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Drafting Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CAD Drafter / Designer This role offers the opportunity to join a civil design team as a ... Apply established drafting standards and practices to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy ...

Designer / Drafter Pay: $75,000-$85,000 Job Type: Full-Time Location: Fredericksburg, VA Position ... design and drafting tasks Develop and maintain engineering drawings, assemblies, and bills of ...

... drafting equipment and software to develop designs Establish design standards, procedures and techniques to produce high reliability products (such as Design for Manufacturability and Design for ...

Coordinate drafting work with engineers and architects * Revise computer-aided designs and plans to comply with modified specifications made during actual construction * Provide technical guidance ...

Coordinate drafting work with engineers and architects * Revise computer-aided designs and plans to comply with modified specifications made during actual construction * Provide technical guidance ...

Prepare shop tickets for various precast structures using computer-assisted drafting software and ... Prepare erection drawings for basic structures under the supervision of the Chief Designer or ...

Prepare shop tickets for various precast structures using computer-assisted drafting software and ... Prepare erection drawings for basic structures under the supervision of the Chief Designer or ...

Designer / CAD Specialist - Underground Utility Distribution This role supports a long-term ... Review the scope of work for each project and draft the necessary easements along proposed cable ...

Designer / CAD Specialist - Underground Utility Distribution This role supports a long-term ... Review the scope of work for each project and draft the necessary easements along proposed cable ...

Project Drafter

Winchester, VA · On-site

$22 - $35/hr

Coordinate drafting work with engineers and architects * Revise computer-aided designs and plans to comply with modified specifications made during actual construction * Provide technical guidance ...

Designer

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$25.99 - $32.49/hr

Work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare maps, sketches ... The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer level, with increased educational ...

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Drafting Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$27

$43

How much do drafting designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting designer in Virginia is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.68 and $31.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

CAD drafters are unlikely to be fully replaced by AI in the near future, as their role involves complex interpretation of design intent, customization, and problem-solving that AI tools currently cannot fully replicate. However, AI can assist with automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, allowing drafters to focus on more creative and technical aspects of their work. Proficiency in CAD software and understanding of engineering principles remain essential for drafting designers.

What are typical daily tasks and collaboration opportunities for a Drafting Designer?

As a Drafting Designer, your daily tasks often include creating and revising technical drawings and blueprints, interpreting design specifications, and ensuring drawings meet industry standards. You will frequently collaborate with engineers, architects, and other project stakeholders to clarify design requirements, resolve technical issues, and review project progress. Team meetings and feedback sessions are common, giving you regular opportunities to communicate your design choices and integrate input from others. This collaborative environment not only enhances design quality but also supports your professional development and growth within multidisciplinary teams.

What is a Drafting Designer job?

A Drafting Designer creates technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They use specialized software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks to develop detailed blueprints based on specifications from engineers or architects. Their role ensures that designs meet industry standards, functional requirements, and material constraints. Drafting Designers may work in various industries, including architecture, mechanical design, and civil engineering. Attention to detail, precision, and strong technical skills are essential for success in this position.

What does a drafting designer do?

A drafting designer creates detailed technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, or engineering projects. They use CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software to develop accurate representations of structures, products, or systems, ensuring compliance with specifications and standards. The role often requires knowledge of engineering principles, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical data.

What is the highest paying drafting job?

The highest paying drafting jobs are often senior roles such as senior CAD designer, engineering drafter, or architectural designer, especially those with specialized skills in 3D modeling, BIM software, or project management. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications, and advanced technical knowledge, and they can offer salaries significantly higher than entry-level drafting roles.

How to become a drafter designer?

To become a drafting designer, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent and post-secondary education such as an associate's degree in drafting, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or Revit, along with strong technical skills and attention to detail, is essential; some roles may also require certification or experience in specific industries like architecture or engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drafting Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drafting Designer, you need proficiency in technical drawing, a strong understanding of engineering or architectural principles, and typically an associate degree or certification in drafting. Expertise in computer-aided design (CAD) software like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit is essential, and certifications in these tools are highly valued. Attention to detail, effective communication, and teamwork are important soft skills for collaborating with engineers, architects, and project managers. These competencies ensure that complex design concepts are accurately translated into detailed technical drawings, facilitating seamless project execution.

What are popular job titles related to Drafting Designer jobs in Virginia? For Drafting Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drafting Designer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Drafting Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drafting Designer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Drafting Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Drafting Designer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,720 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Cad Drafter/designer

Actalent

Henrico, VA

$30 - $36/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: CAD Drafter / DesignerJob Description

This role offers the opportunity to join a civil design team as a CAD Drafter / Designer, contributing to a wide range of land development projects. You will collaborate closely with design engineers and land surveyors to produce high-quality conceptual site plans, construction drawings, as-built drawings, and subdivision plats. The position is ideal for someone who is motivated to grow in the civil design field, enjoys a creative and detail-oriented environment, and values a supportive, family-oriented office culture with strong mentorship and professional development.

Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with design engineers to produce accurate and detailed conceptual site plans, construction drawings, and as-built drawings for various land development projects.
  • Work with land surveyors to prepare subdivision plats and land survey plats that meet applicable standards and project requirements.
  • Create, revise, and maintain CAD drawings using AutoCAD and, preferably, AutoCAD Civil 3D for civil and land development projects.
  • Scan, organize, and maintain approved drawings, redlines, and as-built documents for project records and future reference.
  • Apply established drafting standards and practices to ensure consistency, clarity, and accuracy across all drawings and documents.
  • Interpret and read construction drawings to support design intent and ensure that drafted plans align with project specifications.
  • Communicate effectively with engineers, surveyors, and other team members to clarify design requirements and resolve drafting issues.
  • Manage time effectively to handle multiple tasks and projects, meeting deadlines and maintaining a high standard of work quality.
  • Demonstrate attention to detail by reviewing drawings for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with project and drafting standards.
  • Support continuous improvement efforts by adopting best practices in drafting and design and contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Essential Skills
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD for drafting and design work.
  • Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D, particularly for civil and land development projects.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings accurately.
  • Solid understanding of drafting standards and practices in a civil design context.
  • Strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineers, surveyors, and other team members.
  • Effective time management skills to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
  • High attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality in all drawings and documents.
  • Experience or exposure to land development and civil drafting projects.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Exposure to or experience with Terramodel software.
  • Experience working with Civil 3D in a civil design or land development environment.
  • Interest in professional growth and development within civil design and drafting.
  • Motivation to work on a variety of land development projects and contribute creatively to design solutions.
Work Environment

This role is based in an office environment with a standard schedule of 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with five days in the office. The majority of project work, approximately 50–75%, focuses on projects located in Henrico and surrounding areas. You will work closely with a civil design team that values a fun, family-oriented atmosphere and emphasizes individual development and mentorship. Senior leadership provides strong support for both professional and personal growth, offering opportunities to advance in a technical role. The work involves daily use of AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and related civil design and surveying tools in a collaborative, team-based setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Henrico, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $36.00/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 Type

This is a fully onsite position in Henrico,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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