Environment The role operates within a collaborative engineering environment that supports advanced unmanned aircraft systems and next-generation aerospace technology. You will work closely with an engineering team focused on engines, propulsion systems, ground support, avionics, and configuration-related mechanical engineering under a structured sustainment organization. The position involves extensive work with CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, NX, AutoCAD, or CATIA, as well as regular interaction with engineering documentation, drawing packages, and change management tools. The work environment offers hybrid work flexibility after onboarding, allowing a mix of on-site and remote work, and follows a 9/80 work schedule that provides every other Friday off. The culture emphasizes long-term innovation, in-house collaboration across R D, engineering, manufacturing, and technical support, and high-impact work on mission-critical aerospace and defense programs. 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.
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.Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Other Retirement and Savings