Entry Level Autocad Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Drafter

Job Description

This role focuses on creating precise 2D drawings for custom products. You will work in a predominantly design-focused position, supporting automotive clients with detailed layouts and engineering drawings, while occasionally interacting with customers to clarify requirements and ensure accurate deliverables.

Responsibilities

• Use 2D Configura (similar to AutoCAD) to produce detailed drawings for custom industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions.
• Translate customer requirements and engineering concepts into accurate, manufacturable 2D designs and layouts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure drawings meet design specifications, safety standards, and project requirements.
• Review and interpret blueprints, sketches, and engineering notes to create or revise drawings as needed.
• Update and maintain drawing files, ensuring all documentation remains current and properly organized.
• Communicate professionally with customers to clarify design requirements and provide updates on drawing progress.
• Incorporate customer feedback and design changes into drawings in a timely and accurate manner.
• Support a high volume of design work, spending 90–100% of your time on drafting and design tasks.
• Ensure all designs are accurate, clear, and ready for manufacturing and installation.
• Represent the organization professionally during any customer-facing interactions.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of drafting experience, gained through school or on-the-job work.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D or similar CAD software.
• Ability to use 2D drafting tools to create accurate mechanical and industrial layouts.
• Strong understanding of drafting principles and mechanical design fundamentals.
• Capability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering documentation.
• Professional communication skills for customer interaction and customer service.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in creating and revising technical drawings.
• Ability to work in a design-intensive role, focusing primarily on drafting tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Drafting certificate or Associate of Science (AS) degree in drafting.
• Experience with Configura or willingness to learn software similar to AutoCAD.
• Experience or coursework in mechanical drafting or engineering-related fields.
• Experience interfacing with customers in a technical or design capacity.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple design projects and revisions.
• Demonstrated professionalism when representing the organization to clients.

Work Environment

This position is based in a small, laid-back design and manufacturing shop that specializes in industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions. The environment is relaxed and supportive, making it an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain hands-on drafting and design experience. You will work closely with a small team and have direct visibility into how your drawings translate into manufactured products. The role requires being in the office five days per week initially; after approximately two to three months, and once you demonstrate dependability, there is flexibility to work remotely up to two days per week. The organization is flexible with hours, particularly for individuals who are still in school, and uses CAD and 2D drafting tools as core technologies in daily work.

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, TN.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Portland,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 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.