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Design Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ENTRUST Solutions Group

Design Drafter

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$56K/yr

Auto Cad experience * Experience with CalTrans * 2 to 5 years of engineering or drafting experience * Experience with gas and electric utilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with or ...

Johnson Controls

Design Drafter

York, PA

$54K - $81K/yr

Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy Contract Engineer -Design Drafters will process engineering bills of materials and drawings to provide a clear-to-build production release for a ...

Johnson Controls

Design Drafter

York, PA

$54K - $81K/yr

Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy Contract Engineer -Design Drafters will process engineering bills of materials and drawings to provide a clear-to-build production release for a ...

Johnson Controls

Design Drafter

York, PA · On-site

$54K - $81K/yr

Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy Contract Engineer-Design Drafters will process engineering bills of materials and drawings to provide a clear-to-build production release for a large ...

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$56K/yr

Auto Cad experience * Experience with CalTrans * 2 to 5 years of engineering or drafting experience * Experience with gas and electric utilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with or ...

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Ramon, CA · Hybrid

$56K/yr

Auto Cad experience * Experience with CalTrans * 2 to 5 years of engineering or drafting experience * Experience with gas and electric utilities Preferred Qualifications: * Experience with or ...

LLNL

Design Drafter/Designer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$9.7K/wk

You will provide design and drafting support including electronic and mechanical design, drawing and data management of complex control/diagnostic systems and sub systems. You will support one of the ...

LLNL

Design Drafter/Designer

Livermore, CA

$43.55 - $63.97/hr

You will provide design and drafting support including electronic and mechanical design, drawing and data management of complex control/diagnostic systems and sub systems. You will support one of the ...

LLNL

Design Drafter/Designer

Livermore, CA · On-site

$43.55 - $63.97/hr

You will provide design and drafting support including electronic and mechanical design, drawing and data management of complex control/diagnostic systems and sub systems. You will support one of the ...

Zeeco

Senior Design Drafter

Tulsa, OK

The Design Drafter position at Zeeco in the Vapor Control group, focusing on skidded equipment packages. Will utilize a combination of Autodesk Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical to ...

MDU Resources

Design Drafter I/II/III

Bismarck, ND · On-site

$30.70 - $38.38/hr

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Design Drafter I: ($24.52 - $30.65 per hour) * Must possess a working knowledge of drafting concepts at a level normally acquired through the completion of a two-year degree in ...

New

Astec Industries

Design Drafter I

Parsons, KS · On-site

To be successful in this role, your experience and competencies are: • Two-year Mechanical Drafting/Design Technology Degree preferred. • 0-2 years of Experience in heavy equipment and/or ...

Zeeco

Senior Design Drafter

Tulsa, OK · On-site

The Design Drafter position at Zeeco in the Vapor Control group, focusing on skidded equipment packages. Will utilize a combination of Autodesk Plant 3D, Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD Mechanical to ...

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Design Drafter information

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$14

$27

$44

How much do design drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for design drafter in the United States is $27.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design drafter do?

A design drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans used in manufacturing, construction, or engineering projects. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop accurate representations of products or structures, ensuring specifications and standards are met. Drafters often collaborate with engineers and architects to produce precise documentation for project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Drafter, you need proficiency in technical drawing, a solid understanding of engineering or architectural principles, and typically an associate degree in drafting or a related field. Mastery of CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, and familiarity with industry standards are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help ensure designs meet client and regulatory requirements. These competencies are vital for producing accurate, functional, and compliant technical drawings that support successful project execution.

Is CAD drafting a good career?

CAD drafting is a viable career that involves creating detailed technical drawings using computer-aided design software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks. It offers opportunities in industries like engineering, architecture, and manufacturing, often requiring technical skills and certifications. The profession can provide stable employment with potential for advancement as experience and skills grow.

What are Design Drafters?

Design Drafters are professionals who create technical drawings and plans used in the manufacturing, construction, and engineering industries. They use specialized software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks, to turn concepts and specifications from engineers or architects into detailed blueprints and diagrams. These drawings guide the construction or production of buildings, machinery, electronics, and other products. Design Drafters must have a strong understanding of design principles, materials, and industry standards to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

Will drafters be replaced by AI?

Design drafters use specialized software to create technical drawings and plans, and while AI tools can assist with automating repetitive tasks, they are unlikely to fully replace skilled drafters in the near future. Drafters' expertise in interpreting design concepts and ensuring accuracy remains essential, especially in complex projects. AI may serve as a supplement to improve efficiency but does not eliminate the need for human oversight and creativity.

