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Entry Level Mechanical Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... entry level Mechanical Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN ... The engineer should be familiar with 3D modeling and drafting, and able be hands-on supporting ...

... entry level Mechanical Engineer to join our Hardware Engineering team in Indianapolis, IN ... The engineer should be familiar with 3D modeling and drafting, and able be hands-on supporting ...

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Why You'll Want This Job If you are tired of being a cog in a massive corporate wheel drafting the ... Conduct onsite building and mechanical system assessments, focusing heavily on complex HVAC, ...

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We are seeking a motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to join our growing engineering team. In this ... and drafting. Successful candidates will have experience creating parts, assemblies, and ...

McClure Engineering is seeking entry-level Electrical and Mechanical Drafters to work alongside other talented engineers and designers dedicated to engineering excellence on a wide range of projects ...

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Job Summary: Entry-level mechanical engineer with HVAC and electrical knowledge who applies ... Develops and programs drafting/design tools (2D/3D) to improve efficiency within the Engineering ...

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Entry Level Mechanical Drafting information

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How much do entry level mechanical drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical drafting in the United States is $22.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a mechanical draftsman make?

Entry-level mechanical draftsmen typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location, experience, and industry. With skills in CAD software and basic engineering principles, they can increase their earning potential as they gain experience and certifications.

How to become a CAD drafter with no experience?

To become an entry-level mechanical CAD drafter with no experience, start by learning CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks through online courses or tutorials. Obtain relevant education like a high school diploma or technical certificate, and build a portfolio of practice drawings to demonstrate your skills to employers.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Drafting vs Mechanical Design Technician?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical DraftingMechanical Design Technician
CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certificationAssociate degree or technical certification
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, manufacturing plantsDesign offices, manufacturing plants
Job FocusCreating technical drawings and plansDeveloping and modifying mechanical designs
ResponsibilitiesDrafting, basic design tasksDesign development, detailed modeling

Entry Level Mechanical Drafting primarily involves creating technical drawings based on engineers' specifications, focusing on drafting and documentation. Mechanical Design Technicians often engage in more detailed design development and modifications. While both roles require similar credentials and work environments, the Design Technician role typically involves a higher level of design responsibility and technical skill.

Are mechanical drafters in demand?

Mechanical drafters are in steady demand in industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and construction, especially as companies seek skilled professionals to create detailed technical drawings using CAD software. Employment growth is expected to be steady, with opportunities increasing as infrastructure projects and product development continue to grow.

Will CAD drafters be replaced by AI?

Entry level mechanical drafters using CAD rely on technical skills and understanding of design principles. While AI tools can assist with automating repetitive tasks and improving efficiency, they are unlikely to fully replace human drafters in complex or creative aspects of design, which require critical thinking and industry knowledge.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Drafting jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Mechanical Drafting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Drafting jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Drafting jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Mechanical Drafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Mechanical Drafting jobs include:
Power Plant Mechanical Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior)

Power Plant Mechanical Engineer (Entry, Staff, Senior)

Xcel Energy

Bayport, MN • On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Xcel Energy rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 89 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 50 rated energy and utility


