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Lead Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kovach

Drafter III

Chandler, AZ · On-site

Serve as the primary drafting lead and point of contact for assigned projects from turnover through completion. * Maintain comprehensive knowledge of project scope, wall systems, technical ...

Addison Group

Senior Drafter

North Richland Hills, TX · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Senior Drafter Location: Fort Worth, Texas Pay Range: $30 - $40 /hourly + Overtime Benefits: This ... In this onsite daily role, you'll take the lead in reviewing and checking detailed fabrication and ...

EnSiteUSA

Design Drafter

Lexington, KY · On-site

Assists Lead Piping Designers in preparing plot plans, enlarged piping plans, sections and detail ... Drafting Standards and specifications as required by clients. * Assists in the production of ...

EnSiteUSA

Design Drafter

Lexington, KY · On-site

Assists Lead Piping Designers in preparing plot plans, enlarged piping plans, sections and detail ... Drafting Standards and specifications as required by clients. * Assists in the production of ...

Anvil Corporation

Electrical Drafter

Bellingham, WA · On-site

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES Perform assigned work within a given budget and schedule Perform basic drafting support as directed by lead designers and/or engineers Perform quality checks on ones' own ...

Addison Group

Senior Drafter

North Richland Hills, TX · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Senior Drafter Location: Fort Worth, Texas Pay Range: $30 - $40 /hourly + Overtime Benefits: This ... In this onsite daily role, you'll take the lead in reviewing and checking detailed fabrication and ...

Addison Group

Senior Drafter

North Richland Hills, TX · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Senior Drafter Location: Fort Worth, Texas Pay Range: $30 - $40 /hourly + Overtime Benefits: This ... In this onsite daily role, you'll take the lead in reviewing and checking detailed fabrication and ...

Addison Group

Senior Drafter

North Richland Hills, TX · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Senior Drafter Location: Fort Worth, Texas Pay Range: $30 - $40 /hourly + Overtime Benefits: This ... In this onsite daily role, you'll take the lead in reviewing and checking detailed fabrication and ...

Moog, Inc.

Senior Design Drafter

Buffalo, NY · On-site

Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert (SME) for drafting standards, drawing quality, and design best practices * Proven ability to mentor, train, and develop ...

Addison Group

Senior Drafter

North Richland Hills, TX · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Senior Drafter Location: Fort Worth, Texas Pay Range: $30 - $40 /hourly + Overtime Benefits: This ... In this onsite daily role, you'll take the lead in reviewing and checking detailed fabrication and ...

Moog

Senior Design Drafter

Buffalo, NY

Demonstrated experience serving as a technical lead or subject matter expert (SME) for drafting standards, drawing quality, and design best practices * Proven ability to mentor, train, and develop ...

US Tech Solutions

Drafter SR

Forest Park, GA · On-site

The Drafter SR position requires 10+ years of drafting experience. * An associate's degree in ... Ability to lead a small and medium sized project, commitment to quality, safety, and design ...

US Tech Solutions

Drafter SR

Forest Park, GA · On-site

The Drafter SR position requires 10+ years of drafting experience. * An associate's degree in ... Ability to lead a small and medium sized project, commitment to quality, safety, and design ...

Cleaver-Brooks

Electrical Drafter

Thomasville, GA · On-site

The Drafter prepares and maintains drawings using conventional drafting techniques, as well as a ... We lead the boiler/burner industry due to our unmatched distribution network's ability to deliver ...

Herbein + Company

Drafter

Allentown, PA · On-site

$56K - $60K/yr

Engineering Draftsperson Do you have a 4-year Mechanical or Civil Engineering degree with current ... Engage directly with customers to ensure specifications and lead time are met. * Work with sales ...

Kavaliro

Drafter/Designer

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$28 - $38/hr

Works with Project Drafting Lead to complete drafting assignments in timely manner. * Create and setup CAD files. * Adhere to standards when creating/modifying drawings. * Self-check drawings and ...

Herbein + Company

Drafter

Allentown, PA · On-site

$56K - $60K/yr

Engineering Draftsperson Do you have a 4-year Mechanical or Civil Engineering degree with current ... Engage directly with customers to ensure specifications and lead time are met. * Work with sales ...

Quanta Services

Drafter - Structural

Chattanooga, TN

Work under supervision of Lead Designer or Engineering Manager in a professional office setting. * Minimum 2 years of experience in 2D AutoCAD drafting with a background in civil/structural drawing ...

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Lead Drafter information

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$14

$26

$43

How much do lead drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lead drafter in the United States is $26.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead drafter?

Lead Drafters are professionals responsible for overseeing the creation of detailed technical drawings and plans used in construction, manufacturing, or engineering projects. They supervise a team of drafters, ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards, and often collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and project managers. In addition to technical drafting, Lead Drafters also manage project timelines, coordinate workflow, and provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff. Their expertise is crucial for turning complex concepts into precise, buildable plans.

How does a lead drafter typically collaborate with engineers and architects on large-scale projects?

Lead Drafters play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between design concepts and technical documentation. They work closely with engineers and architects by interpreting sketches, ensuring drawings align with project specifications, and coordinating revisions based on feedback from multiple stakeholders. Regular meetings and digital collaboration tools are commonly used to streamline communication, prevent errors, and keep projects on schedule. This collaborative environment allows Lead Drafters to influence the quality and accuracy of the final construction documents and fosters strong professional relationships within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead drafter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Drafter, you need advanced technical drafting skills, a strong understanding of engineering or architectural principles, and experience with design standards, typically supported by an associate degree or certification in drafting. Expertise in CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit, or SolidWorks, as well as familiarity with project management tools, is essential. Strong attention to detail, leadership abilities, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure the accuracy and efficiency of design projects, successful team coordination, and the delivery of high-quality technical drawings.

