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Drafting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Are you a detail-oriented drafting professional with a passion for accuracy, mentorship, and problem-solving? Join EFCO as a Formwork Checker and play a key role in ensuring the precision of our ...

Engineering Technician Intern

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

Provide drafting services for production piece drawings and provide general support services for engineering, project management, production and field support. Adhere to PDM's Core Values:

New

As a Civil Engineer for our Site Design team, you will provide basic project design through CAD drafting, instruct drafters on how to create drawings of designs, and prepare project schedules. You ...

The Designer II applies advanced CAD modeling techniques and engineering drafting practices to produce accurate manufacturing documentation and supports Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales ...

The Designer II applies advanced CAD modeling techniques and engineering drafting practices to produce accurate manufacturing documentation and supports Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales ...

Deep knowledge of AutoCAD 2D drafting, 3D modeling, dimensioning, layers, blocks, hatching, plotting, annotation, and file management. Ability to explain coordinate systems, object properties ...

Showing results 41-60

Drafting information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$22

$34

How much do drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting in Iowa is $22.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

Is there a demand for drafting?

Drafting is a skilled profession with steady demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction. Proficiency in CAD software and certifications can enhance job prospects, especially in regions with active development projects.

What is a career in drafting?

A career in drafting involves creating technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. Draftspeople use computer-aided design (CAD) software and must have strong attention to detail, technical knowledge, and understanding of building codes and standards. The role often requires a post-secondary education or certification in drafting or engineering technology.

What kind of drafting makes the most money?

In drafting, specialized fields such as electrical, mechanical, and civil drafting tend to offer higher salaries due to their technical complexity and demand. Drafters with advanced skills in 3D modeling, CAD software, and industry certifications typically earn more, especially in high-demand sectors like aerospace, engineering, and construction. Experience and working in larger firms or on complex projects also contribute to higher earnings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drafting jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Drafting jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Drafting jobs in Iowa?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Drafting jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Drafting jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Drafting job openings:

Infographic showing various Drafting job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 72% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,816 per year, or $23 per hour.

Drafter/Engineering Designer

Council Bluffs, IA

Rasmussen Mechanical Services
Facilities Support Services • 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Build 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans of customer facilities

  • Draft P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for construction and fabrication

  • Walk job sites with project managers and sales engineers to scope new work


Job description

Engineering Designer

Council Bluffs, IA • Mechanical Design & 3D Modeling AutoCAD Plant 3D • FARO 3D Scanning • Piping, Boilers & Process Systems

Since 1970, Rasmussen Mechanical Services has been a family-owned mechanical contractor working across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. We've grown to over 200 people across seven locations, but we've kept the small-shop feeling that's made people stay with us for 20, 30, even 37 years.

We're looking for an Engineering Designer to join the family — whether you're an experienced designer ready for more interesting work, a field or fab-shop veteran who's moved to the design side, or a new grad looking for a place that will actually invest in you.

The Work

You'll bring mechanical projects to life on the screen before they're built in the field: 3D modeling, P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for everything from commercial HVAC systems to complex industrial piping, boilers, and process equipment.

A typical week might include:

  • Building 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans of customer facilities
  • Drafting P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings the shop and field crews can actually build from
  • Walking job sites with project managers and sales engineers to scope new work
  • Producing proposal drawings and renderings that help customers say yes
  • Sitting down with our welders, fitters, and field techs to make sure what you're drawing makes sense to build
If You've Ever Built What Someone Else Drew

Some of the best designers we know came up through the trades — fitters, welders, fab shop detailers — people who spent years building from other people's drawings and thought, I could draw this better.

If that's you, we want to talk. Knowing how a spool actually gets fabricated, rigged, and fitted in a tight mechanical room is knowledge you can't teach in a CAD class, and it shows up in every drawing you produce. We'll get you the rest.

And if you love the satisfaction of seeing your drawings turn into real, working systems — this is your kind of team.

Why People Stay at RMS
  • Family-owned, and it shows. The Rasmussens are still here. Leadership is accessible, decisions get made quickly, and people get treated like people.
  • Variety you won't get elsewhere. Ten specialized departments — HVAC, boilers, mechanical construction, controls, reliability, and more — so no two projects look alike.
  • Modern tools, and training to match. FARO 3D scanning and AutoCAD Plant 3D, with company-provided training and continuing investment in your skills. If you're strong in AutoCAD but new to Plant 3D, we'll teach you.
  • Your drawings get built. Not shelved, not value-engineered into oblivion by someone three states away. Built — by our own crews, usually within a few miles of your desk.
  • Industry-leading pay and benefits, plus a culture that takes work-life balance seriously.
  • A genuinely good place to work. Modern offices, 24/7 gym, golf simulator, team lunches — and yes, "fun" really is one of our core values.
What You Bring

Experienced designers (3+ years)

  • Drafting and 3D modeling experience with piping or mechanical systems
  • Strong AutoCAD skills
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D experience strongly preferred — if you're coming from CADWorx, AutoCAD MEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, or another 3D platform, we'll train you up
  • A track record of producing drawings that field crews can build from
  • Strong attention to detail and good time management
  • Comfortable working with engineers, project managers, field crews, and customers

Field and fab-shop backgrounds welcome

  • Pipefitting, welding, sheet metal, or fabrication experience paired with CAD skills — formal or self-taught
  • You don't need a degree. You need to know how things get built, and be able to draw it.

New grads

  • A degree or certificate in mechanical design, drafting & design technology, or a related field
  • Solid CAD fundamentals (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Revit — we're not picky about which)
  • Curiosity, attention to detail, and a real interest in how mechanical systems go together
  • We'll teach you Plant 3D, FARO scanning, and how our shop and field crews work. We mean it when we say we invest in people.

Everyone

  • Valid driver's license; able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
  • Willing to occasionally travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning
Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning — typically day trips, with occasional overnight stays. You'll need to be able to lift 25–30 lbs occasionally and sit at a workstation for extended periods.

How to Apply

Apply through our careers page at rasmech.com/careers. We review applications regularly and will reach out to qualified candidates.

Rasmussen Mechanical Services is an equal opportunity employer.