Job description

Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you're looking for.
Xcel Energy has an exciting opportunity within its Energy Supply Power Generation team. Candidate will work with engineering staff to support the reliable and efficient operation of Xcel Energy's generation assets.
As the site Plant Engineer with primary focus on mechanical systems, duties would include technical support for equipment repairs, involvement in troubleshooting for operational issues, project management tasks for asset improvement and budgetary planning for the site. The candidate must demonstrate the unique technical skills and critical thinking required to support a complex operating environment. Candidate will work closely with departments within Xcel Energy such as Operations, Maintenance, Environmental and Projects to maintain safe and reliable operation of our Power Plants.
This position will support the King Plant and metro-based Peaking facilities. The candidate must have the ability to travel to various Power Plants as needed throughout the region.
The job summary below and responsibilities reflect the entry engineer level role. The successfully chosen candidate will be placed at a level that is commensurate with their skills and experience as different skills and/or experience will be required at the staff and senior engineer levels.
Position Summary
This is an entry level position designed to develop technical expertise in a particular area of specialty. Performs work that involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. Activities are of limited scope requiring knowledge of principles and techniques commonly employed in the specific narrow area of assignments. May lead small-medium, non-critical projects and/or provide field oversight of critical projects under direction of higher-level engineer or supervisor. Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy. As proficiency is gained, may work on portions of larger projects. Works under supervision and follows established procedures. May supervise or coordinate the work of interns, drafters, craft personnel, technicians and/or others.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Uses and applies technical standards, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques to perform activities/assignments of limited scope.
  • Supports the development of technical documentation (including but not limited to designs, testing, calculations, reports, standards, etc.) Utilizes and may assist with the development of procedures.
  • Provides ongoing technical support for project activities within areas such as Operations, Maintenance, Testing/diagnostics, Regulatory, etc. May provide field engineering oversight for activities such as commissioning, testing, inspections etc. under direct supervision.
  • Coordinates/leads projects or portions of projects (including phases such as research, design, equipment selection, procurement support, installation and commissioning), under the direction of a higher-level engineer or supervisor.
  • Under the direction of a higher-level engineer/supervisor, supports bid/evaluation processes by performing basic analysis and calculations on existing documentation and materials that support the preparation of bid documents. In completing segments of technical evaluations for proposals may need to effectively communicate with other business areas of the company following appropriate processes.
  • Effectively exchanges information in all formats, on matters having a wide range of importance and complexity both inter-organizationally and with outside customer/vendors.
  • May coordinate the work of interns, drafters, technicians, and/or others and provides guidance and mentoring to less experienced engineers. Responsible for continuous self-development of technical skills and competencies.
  • May perform activities such as budgeting, estimating, forecasting, accounting, work order management, in support of engineering projects.

This position includes regular onsite support. You will be expected to work onsite daily, ensuring close collaboration with operations and maintenance teams. There are options to work remotely as needed for flexibility, but remote work will not be normally scheduled.
Entry Engineer Level (Salary Range: $70,000-$88,667)
Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, mechanical, chemical, aerospace or civil engineering degrees preferred.
  • 0+ years relevant engineering experience Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) preferred.

Staff Engineer Level (Salary Range: $81,000 -106,267)
Minimum Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited, mechanical, chemical, aerospace or civil engineering degrees preferred.
  • 2+year's relevant engineering experience. Demonstrated broad knowledge & proficiency in specialty area, knowledge of related specialties, & general knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills & core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) strongly preferred.

Senior Engineer Level (Salary Range: $97,000-$129,267)
Minimum Requirements
  • Required bachelor's degree in engineering from ABET accredited curriculum, mechanical, chemical, aerospace or civil engineering degrees preferred.
  • 5+ years relevant engineering experience with EIT/FE (Engineer in Training/Fundamentals of Engineering) required; 7+ years relevant engineering experience without EIT/FE.
  • Ability to demonstrate the unique technical skills and core competencies for this engineering level established & documented by the organization.
  • Preferred PE (Professional Engineer) registration may be required depending on business need.

Preferred Requirements:
  • Experience in power generation or heavy industrial environments.
  • Experience with Power Generation equipment (turbines, generators, governors, pumps, valves, instrumentation)
  • Familiarity with predictive maintenance technologies

As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you're ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $70,000.00 to $129,267.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 07/09/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Xcel Energy

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Xcel Energy is a prominent electricity and natural gas service provider serving multiple states in the United States, including Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, and Wisconsin. Our commitment revolves around delivering essential services to our valued customers. As a trailblazer in the industry, we were the first major US electricity provider with a visionary goal to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050 and an ambitious 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030, based on 2005 levels. Through innovative electric vehicle initiatives, we actively contribute to carbon reduction not only in our electricity generation but also in the transportation sector within the states we operate. Simultaneously, we remain devoted to ensuring cost-effectiveness for our customers by implementing advanced electricity rates and energy efficiency programs.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

1909