ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Drafter Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Junior Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA · On-site

Leidos has an opening for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. This position focuses on developing and modifying detailed engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation that support ...

Leidos

Junior Engineer Drafter

Reston, VA

Leidos has an opening for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. This position focuses on developing and modifying detailed engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation that support ...

C3M Power Systems

BIM Modeler

Capitol Heights, MD · On-site

Skill Level * Entry Level drafter/CAD operator and modeler * Requires minimal training on software and continued training on electrical constructability * Requires minimal QA/QC for any work being ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ... Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and ...

American Oversight

Entry-Level Counsel

Washington, DC · On-site

... entry-level Counsel to join our team to lead and support high-impact litigation advancing ... Draft pleadings at the trial and appellate levels, including complaints, motions, briefs, and ...

RDR, Inc

Administrative Assistant (Entry)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... (Entry Level) to moderately complex (Intermediate Level) and very complex tasks which demands a ... Draft, proofread, edit and coordinate correspondence * Perform research and retrieve information ...

RDR Inc

Administrative Assistant (Entry)

Chantilly, VA

$17.50 - $24/hr

... (Entry Level) to moderately complex (Intermediate Level) and very complex tasks which demands a ... Draft, proofread, edit and coordinate correspondence * Perform research and retrieve information ...

RDR Inc

Administrative Assistant (Entry)

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$17.50 - $24/hr

... (Entry Level) to moderately complex (Intermediate Level) and very complex tasks which demands a ... Draft, proofread, edit and coordinate correspondence * Perform research and retrieve information ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDrafter JobsEntry Level Drafter JobsEntry Level Drafter Jobs in Reston, VA

Entry Level Drafter information

See Reston, VA salary details

$16

$23

$30

How much do entry level drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level drafter in Reston, VA is $23.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drafter vs Junior CAD Technician?

AspectEntry Level DrafterJunior CAD Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, basic CAD trainingHigh school diploma, CAD certification or training
Work EnvironmentArchitectural, engineering, manufacturing firmsEngineering, construction, manufacturing companies
Industry UsageCommonly used in design and drafting rolesOften used interchangeably with Entry Level Drafter in technical settings

Both roles involve CAD software use and basic drafting tasks, but Junior CAD Technicians typically have more specialized training or certifications. Entry Level Drafters focus on learning drafting standards, while Junior CAD Technicians may assist with more complex projects. Both positions serve as stepping stones into technical careers in design and engineering industries.

Are entry level drafters still in demand?

Entry level drafters are still in demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially as companies seek to fill positions requiring proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or Revit. Demand varies by region and industry growth, but overall, the role remains a valuable entry point for careers in design and technical drafting.

What is an entry level drafter?

An Entry Level Drafter is a professional who uses computer-aided design (CAD) software or manual drafting techniques to create technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, architecture, or engineering projects. They work under the supervision of senior drafters or engineers to produce detailed layouts, diagrams, and schematics based on specifications and sketches. Entry level drafters are often responsible for making revisions, ensuring drawings comply with industry standards, and assisting with documentation. This role is ideal for individuals starting their careers in drafting and design, usually requiring a certificate or associate degree in drafting or a related field.

What does an entry level drafter do?

An entry-level drafter uses computer programs such as CAD and AutoCAD to create scale drawings for construction projects or product manufacturing. In this job, your duties include using engineering plans to create diagrams that builders and manufacturers will then apply to their construction or production projects. You may also work on very detailed designs, such as an electronic switchboard. Your responsibilities also include incorporating the designs of the architect, if applicable, and information about all necessary codes and regulations. An entry-level drafter may work on one aspect of the drawings under the direction of a manager.

What types of projects and tasks can an entry level drafter expect to work on in their first year?

