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Drafting Jobs in New Mexico (NOW HIRING)

Completes details of major layout drawings prepared by others in accordance with standard engineering drafting practices. * Determines scaling; inserts necessary reference planes, centering and ...

CAD Drafter

Rio Rancho, NM · On-site

$21.25 - $28.50/hr

Production and Processing - Advanced knowledge of drafting processes quality control and other techniques for maximizing the effectiveness of drawings. * Reading Comprehension - Understanding work ...

Showing results 21-40

Drafting information

See New Mexico salary details

$14

$23

$36

How much do drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for drafting in New Mexico is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $25.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, which are expected to grow as infrastructure and building projects increase.

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 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 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 and knowledge of industry standards. The role often requires technical training or certification and can lead to opportunities in various engineering and design fields.

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 New Mexico? The most popular types of Drafting jobs in New Mexico are:
What are popular job titles related to Drafting jobs in New Mexico? For Drafting jobs in New Mexico, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drafting jobs in New Mexico look for? The top searched job categories for Drafting jobs in New Mexico are:
What cities in New Mexico are hiring for Drafting jobs? Cities in New Mexico with the most Drafting job openings:
Infographic showing various Drafting job openings in New Mexico as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,334 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Mechanical Design Drafter (Designer/Drafter 5)

Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Los Alamos National Laboratory rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 120 rated laboratories


Job description

Description
Job Title Mechanical Design Drafter (Designer/Drafter 5)
Location Los Alamos, NM, US
Organization Name AOT-MDE/Mechanical Design Engineering
Minimum Salary 87800
Maximum Salary 143000
This position is open for external candidates only to apply.
What You Will Do
The Accelerator Operations and Technology (AOT) Division provides leadership in the Laboratory's core capability of Accelerators and Electrodynamics. Accelerators and Electrodynamics enables charged particle acceleration through controlled utilization of electromagnetic fields, supporting National Security missions involving radiographic imaging, remote measurements of electromagnetic signatures, and development of new capabilities. AOT operates the Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) proton accelerator complex and conducts applied research and development in accelerator-focused technologies as they apply to Free Electron Lasers, National Security Science programs, and future accelerator missions. The Mechanical Design Engineering Group (AOT-MDE) supports division goals in several technical functions. The group's core functions expand a wide range of accelerator components and systems, including cooling water systems, vacuum systems, electromagnets, and electromechanical diagnostic devices. Engineers perform design and analysis of these systems, as well as direct the maintenance and improvement projects of the LANSCE accelerator.
AOT-MDE is seeking a strongly self-motivated Mechanical Design Drafter 5 to be a member of the Design Team.
What You Need
Minimum Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate advanced mechanical design and drafting experience, illustrating the ability to provide creative and practical solutions to a variety of design problems.
  • Demonstrate professional drafting and design experience in one or more of MDE group's core responsibilities, which includes vacuum vessels and tubing design, accelerator structure design, RF-drive systems, water-cooling systems, beam line layout, beam target design, electromagnet design, and accelerator diagnostic device design.
  • Demonstrated advanced experience with three- dimensional Computer Aided Design programs such as SolidWorks or CREO.
  • Demonstrated advanced use of drafting practices in accordance with ASME Y14.5, and proven ability to incorporate Geometric Design and Tolerancing (GD&T) concepts into working designs.
  • Demonstrated ability to take design requirements from a customer and creatively and efficiently carry them through the entire design and fabrication process with minimal to no guidance.
  • Demonstrated ability to interact and communicate effectively both orally and in writing with scientists, engineers, machinists, technicians and fabrication personnel.
  • Ability to obtain Q clearance.

Education/Experience: Position requires an Associate's Degree in an Engineering or Technical field and 7 years of related experience, or, an equivalent combination of education and experience directly related to the occupation.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated design experience in more than one of MDE group's core responsibilities.
  • Demonstrated ability to work with SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM workflows.
  • Demonstrated experience navigating design challenges such as ionizing radiation resistance, high- and very high vacuum, limited material compatibility, very limited electronics-compatible environments, water-cooling, remote-operation, and decades-long operational lifetimes.

Note to Applicants:
For Full Consideration: Please submit your resume linking work experience to the minimum job requirement OR submit a resume and a detailed cover letter explaining how you meet each of the minimum requirements and any of desired qualifications. Work Environment:
Work Location : The work location for this position is onsite and located in Los Alamos, NM. All work locations are at the discretion of management.
Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.
Note to Applicants:
Due to federal restrictions contained in the current National Defense Authorization Act, citizens of the People's Republic of China-including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macau-as well as citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), and the Russian Federation, who are not Lawful Permanent Residents ("green card" holders) are prohibited from accessing facilities that support the mission, functions, and operations of national security laboratories and nuclear weapons production facilities, which includes Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Where You Will Work
Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:
  • PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network
  • Dental and vision insurance
  • Free basic life and disability insurance
  • Paid childbirth and parental leave
  • Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)
  • Learning opportunities and tuition assistance
  • Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)
  • Onsite gyms and wellness programs
  • Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)

Additional Details
Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.
Clearance: Q (Position will be cleared to this level). Selected applicants will be subject to a background investigation conducted by or on behalf of the Federal Government, and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance. and obtaining such clearance requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon the position, additional authorization to access classified information may be required, which may or may not be available to dual citizens. Receipt of a Q clearance and additional access authorization ultimately is a decision of the Federal Government and not of Triad.
*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.
New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.
Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to protected categories such as race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call (505)-664-6947.
Employment Status Full Time
Appointment Type Regular
Regular

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