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Drafting Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Electrical Drafter

Golden, CO

$20 - $40/hr

Electrical Drafter This role focuses on electrical and low-voltage design for fire alarm and related systems, producing accurate drawings and documentation for a wide range of commercial and ...

Actalent

I&c Drafter

Littleton, CO · Hybrid

$30 - $40/hr

Candidates may come from electrical, instrumentation, controls, or mechanical/process backgrounds, provided they have strong experience with P&IDs and drafting environments. Responsibilities:

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All JobsDrafting JobsDrafting Jobs in Colorado

Drafting information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$25

$39

How much do drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting in Colorado is $25.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $27.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drafting vs CAD Technician?

AspectDraftingCAD Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical trainingHigh school diploma; technical certification or associate degree often preferred
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, or manufacturing offices; on-siteDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companies; computer-based work
Industry UsageUsed across architecture, engineering, manufacturingPrimarily in engineering, architecture, and product design
Work FocusCreating technical drawings manually or with basic softwareDeveloping detailed 3D models and drawings using CAD software

While both Drafting and CAD Technicians create technical drawings, Drafting typically involves manual or basic digital drawing skills, whereas CAD Technicians focus on advanced 3D modeling and detailed digital designs using specialized software. The roles often overlap, but CAD Technicians usually require more technical training in CAD tools.

What jobs make $3,000 a day?

High-paying jobs that can earn $3,000 a day include specialized roles such as experienced surgeons, corporate lawyers, investment bankers, and certain high-level consultants. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve high-pressure environments or significant responsibilities.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

CAD drafters perform detailed technical drawings and designs that require human judgment and expertise. While AI and automation tools can assist with repetitive tasks and improve efficiency, they are unlikely to fully replace skilled CAD drafters in the near future, as complex design work still relies on human creativity and understanding of project requirements.

Do drafters make a lot of money?

Drafting is a skilled profession that typically offers a moderate to good salary, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level drafters usually earn less, while experienced professionals with certifications and advanced skills can earn higher wages, especially in specialized fields like civil or mechanical drafting.

Is drafting still a good career?

Drafting remains a viable career as it is essential in fields like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. Skilled drafters who are proficient with CAD software and have relevant certifications are in demand for designing and creating technical drawings. The profession offers stable employment opportunities, especially with experience and specialization.

What are some typical challenges drafters face when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Drafters often collaborate with architects, engineers, and construction professionals, which can present challenges such as coordinating design changes, managing conflicting feedback, and adhering to tight deadlines. Effective communication and attention to detail are crucial, as errors can lead to costly revisions. Staying up-to-date with the latest CAD software and industry standards also helps drafters integrate seamlessly with diverse teams and deliver accurate technical drawings.

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 technical drawing skills, attention to detail, and a background in drafting or engineering technology, often supported by an associate degree or certification. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks is typically required. Strong communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate with architects and engineers help drafters excel. These skills ensure accurate technical plans, effective teamwork, and the successful translation of concepts into precise construction or manufacturing documents.

What is drafting?

Drafting is the process of creating detailed technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, architecture, and engineering. Drafters use specialized software or manual techniques to produce precise representations of structures, machinery, or systems. These drawings serve as blueprints for builders, engineers, and manufacturers, ensuring projects are constructed accurately and safely. Drafting is essential for communicating complex design ideas and specifications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Drafting jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Drafting jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Drafting jobs in Colorado? For Drafting jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drafting jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Drafting jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Drafting jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Drafting job openings:
Drafting jobs near you
Mechanical CAD Drafter (Staff or Principal)

Mechanical CAD Drafter (Staff or Principal)

True Anomaly

Denver, CO • On-site

$86 - $120/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors - enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
  • Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
  • What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
  • It's the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION
As a Mechanical CAD Drafter at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in bringing spacecraft hardware to life through precise, production-ready drawings and documentation. From flight components to ground support equipment, you will translate complex engineering concepts into clear, manufacturable designs that support every phase of spacecraft development. This is an opportunity to build deep technical expertise at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and space systems - working alongside engineers and technicians to ensure our hardware meets the highest standards of quality and performance
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Own and lead the development of complex, multi-level drawing packages for flight hardware, GSE, and structural assemblies across concurrent programs, ensuring full compliance with engineering requirements and GD&T standards.
  • Translate engineering inputs, sketches, and design intent into precise technical drawings using NX (Siemens), editing CAD models as needed to ensure drawing accuracy and completeness.
  • Partner closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineers to drive design-for-manufacturability and resolve complex drawing-related challenges.
  • Lead the preparation and delivery of formal drawing packages for major design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure documentation meets program and customer requirements.
  • Oversee drawing release and revision processes within configuration management systems, ensuring traceability and integrity across all hardware documentation.
  • Support the fabrication and assembly process by providing technical drawing guidance to production and integration teams.
  • Mentor and guide junior and mid-level drafters, contributing to a culture of quality, precision, and continuous improvement within the drafting team.
  • At the Principal level, serve as the primary technical authority for drawing standards and GD&T application across the hardware team, establish and enforce drafting processes and documentation standards, and drive cross-functional alignment with manufacturing, quality, and program management stakeholders.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical drafting for a Staff hire; 12+ years for a Principal hire, with a strong track record of owning complex drawing packages in aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
  • Expert-level knowledge of mechanical GD&T principles and their application across a wide range of part types, materials, and assembly configurations.
  • Proficiency in NX (Siemens) for drawing creation; SolidWorks experience is acceptable.
  • Deep familiarity with manufacturing processes and the ability to produce drawings that are accurate, complete, and optimized for fabrication and assembly.
  • Demonstrated experience leading drawing efforts across multiple concurrent programs with minimal oversight.
  • Strong communicator with the ability to interface effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management functions.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior drafting talent.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Extensive experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, or defense hardware programs, including flight structure, mechanisms, and GSE documentation.
  • Experience defining or improving drafting standards and drawing template libraries for a team or program; at the Principal level, experience doing so at an organizational level.
  • Deep familiarity with configuration management and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and engineering change processes.
  • Expert knowledge of relevant aerospace drawing and documentation standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5, MIL-STD-100).
  • Experience leading drawing package preparation for major program milestones and formal customer reviews.
  • Exposure to assembly storyboarding and work instruction development for complex spacecraft integration sequences.
  • Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines and evolving program requirements.
  • Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

COMPENSATION
  • Colorado Hourly Base Rates
    • $70.00- $93.00 per hour for Staff CAD Drafter; $86.00- $120.00 per hour for Principal CAD Drafter
  • California Hourly Base Rates
    • $72.00- $98.00 per hour for Staff CAD Drafter; $88.00- $125.00 per hour for Principal CAD Drafter

This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime.
Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
  • Work Location: this role will be fully onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA
  • Work environment is in a standard office, working at a desk or in a production factory.
  • Physical demands may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20lbs.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below.#LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.

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