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Drafting Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Timeline Design + Build

Design Draftsperson

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

This role supports the design team by translating design intent into high-quality technical documentation while maintaining company drafting standards, meeting project deadlines, and coordinating ...

SSD Alarm

Fire Alarm Drafter

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Must possess working knowledge and certifications in Drafting Design with an emphasis in 2D AutoCAD. The drafter must have great attention to detail, excellent time management skills, with the ...

SSD Alarm

Fire Alarm Drafter

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Must possess working knowledge and certifications in Drafting Design with an emphasis in 2D AutoCAD. The drafter must have great attention to detail, excellent time management skills, with the ...

CesiumAstro

Principal CAD Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle using SolidWorks. * Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings ...

CesiumAstro

Principal CAD Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle using SolidWorks. * Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings ...

CesiumAstro

Principal CAD Designer

El Segundo, CA

$48.50 - $58.23/hr

Provide advanced CAD drafting and design support throughout the product development lifecycle using SolidWorks. * Generate, modify, and maintain detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings ...

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Sacramento, CA

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Stockton, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

Auburn, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Ramon, CA · On-site

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

EN Engineering LLC

Design Drafter

San Jose, CA

$56K - $98K/yr

Engineering analysis and design justification * CAD drafting and exhibit preparation * Critical thinking and engineering judgment * Attention to detail * Time management and organization

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Drafting Design information

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$27

$43

How much do drafting design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting design in California is $27.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.59 and $31.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drafting design?

Drafting design is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans used to build structures, machines, or products. Drafters use specialized software like CAD (Computer-Aided Design) to convert engineers' and architects' concepts into precise diagrams and blueprints. These drawings specify dimensions, materials, and procedures, serving as a guide throughout the manufacturing or construction process. Drafting design plays a vital role in fields such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drafting designer?

To thrive as a Drafting Designer, you need strong technical drawing skills, attention to detail, and typically an associate degree or certification in drafting or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit is essential, along with familiarity with industry standards and building codes. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork help you collaborate effectively with engineers and architects. These skills ensure accurate, efficient project documentation and facilitate clear communication of design concepts, which are critical for successful project outcomes.

What are some common challenges drafting designers face when working on multidisciplinary projects?

Drafting designers often collaborate with engineers, architects, and construction teams, which can present challenges such as integrating varying technical standards, managing version control across different software platforms, and ensuring clear communication of design intent. Navigating conflicting feedback and adapting designs to meet both functional and aesthetic requirements are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication, attention to detail, and staying updated on industry-standard software can help mitigate these challenges and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Drafting Design vs CAD Technician?

AspectDrafting DesignCAD Technician
CredentialsDiploma or certificate in drafting or designDiploma or certification in CAD software
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, or construction firmsDesign firms, manufacturing, or engineering companies
Job FocusCreating detailed drawings and design plansConverting concepts into precise CAD models and drawings
Tools UsedManual drafting tools, CAD softwarePrimarily CAD software like AutoCAD, Revit

Drafting Design and CAD Technician roles often overlap but differ mainly in focus. Drafting Design emphasizes creating detailed drawings and plans, while CAD Technicians specialize in developing and refining digital models using CAD software. Both roles are essential in the design and construction industries, with similar credentials and work environments.

Are drafting designers still in demand?

Drafting designers, also known as CAD drafters, continue to be in demand due to ongoing construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects that require detailed technical drawings. Proficiency in CAD software and industry-specific standards are essential skills that support steady employment opportunities in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Drafting Design jobs in California?

For Drafting Design jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drafting Design jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drafting Design jobs in California are:

Drafting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drafting Design job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,457 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Pipeline CAD Drafter | Design Coordinator

SuperbTech,Inc.

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$45 - $58/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Pipeline CAD Drafter | Design Coordinator 

Location: Downtown Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid)
Duration: 1-Year Contract, Potential to Extend
Pay Rate: $45.00 to $58.00/hour DOE
 
Position Overview
 
SuperbTech is seeking a Plant 3D Drafter / Project Coordinator to support a leading utility client in Downtown Los Angeles. This is not a traditional design role. The position is approximately 50% technical drafting and 50% project coordination/administrative support, making it ideal for someone who enjoys balancing hands-on drafting with organization, document management, and cross-functional collaboration.
 
The successful candidate will update existing Plant 3D models and engineering drawings while coordinating engineering requests, tracking documentation, and supporting project execution from intake through completion.
 
Responsibilities
 
Technical Drafting (Approximately 50%)
  • Update and revise existing piping layouts, Plant 3D models, and engineering drawings.
  • Process engineering revisions in accordance with company drafting standards.
  • Review P&IDs and engineering markups to incorporate approved changes.
  • Maintain accurate drawing revisions and engineering records.
  • Perform quality reviews to ensure drawing accuracy and compliance.
 
Project Coordination & Administrative Support (Approximately 50%)
  • Coordinate incoming engineering and drafting requests.
  • Review requests for completeness and obtain missing information from stakeholders.
  • Track multiple work requests from intake through completion.
  • Prepare engineering packages and supporting documentation.
  • Maintain document control using company systems.
  • Coordinate with engineering, design, and project teams to support project schedules and deliverables.
  • Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders while managing competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Approximately 3 to 6 years of professional drafting experience.
  • Hands-on experience with Autodesk Plant 3D.
  • Experience supporting pipeline, natural gas, oil & gas, utility, or industrial facility projects.
  • Experience updating and revising existing Plant 3D models and engineering drawings.
  • Strong organizational and document management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Self-motivated with excellent attention to detail.
 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting natural gas utility infrastructure.
  • Engineering document control experience.
  • Experience coordinating engineering requests from initiation through completion.
  • Experience working in collaborative engineering environments.
 
Required Software
  • Autodesk Plant 3D (Required)
  • AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
 
Preferred Software
  • OpenText / OpenFiles (Document Management)
  • AVEVA Viewer
  • Autodesk Civil 3D (Preferred)
 
Ideal Candidate
 
We're looking for someone who understands that success in this position requires more than technical drafting. The ideal candidate enjoys coordinating projects, managing documentation, communicating with engineering teams, and keeping multiple requests organized while maintaining high-quality Plant 3D drawings.
 
This is an excellent opportunity for a mid-level Plant 3D Drafter looking to work on meaningful utility infrastructure projects while expanding their project coordination responsibilities.