What is the difference between Design Drafter vs CAD Technician?

AspectDesign DrafterCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate's; drafting certificationsHigh school diploma or associate's; CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing firmsEngineering, construction, manufacturing settings
Job FocusCreating detailed technical drawings based on designsPreparing CAD models and drawings for projects
Tools UsedDrafting software (AutoCAD, Revit)CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks)

Design Drafters and CAD Technicians often share similar skills and work environments, focusing on technical drawings. However, Design Drafters typically create detailed plans based on engineers' or architects' designs, while CAD Technicians often focus on preparing and managing CAD models and drawings. Both roles are essential in the design and manufacturing industries, with overlapping tools and certifications.

How do Design Drafters typically collaborate with engineers and architects during a project?

Design Drafters work closely with engineers and architects by translating their concepts and specifications into detailed technical drawings and blueprints. This collaboration often involves regular meetings to review design changes, clarify requirements, and ensure that drawings are accurate and comply with project standards. Drafters may also be responsible for updating plans based on feedback, resolving technical discrepancies, and coordinating with other team members to keep the project on schedule. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential for ensuring that everyone's vision is accurately represented in the final plans.

How much does a CAD drafter earn?

A CAD drafter typically earns between $40,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled drafters proficient in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and with relevant certifications tend to earn higher salaries.
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Design Drafter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Drafter job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,220 per year, or $28 per hour.

Mechanical Design Drafter

Kratos Space & Defense

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Readiness Delivered. Kratos engineers and deploys technology and systems that move national security forward, with the cost, speed, and reliability that make readiness certain. We are a trusted partner—driven by doing the right thing and achieving maximum success for our customers, our partners and ourselves. Kratos has an exciting opportunity for a Design Drafter II or III. The Design Drafter provides expertise in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, technical drawing standards, and visualization techniques to produce accurate, detailed, and clear technical drawings and models supporting the design, fabrication, assembly, construction, and documentation of project components and systems.

  • Interpret engineering sketches, specifications, redline markups, calculations, and other design inputs to accurately translate concepts into detailed 2D and 3D technical drawings and models
  • Apply CAD software tools, drafting principles, and industry best practices to create precise representations of components and systems
  • Ensure that all drawings and models clearly convey necessary information for manufacturing, fabrication, assembly, or construction, including accurate dimensions, materials specifications, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), annotations, and section views
  • Review created or modified drawings and models for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with company, project, and relevant industry standards (e.g., ASME, ISO, AIA) before submission or release

Experience and Skills

  • Minimum 2-5 years of experience in a design drafting utilizing CAD and 3D modeling software
  • Follows established drafting procedures and adheres to relevant industry drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14 series, ISO standards, or relevant company/client-specific standards) and best practices in relation to the creation, revision, and management of technical drawings and models
  • Ability to interpret and work with engineering sketches, design specifications, redline markups, calculations, existing drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs) to produce accurate technical drawings and 3D models
  • Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Revit, Inventor) to create and modify detailed drawings, assembly drawings, schematics, and models compliant with SAE/ASME Y14.1 and Y14.5 (GD&T)
  • Understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and construction methods relevant to the types of drawings being produced (e.g., mechanical, electrical, architectural, structural)
  • Associate's degree or equivalent technical certification in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field. (Relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education for exceptional candidates).

Preferred Skills/Experience

  • Experience with naval or industrial power plants
  • Advanced proficiency in one or more of the following CAD or modeling software packages: AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, Inventor
  • Experience with any combination of: Building Information Models (BIM), SolidWorks PDM, Jama requirements management, TipQA
  • Knowledge and/or experience with relevant quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001)
  • Experience with 3D modeling of complex parts and large assemblies, including parametric modeling and model management.
  • Specific experience in a specialized area of drafting, such as Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, complex mechanical assemblies, or detailed structural steel drafting
  • For roles involving Revit: Experience with Building Information Modeling (BIM) workflows, family creation, and managing BIM data
  • Well versed in both mechanical and electrical drafting.
  • Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for drawing control and revision management

Company Description

Kratos is a fast paced, entrepreneurial environment that is team oriented and relationship driven to foster innovation and creativity. Our motto, "Ready For What's Next," reflects our commitment to continually leveraging our technical and intellectual strengths for the ultimate success of our customers.