Freelance Computer Aided Drafting Jobs in Oregon

We are a renewable energy and ocean technology company committed to rapidly developing and deploying technologies that will ensure a sustainable future for Earth by unlocking the vast energy potential of its oceans. Our focus is on capturing civilizational levels of ultra-low-cost renewable energy for applications including computing and affordable renewable fuels delivered to shore.

The company is a public benefit corporation headquartered in Portland, Oregon, and backed by leading venture capitalists, philanthropic investors, university endowments, and private investment offices. We operate as an idea meritocracy in which the best ideas change the company's direction on a regular basis.

Our staff have worked at organizations such as SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Tesla, Apple, Virgin Orbit, Astra, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, New Relic, Bridgewater, Raytheon, Disney Imagineering, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research universities, startups, and small companies across a range of industries.

We are seeking a CAD Technician to bridge the gap between initial structural concepts and production-ready engineering releases. In this role, you will focus heavily on CAD execution, assembly management, and technical documentation for our core technology, the "Node"—a device designed to generate energy and survive for decades in the world's harshest offshore environments.

You will own the "last-mile" engineering definition that turns structural concepts into NX models, drawings, and releases that the shop can build without guessing. You'll work at the intersection of design, analysis, and fabrication—making clean assemblies, clear drawings, and a PLM structure that matches how we actually build and service hardware. 

We strive to be the best engineering team on the planet.  If you are an excellent engineer and technical leader, regardless of your background, we want you to apply. 

• NX Modeling & Assembly: Develop and maintain expert-level 3D CAD component models and large-scale mechanical assemblies within Siemens NX.
• Drawing & Detailing: Lead the creation of complex fabrication and assembly drawings, ensuring absolute clarity, accuracy, and technical rigor.
• Structural Documentation: Personally own the detailed documentation and drafting for large-scale, safety-critical welded steel structures and subassemblies.
• PLM & Lifecycle Management: Integrate all design data tightly within Siemens Teamcenter PLM to support manufacturing accuracy and streamlined engineering release processes.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with structural analysts, manufacturing teams, and shop floor technicians to optimize designs for manufacturability and marine service.
• Release Ownership: Drive clean engineering releases (ECR/ECO or equivalent), maintain configuration discipline, and keep definition aligned with what's being built.
• Standards & Libraries: Help establish and maintain drawing/modeling standards, templates, and common details so the next release is faster and more consistent than the last. 

• Education/Experience: Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or 5+ years of relevant professional CAD experience in a similarly complex industry
• CAD Expertise: Extensive CAD experience on Siemens NX 
• Technical Standards: Knowledge of relevant engineering standards such as ASME Y14.100.
• Structural Experience: Proven track record in the design detailing and documentation of metallic structures, load paths, and large-scale welded assemblies.
• Professional Mindset: High attention to detail with a meticulous approach to technical documentation, alongside the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative startup environment.

• Ability to apply understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure components are practical and buildable.
• Familiarity with marine/offshore engineering fundamentals or corrosion-conscious detailing for seawater service.
• Exposure to relevant industrial codes and standards (e.g., AWS D1.1, DNV, ABS, or ASME BPVC).
• Experience releasing welded fabrication packages that include weld symbols, inspection callouts, and clear acceptance criteria.
• Experience partnering directly with fab shops (internal or external) and iterating drawings based on build feedback. 

If hired for this full-time role, you will receive:

• Cash compensation of $90,000 – $140,000.
• Equity in the company. We're all owners and if we're successful, this equity should be far and away the most valuable component of your compensation.
• A benefits package that helps you take care of yourself and your family, including:
• Flexible paid time off
• Health insurance (the company pays 100% of gold level PPO plan for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
• Dental insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees and 100% for their partners and dependents)
• Vision insurance (the company pays 100% for full-time employees, their partners, and dependents)
• Disability insurance (the company pays 100% for a policy to provide long-term financial support if you become disabled)
• Ability to contribute to tax-advantaged accounts, including 401(k), health FSA, and dependent care FSA
• Relocation assistance to facilitate your move to Portland (if needed).

Our offices, lab, and shop are located in Portland, Oregon.