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Drafter Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Associates Degree in CAD/Drafting Duties: * Design and plan production. * Prepare drawings for roadway and development projects, including site grading and drainage, roadway design, and plan ...

Associates Degree in CAD/Drafting Duties: * Design and plan production. * Prepare drawings for roadway and development projects, including site grading and drainage, roadway design, and plan ...

Associates Degree in CAD/Drafting Duties: * Design and plan production. * Prepare drawings for roadway and development projects, including site grading and drainage, roadway design, and plan ...

Drafts routine proposals and assists in the preparation of more complex proposals. * Performs plan drafting using CAD software. * May work with engineering technician crews in testing, observations ...

Drafts routine proposals and assists in the preparation of more complex proposals. * Performs plan drafting using CAD software. * May work with engineering technician crews in testing, observations ...

Showing results 41-60

Drafter information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$14

$25

$40

How much do drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafter in Rio Rancho, NM is $25.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a drafter do?

A drafter uses computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to create plans for manufacturing, construction, or engineering projects. Your duties in this career involve working to create computer-aided drawings that include all necessary details and technical specifications. You may use specifications from an architect if you are drafting for buildings, an industrial designer if you are creating plans for products, or an engineer if you are making plans for engineering projects or structures. Your responsibilities also include making changes or correcting existing drawings under the direction of the architect or engineer.

What is a drafter?

Drafters are professionals who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and plans used by engineers, architects, and construction workers. Their drawings detail the specifications, dimensions, and materials necessary for building everything from machinery to buildings. Drafters often specialize in fields such as architectural, civil, mechanical, or electrical drafting, depending on the industry. They play a crucial role in transforming design concepts into precise, workable diagrams for manufacturing or construction.

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

To thrive as a Drafter, you need strong spatial visualization, technical drawing abilities, and a background in engineering or architectural principles, often backed by an associate's degree or drafting certification. Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help drafters collaborate with engineers and architects and ensure design accuracy. These skills are crucial for producing precise technical drawings that guide construction and manufacturing projects successfully.

How does a drafter typically collaborate with engineers and architects during a project's lifecycle?

Drafters work closely with engineers and architects by translating their concepts and sketches into detailed technical drawings and plans. Throughout a project's lifecycle, drafters often participate in meetings to clarify design intent, update drawings based on feedback, and ensure all specifications are accurately represented. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as drafters must coordinate revisions and address any design or structural issues that arise. This collaborative workflow helps ensure that the final construction documents align with both regulatory standards and client expectations.

What is the difference between Drafter vs CAD Technician?

AspectDrafterCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical training or certification in CAD software
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing settingsDesign firms, engineering companies, manufacturing industries
Job FocusCreating technical drawings based on specificationsDeveloping, editing, and managing CAD models and drawings
Tools UsedManual drafting tools, CAD softwarePrimarily CAD software like AutoCAD, Revit

Both Drafters and CAD Technicians create technical drawings, but Drafters focus more on manual and traditional drafting methods, while CAD Technicians specialize in digital CAD modeling and editing. The roles often overlap, but CAD Technicians tend to have more advanced skills in CAD software, making them more involved in digital design processes.

Do drafters make a lot of money?

Drafters typically earn a moderate income that varies by industry, experience, and location. According to industry data, the median annual salary for drafters is around $55,000, with some specialized roles or those with advanced skills earning higher wages. Certification in CAD software can also influence earning potential.

Is a CAD drafter a good job?

A CAD drafter is a skilled professional who creates technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design software, often working in engineering, architecture, or manufacturing fields. The job offers steady employment opportunities, requires attention to detail, and benefits from proficiency in CAD tools like AutoCAD or SolidWorks. It can be a good career choice for those interested in technical design and precision work.

What are popular job titles related to Drafter jobs in Rio Rancho, NM?

For Drafter jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drafter jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for?

The top searched job categories for Drafter jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:

What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Drafter jobs?

Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Drafter job openings:

Infographic showing various Drafter job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,543 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Staff Electrical Designer (Southwest Region)

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Burns & McDonnell
Civil Engineering Construction • 10K+ employees

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Re-posted 11 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Description

A Staff Electrical Designer will perform various phases of planning, site evaluations, analytical designs, report preparation, specifications, and preparation of proposal and construction documentation and electrical plans as part of a project team. This position will work on various projects with a diverse portfolio of project types and clients.

  • Design various electrical projects including creating electrical schematics, grid plan layouts, electrical power systems, lighting systems, protection and controls, and site and facility design. Follow all company, client and project design and drafting standards.

  • Plan and develop drawings for production work including problem analysis, design layout and calculations on non-routine assignments of substantial variety and complexity.

  • Execute variety of electrical design assignments using prescribed methods and standard techniques including drawing sequence and presentation, sizing various system components and refining rough sketches.

  • Execute changes to designs or sketches and redlines or mark-ups on ongoing projects.

  • Analyze reports, drawings and tests to plan and design projects.

  • Interpret and incorporate design codes and specifications related to design requirements.

  • Review design drawings for quality assurance within scope, budget and schedule. Perform project tasks and assignments within budgeted hours and deadlines.

  • Compute volume calculations for conduit/grounding layouts, equipment and panel wiring diagrams and relay panel schematics.

  • Organize and maintain all revisions of project drawings, plot files and project-related information are stored in a logical and well-structural manner.

  • Responsible for clear and concise written and verbal communications, as it relates to the project client coordination.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in drafting technology or related field and 7 years related experience required.

  • Or Associate's Degree and 8 years related experience required.

  • Or 9 years progressive detailing and design experience required.

  • Advanced understanding of design software such as: AutoCAD, MicroStation, and Excel to develop the design deliverables. Ability to learn and effectively utilize new design software programs.

  • Advanced ability to utilize both 2D and 3D applications to prepare engineering drawings.

  • Advanced knowledge in design, calculations and design systems.

  • Advanced knowledge in the theory and practices of assigned discipline; competent in the fundamental concepts of other disciplines as they relate to the assigned discipline; and capable of operating related discipline design software necessary to execute production tasks.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with others including, but not limited to Project Managers, Engineers and Designers in a multi-discipline project team environment to resolve design or drawing issues as appropriate and to accomplish objectives.

  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills.

  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills, and attention to detail.

This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Job Computer Aided Drafting & Design

Primary Location US-AZ-Tucson

Other Locations US-NM-Albuquerque, US-AZ-Phoenix

Schedule: Full-time

Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time

Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-MG #T&D

#J-18808-Ljbffr

What Burns & McDonnell employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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