Entry Level Mechanical Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Autocad Drafter

Job Description

This entry-level Drafter role offers the opportunity to develop and refine drafting skills while working on a wide variety of mechanical, structural, and sheet metal fabrication projects. You will create detailed 2D AutoCAD drawings, support engineering with bills of materials and engineering change notices, and contribute to the design of components ranging from concrete footings and structural steel to custom machinery and fabricated sheet metal parts. This position is ideal for someone who wants to hone their craft in a setting that uses cutting-edge technology and serves major, well-known customers.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate and detailed 2D drawings in AutoCAD by entering specifications, dimensions, and other required information.
• Create mechanical, structural, and sheet metal fabrication drawings in accordance with project requirements and engineering standards.
• Support the engineering department by assisting with the development and maintenance of bills of materials (BOMs).
• Assist with the creation and updating of engineering change notices (ECNs) to document design changes and revisions.
• Design and detail components such as concrete footings, structural steel elements, and custom machinery parts.
• Select and apply parts from the existing design library to support new and ongoing projects.
• Collaborate with other CAD drafters and engineering staff to ensure drawings are clear, accurate, and aligned with project goals.
• Use strong math skills, including working with fractions, to ensure precise measurements and dimensions in all drawings.
• Gradually take on more complex assignments, including equipment arrangement and layout drawings, as skills and experience grow.
• Participate in project handoffs and feedback sessions to continuously improve drafting quality and efficiency.
• Maintain organized drawing files and documentation to support efficient retrieval and revision.
• Occasionally visit the manufacturing floor to better understand how designs translate into fabricated and installed systems once up to speed.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of one year of CAD drafting experience OR an associate degree or certificate in drafting or draft/design.
• At least 1 year of recent 2D AutoCAD experience, with the ability to produce finished drawings independently.
• At least 1 year of drafting experience, either through professional work or substantial school projects that can be clearly discussed.
• Proficiency in creating 2D drawings for mechanical, structural, and sheet metal fabrication applications.
• Strong math skills, including comfort working with fractions and precise measurements.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and understanding of how parts and assemblies fit and function.
• Ability to support the creation and maintenance of bills of materials (BOMs).
• Ability to assist with engineering change notices (ECNs) and document design revisions accurately.
• Competence using AutoCAD and other CAD tools in a professional or academic environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in drafting and documentation.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers and other drafters.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in Drafting/Design or a related field is highly beneficial.
• Certificate in Drafting or a related discipline is a strong asset.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor is a plus.
• Exposure to 3D CAD tools and 3D modeling is advantageous but not required.
• Experience or coursework related to mechanical drafting, sheet metal design, and fabrication is helpful.
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems or industrial equipment is a plus but not required.
• Interest in learning equipment arrangement and layout drawings over time.
• Desire to grow in an environment that emphasizes cutting-edge technology and continuous skill development.
• Ability to discuss past drafting projects in detail, whether from school or work, including design intent and problem-solving approach.

Work Environment

The organization designs, manufactures, installs, and services pneumatic paper waste collection systems for customers in commercial printing, folding carton, corrugated box, envelope, direct mail, package printing, board converting, and document destruction industries. This is a blended corporate and manufacturing site where you will spend the majority of your time in an office-based, desk setting using AutoCAD and related tools. You will work closely with a small team of CAD drafters and collaborate with engineering staff, reporting into the engineering function. As you become more familiar with the products and processes, you will occasionally visit the manufacturing floor to see how your designs are fabricated and implemented. The company emphasizes cutting-edge technology and works with large, high-profile customers who invest in top-of-the-line equipment. The role offers structured opportunities to build skills through progressively more challenging projects, along with holiday benefits. The environment supports learning, mentorship, and professional growth for someone eager to develop as a drafter.

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

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $25.00/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 Hendersonville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.