Mechanic Shadowing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: CAD Technician

Job Description

The CAD Technician designs and drafts mechanical components and structures for large industrial plants, focusing on platforms, transitions, spouts, towers, and related equipment. This role involves frequent on-site visits to measure existing platforms and facilities, create rough layouts, and develop detailed 2D drawings from scratch using AutoCAD. The position offers a long-term opportunity with strong leadership support and a structured training period to ensure you feel confident and prepared before working independently.

Responsibilities

• Visit industrial plant sites regularly to assess project requirements, gather information, and understand existing conditions.
• Lay out project concepts on site, including initial sketches and rough drafts based on field measurements and observations.
• Measure platforms, towers, spouts, transitions, and other mechanical structures accurately to support precise drafting and design.
• Create clear and detailed 2D mechanical drawings in AutoCAD, starting from rough concepts and progressing to complete, accurate plans.
• Design mechanical transitions, spouts, towers, platforms, and related structures used in large industrial facilities.
• Use tools such as Google Earth, when appropriate, to assist with site layouts, measurements, and planning.
• Revise and refine drawings based on feedback from project stakeholders and field observations.
• Ensure all mechanical designs and drawings align with project specifications and industry standards.
• Collaborate with experienced team members and leadership during the training period to learn processes, standards, and best practices.
• Travel to job sites 1–2 days per week, including some overnight trips, to perform on-site layout, measurement, and verification work.
• Participate in a structured training program, including shadowing experienced staff, until you are fully prepared to manage site visits and drafting tasks independently.
• Maintain organized drawing files and documentation for each project, ensuring accuracy and consistency across deliverables.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 2 years of professional experience as a CAD technician, drafter, or in a closely related design role.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD with a focus on 2D drafting for mechanical applications.
• Experience creating detailed mechanical drawings from scratch, starting with a blank canvas and developing rough drafts into finalized plans.
• Ability to perform accurate field measurements of platforms, towers, transitions, spouts, and other mechanical structures.
• Strong understanding of mechanical layouts within large industrial plant environments.
• Capability to design and draft mechanical components such as transitions, spouts, towers, and platforms.
• Competence in CAD design and drafting principles, including attention to detail and accuracy.
• Willingness and ability to travel 1–2 days per week, including some overnight stays, to visit and measure job sites.
• Comfort working fully onsite and collaborating in person with team members and field personnel.
• Strong spatial awareness and ability to translate real-world measurements into precise 2D drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Revit is a plus and may support future project needs.
• Familiarity with Google Earth or similar tools to assist with site layout and planning.
• Relevant experience in industrial plant environments or mechanical drafting is highly valued.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to established drafting standards and workflows.
• Strong communication skills to work effectively with field personnel and experienced leadership.
• Motivation to grow in a long-term role with ongoing training and mentorship.

Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role with a typical workweek of approximately 50 hours, offering substantial overtime opportunities, including double time on Sundays. The position involves working in and around large industrial plants, with regular travel to job sites 1–2 days per week and occasional overnight stays. During these travel days, a per diem is provided. You will initially travel more frequently to shadow experienced team members and receive hands-on training in the field. The work environment emphasizes safety, collaboration, and continuous learning, with leadership bringing decades of combined industry experience. The company provides a structured training period and does not expect new hires to work independently until they feel fully prepared and confident.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $40.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 5, 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.