As an Entry Level Drafter, you can expect to assist with creating technical drawings and plans under the guidance of senior drafters or engineers. Your daily tasks will likely include updating existing blueprints, converting sketches into digital formats using CAD software, and ensuring drawings meet project specifications and standards. You'll also collaborate closely with design teams and may attend project meetings to understand requirements. This hands-on exposure helps you build practical skills and provides a foundation for more complex drafting responsibilities as you gain experience.

What skills do I need as an entry level drafter?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drafter, you need a basic understanding of drafting principles, technical drawing, and proficiency in mathematics, often supported by an associate degree or certification in drafting or a related field. Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks is typically required. Attention to detail, good communication, and the ability to follow instructions precisely are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are vital for producing accurate technical drawings that serve as the foundation for engineering and construction projects.
More about Entry Level Drafter jobs
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Drafter jobs in Reston, VA? For Entry Level Drafter jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Drafter jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Drafter jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Entry Level Drafter jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Entry Level Drafter job openings:
Entry Level Drafter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drafter job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Locum Tenens, 18% As Needed, 32% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,639 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Junior Engineer Drafter

Leidos

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

75th of 481 rated business services

Job description

Leidos has an opening for an Engineer Drafter in Reston, Virginia. This position focuses on developing and modifying detailed engineering drawings, models, and technical documentation that support the analysis and characterization of complex facilities and infrastructure systems.
The successful candidate will create detailed part, assembly, and installation drawings using established engineering standards, reference materials, and technical data. Work is performed using computer-aided design and modeling tools such as CAD, CAM, CATIA, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) platforms. Responsibilities include producing and revising engineering drawings, supporting technical analyses, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop accurate representations of facility systems and structures.
The selected candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of government and contractor personnel in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment within a government facility.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • As part of a facility characterization team, integrate all-source intelligence, geotechnical data, topographical information, underground infrastructure expertise, and engineering best practices to identify and model facility functions, missions, and physical configurations.
  • Develop detailed 3D BIM models and 2D CAD drawings across multiple engineering disciplines.
  • Perform clash detection and coordination among engineering disciplines, identifying and resolving spatial conflicts before design completion.
  • Create, maintain, and enhance project-specific and enterprise BIM libraries, including custom families, templates, metadata, and annotations.
  • Audit models to ensure data integrity, spatial accuracy, and compliance with organizational BIM standards, Level of Development (LOD) requirements, and modeling and simulation guidelines.
  • Generate customer-required deliverables, including technical reports, measurements, material schedules, cross-sections, and other documentation derived directly from engineering models.
  • Participate in model coordination reviews and technical meetings with clients and cross-functional project teams.
  • Support the development of technical solutions that require collaboration with subject matter experts, detailed analysis, and an understanding of impacts to the overall mission and end product.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:
  • Candidate must possess an active TS/SCI clearance or a Top Secret clearance with a current SSBI and be eligible to obtain a TS/SCI with polygraph.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Working knowledge of engineering standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques within a relevant technical discipline.
  • Bachelor's degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a master's degree with less than 2 years of relevant experience. Additional relevant professional experience gained may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Degree or experience in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Protective Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or another discipline relevant to Building Information Modeling.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively brief and interact with senior officials.
  • This role requires a creative yet disciplined problem-solver who can work effectively in situations where complete information may not be available. Candidates should possess exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to producing high-quality work products.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Working knowledge of protective engineering principles and physical security or force protection measures.
  • Experience with Autodesk Revit, Autodesk AutoCAD, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) software and workflows.
  • Experience with infrastructure modeling and simulation tools such as Ventsim, ETAP, or similar platforms.
  • Military, intelligence community, or defense-related experience.
  • Construction experience, particularly involving mission-critical facilities, underground infrastructure, tunneling, or large-scale excavation projects.
  • Experience with design reviews, engineering modifications, specifications development, dimensioning, and document management processes.
  • Experience developing and implementing BIM standards, workflows, and best practices.
  • Familiarity with multidisciplinary engineering coordination and model-based project delivery.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
June 2, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

What Leidos employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Leidos Jobs

Apply