What is the difference between Lead Drafter vs Draftsman?

AspectLead DrafterDraftsman
CredentialsTypically requires experience and sometimes certifications in CAD softwareUsually has similar technical skills, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentLeads drafting teams, reviews work, and coordinates projectsPerforms drafting tasks under supervision, often in an office setting
Industry UsageUsed in engineering, architecture, and construction firms for project oversightCommonly employed for creating technical drawings in various industries

The main difference between a Lead Drafter and a Draftsman lies in their responsibilities and leadership roles. The Lead Drafter oversees drafting teams, reviews work, and coordinates project efforts, while the Draftsman primarily focuses on creating technical drawings under supervision. Both roles require strong CAD skills, but the Lead Drafter typically has more experience and leadership duties.

Are lead drafters still in demand?

Lead drafters are still in demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction, where detailed technical drawings are essential. The role requires proficiency with CAD software and knowledge of building codes, and employment opportunities often depend on project volume and industry growth.

Do lead drafters make a lot of money?

Lead drafters typically earn higher salaries than entry-level drafters due to their experience and leadership responsibilities. Salaries vary by industry, location, and company size but generally range from $50,000 to $90,000 annually, with some earning more with specialized skills or certifications. The role often requires proficiency in CAD software and strong technical knowledge.
More about Lead Drafter jobs

What job categories do people searching Lead Drafter jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Drafter jobs are:

Lead Drafter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Drafter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,861 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Drafter III

Kovach

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Build Your Career as an Employee-Owner
Kovach Enclosure Systems is seeking an advanced drafting professional to join our team as a Drafter III.
The Drafter III serves as the primary drafting lead and point of contact for assigned projects from turnover through completion. This position coordinates internal and external drafting resources, performs advanced technical and quality reviews, resolves complex drafting and coordination issues, and ensures project deliverables are completed accurately, efficiently, and within established schedule and labor expectations.
As an employee-owned company, Kovach gives employees the opportunity to contribute to the company's success while sharing in the value they help create.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as the primary drafting lead and point of contact for assigned projects from turnover through completion.
  • Maintain comprehensive knowledge of project scope, wall systems, technical requirements, schedules, file structures, and deliverables.
  • Lead the preparation and completion of shop drawings, fabrication drawings, takeoffs, bills of material, material orders, releases, and related documentation.
  • Develop, monitor, and communicate project schedules, priorities, resource needs, and risks.
  • Coordinate closely with Project Management, Design, Engineering, Field Operations, Manufacturing, Purchasing, and other project stakeholders.
  • Ensure internal drafters and outside drafting partners have current project information, standards, files, and resources.
  • Provide technical instruction, mentoring, and task-specific support to drafting personnel.
  • Lead outside drafting partners by communicating project scope, schedules, standards, deliverables, and quality expectations.
  • Perform advanced reviews of drawings, takeoffs, bills of material, and releases for accuracy, constructability, and compliance with Kovach standards.
  • Confirm that design revisions, redlines, field information, and quality corrections are accurately incorporated and resolved.
  • Identify technical errors, scope gaps, constructability concerns, fabrication risks, and installation conflicts.
  • Resolve complex drafting and coordination issues within established authority.
  • Escalate significant engineering, scope, budget, or contractual concerns when appropriate.
  • Maintain organized project records and provide timely updates and responses to project and field personnel.
  • Identify and support improvements to drafting standards, templates, review methods, and workflows.
What You'll Bring
  • Advanced technical drafting knowledge and experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead complex drafting projects from turnover through completion.
  • Ability to maintain comprehensive knowledge of project scope, systems, schedules, files, and deliverables.
  • Experience coordinating internal drafting resources and outside drafting partners.
  • Ability to perform advanced technical and quality reviews of drawings and release documentation.
  • Strong understanding of constructability, fabrication, installation, and quality-control considerations.
  • Ability to identify and resolve complex drafting and coordination issues independently within established authority.
  • Experience providing technical instruction, mentoring, and constructive feedback.
  • Ability to build effective working relationships with Project Managers, field personnel, manufacturing teams, and drafting personnel.
  • Strong project ownership, accountability, organization, and follow-through.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex priorities while maintaining accuracy and responsiveness.
Technical Knowledge
  • Advanced AutoCAD or comparable drafting software
  • Shop and fabrication drawing development
  • Material takeoffs, bills of material, material orders, and releases
  • Architectural and engineering drawing interpretation
  • Advanced drawing review, constructability, and quality-assurance processes
  • Project scheduling, labor expectations, and resource coordination
  • Architectural enclosure systems, fabrication processes, and field installation
  • Microsoft Office and project collaboration software
  • Revit knowledge is preferred
Education and Experience
An associate degree, technical certificate, or coursework in Drafting Technology, Architectural Drafting, Computer-Aided Design, Engineering Technology, Construction Technology, Architecture, or a related field is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, technical training, and extensive directly applicable drafting or construction experience will also be considered.
Why Join Kovach?
At Kovach, employees are more than members of the team. They are employee-owners who contribute directly to the company's continued growth and success.
Our benefits include:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP
  • 401(k) plan with a 125% company match on the first 6% you contribute, subject to plan eligibility requirements
  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Additional voluntary and optional benefit programs
  • Paid time off
  • Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
  • A collaborative environment focused on accountability, quality, and continuous improvement
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed in a professional office environment using drafting, review, and project-management technology.
The role involves complex projects, competing deadlines, urgent field questions, incomplete information, resource constraints, and significant quality requirements. Occasional visits to manufacturing facilities, warehouses, or active construction sites may be required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Kovach Enclosure Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to any legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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