Job Title: CAD Drafter/Designer IIIJob DescriptionThe CAD Drafter/Designer III performs a variety of complex design and drafting tasks using Computer Aided Design (CAD) equipment and software. This role focuses on creating and modifying detailed technical drawings from engineering input, supporting manufacturing operations and product quality, and ensuring all documentation conforms to established standards. Working under limited supervision, the CAD Drafter/Designer III applies a strong understanding of current CAD applications, exercises sound judgment to resolve design challenges, and contributes to the successful and timely completion of engineering projects.
Responsibilities- Operate and apply Computer Aided Design (CAD) equipment and software to produce high-quality technical drawings.
- Create and modify detailed drawings from sketches, layouts, and notes provided by engineering staff.
- Contribute design modifications that facilitate manufacturing operations and improve product quality.
- Check drawing plots against project input to verify correctness and conformance to drafting and design standards.
- Collaborate with engineers to ensure model accuracy, adherence to drafting standards, and proper ECN/ECR documentation.
- Support system management activities, including CAD file maintenance, backup, and storage.
- Analyze situations or data using standard practices and procedures to develop solutions where answers can be readily obtained.
- Use creativity to develop design solutions with minimal input from clients or users while maintaining project objectives.
- Make routine recommendations that support project schedules and help avoid delays in deliverables.
- Interact daily with supervisors, peers, and customers to exchange and present factual information related to design work.
- Provide specific guidance to end-users regarding time and resource requirements needed to complete CAD projects.
- Offer work direction and informal guidance to others as needed on CAD processes and drafting standards.
- Work under limited supervision, receiving general instructions on new assignments and minimal direction on routine tasks.
- Demonstrate complete mastery of core CAD drafting responsibilities and handle usual job events with professional judgment.
- Apply training and experience to determine appropriate actions under special circumstances in design and drafting tasks.
Essential Skills- Proficiency in AutoCAD with the ability to create and modify complex technical drawings.
- Strong CAD design and drafting skills, including detailed layout development and drawing revision.
- Comprehensive understanding of current CAD software applications, including capabilities, limitations, and available products.
- Ability to perform mathematical calculations related to design and drafting work.
- Skill in checking and reviewing drawing plots for accuracy and conformance to standards.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and end-users on model accuracy and documentation requirements.
- Sound judgment in resolving design problems and making routine recommendations.
- Capability to work under limited supervision and manage complex assignments independently.
- Effective communication skills for daily interaction with supervisors, peers, and customers.
- High school education or equivalent.
- 2+ years of technical training related to CAD, design, or drafting.
- 4+ years of experience in CAD and associated equipment, including experience designing complex drawings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Comprehensive knowledge of CAD as a technical field and the ability to complete complex design and drafting assignments.
- Experience providing guidance on time and resource requirements for CAD projects.
- Ability to offer work direction and informal leadership to other team members.
- Experience working with ECN/ECR documentation and engineering change processes.
- Familiarity with CAD file management practices, including maintenance, backup, and storage procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to use creativity to develop practical design solutions with limited client or user input.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based fully on-site in an office environment with no hybrid work option. Work is performed using CAD hardware and software in a professional setting that supports engineering and design activities. The role involves regular collaboration with supervisors, peer groups, and customers during standard business hours, with a focus on timely project delivery and adherence to established drafting and documentation standards.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/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)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 11, 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.