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Entry Level Draftsman Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 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 ...

Yes Drafter/CAD Operator I Seize your opportunity to make a personal impact as a Drafter/CAD Operator I supporting multiple government customers. GDIT is your place to make meaningful contributions ...

Designer/ Drafter

Salem, VA · On-site

$22.87/hr

Designer/Drafter 10/17/2016 to 04/16/2017 1501 ROANOKE BOULEVARD SALEM VA USA 24154 Rate:$22.87/hr ... This is an entry level position. A two year associates degree will be fine, in any technical field ...

Position requirements: (Responsibilities) * Entry level (no experience) * Perform field and laboratory tests on construction materials, surveys and drafts * Draw topographic maps and charts using ...

... (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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Entry Level Draftsman information

See Virginia salary details

$14

$26

$43

How much do entry level draftsman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level draftsman in Virginia is $26.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.96 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Draftsman vs Junior Architect?

AspectEntry Level DraftsmanJunior Architect
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or associate degree, basic CAD skillsBachelor's degree in architecture, some internships
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, construction companies, architectural departmentsArchitectural firms, design studios, construction projects
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in architecture and engineering sectorsUsed in architecture and design industries, often as a stepping stone

Entry Level Draftsmen typically have basic technical skills and assist in creating drawings under supervision, while Junior Architects have more advanced education and participate in design development. Both roles work in similar environments, but Junior Architects often take on more responsibility and client interaction as they gain experience.

Are drafters still in demand?

Entry-level drafters are still in demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially those proficient in CAD software like AutoCAD or Revit. Job opportunities depend on regional construction activity and infrastructure projects, with demand often linked to economic growth and technological advancements in design processes.

What are entry level draftsmen?

Entry level draftsmen are professionals who create technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, and engineering projects. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced draftsmen or engineers and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed diagrams based on specifications. Their responsibilities may include revising drawings, preparing layouts, and ensuring that plans comply with industry standards. Entry level draftsmen often have an associate degree or a certificate in drafting and are building foundational skills in the field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level draftsmen, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level draftsmen often encounter challenges such as adapting to new drafting software, interpreting complex design specifications, and ensuring accuracy in technical drawings under tight deadlines. To overcome these challenges, it's important to seek feedback from senior team members, participate in hands-on training sessions, and consistently review project requirements before starting each task. Developing strong communication skills and asking clarifying questions can also help ensure your work aligns with engineers’ or architects’ expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Draftsman, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Draftsman, you need fundamental knowledge of drafting techniques, attention to detail, and a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks and familiarity with industry standards are typically required. Strong communication, organization, and the ability to follow instructions help set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for producing precise technical drawings that support engineers and architects in delivering accurate project plans.

Will drafters be replaced by AI?

Entry level draftsmen perform technical drawing and design tasks that require understanding of engineering and architectural principles. While AI tools can assist with drafting and automate repetitive tasks, human oversight and expertise remain essential for complex design decisions and accuracy. Therefore, AI is more likely to augment rather than fully replace draftsmen in the near future.

How to become a CAD drafter with no experience?

To become an entry-level CAD draftsman with no experience, start by learning CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks through online tutorials or courses. Obtain relevant certifications or training programs, and build a portfolio of practice drawings to demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

What does an entry-level drafter do?

An entry-level draftsman creates technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, or engineering projects. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop detailed schematics and must follow specifications and standards. This role often involves collaborating with engineers and architects and may require basic knowledge of drafting tools and industry codes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Draftsman jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Draftsman jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Draftsman job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 31% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 22% As Needed, 18% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 22% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,382 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Junior Engineer Drafter

Leidos

Reston, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 29 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 479 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 onlyand 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.


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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

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