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Mechanical Drafting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You will provide drafting and design support for mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, components, facilities, utilities and systems. Because the work spans many types of applications, you ...

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Mechanical Drafter

Arlington, TX ยท On-site

$65K - $70K/yr

Qualifications โ€ข Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred. โ€ข Minimum of 2 years of mechanical drafting experience. โ€ข ...

You will provide drafting and design support for mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, components, facilities, utilities and systems. Because the work spans many types of applications, you ...

Mechanical Drafter

Charleroi, PA ยท On-site

$23 - $28/hr

Mechanical Drafting using current generation AutoCAD software. * Generate, modify, and organize general arrangement and physical outline drawings accurately and on time for customer approval and ...

Mechanical Designer/Drafter I

Norwich, CT ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Apply basic mechanical drafting principles and engineering concepts to support design solutions. * Implement Standard Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices in accordance with ASME ...

Mechanical Drafter - AutoCAD

Oklahoma City, OK ยท On-site

$24.04 - $36.06/hr

Mechanical Drafter - AutoCAD Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Assignment Type: Contact Pay: $24.04 ... Qualifications * 2+ years of drafting or design experience. * Proficiency with AutoCAD. * Ability ...

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Mechanical Drafting information

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$15

$26

$38

How much do mechanical drafting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for mechanical drafting in the United States is $26.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.88 and $31.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mechanical drafter do?

A mechanical drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for mechanical systems and components using CAD software. They interpret engineering specifications, prepare layouts, and ensure drawings meet industry standards, often collaborating with engineers and manufacturers. Proficiency in CAD tools and knowledge of engineering principles are essential for this role.

What jobs make $3,000 a month without a degree?

Mechanical drafting jobs typically require technical skills and some post-secondary training but may not always require a formal degree. Entry-level positions in drafting or CAD (Computer-Aided Design) can pay around $3,000 a month, especially with experience or certifications. Skilled trades, such as HVAC or industrial equipment installation, can also reach this income level without a college degree, depending on location and workload.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mechanical Drafting position, and why are they important?

To excel in Mechanical Drafting, a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in technical drawing are essential, often supported by an associate degree or relevant certification. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor is typically required, and certification through programs like Autodesk or the American Design Drafting Association can be beneficial. Strong teamwork, clear communication, and time management help drafters collaborate effectively with engineers and meet project deadlines. These skills ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant designs that facilitate smooth project development and manufacturing processes.

Is mechanical drafting a good career?

Mechanical drafting is a viable career that involves creating detailed technical drawings for manufacturing and engineering projects, often requiring proficiency in CAD software. It offers steady employment opportunities in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and engineering, with potential for advancement through certifications and experience.

What are typical daily responsibilities for someone in a Mechanical Drafting role?

Mechanical Drafters spend their days creating detailed technical drawings and plans that engineers use to design machinery, equipment, or structures. Their work may also involve revising existing designs based on feedback, preparing documentation for production, and supporting engineering teams in translating concepts into manufacturable blueprints. They frequently collaborate with engineers, architects, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs meet quality and industry standards. In addition, Mechanical Drafters may participate in project meetings, problem-solve design challenges, and keep their drawing files up-to-date using the latest CAD software.

What is a Mechanical Drafting job?

A Mechanical Drafting job involves creating detailed technical drawings and blueprints for mechanical components, machines, and systems. Drafters use computer-aided design (CAD) software to convert engineers' and designers' concepts into precise schematics used for manufacturing and assembly. They must ensure that designs comply with industry standards and specifications. Mechanical drafters often collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, and other professionals to refine designs and resolve technical issues. Attention to detail and a strong understanding of engineering principles are essential for success in this role.

What does a mechanical drafter make?

A mechanical drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for mechanical systems, components, and equipment using CAD software. Their work supports manufacturing, engineering, and construction projects by providing precise specifications and layouts.
More about Mechanical Drafting jobs
What cities are hiring for Mechanical Drafting jobs? Cities with the most 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 Mechanical Drafting jobs? States with the most job openings for Mechanical Drafting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mechanical Drafting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,049 per year, or $26.9 per hour.
Mechanical Design Drafter/Designer

Mechanical Design Drafter/Designer

LLNL

Tracy, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Company Description
Join us and make YOUR mark on the World!
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Mechanical Design Drafter or Designer to support projects for a wide variety of customers and projects that would include Physical and Life Sciences (PLS), Strategic Deterrence (SD), Global Security (GS), accelerator technologies, high-energy physics, Energy, and others. You will provide drafting and design support for mechanical apparatus, equipment, assemblies, components, facilities, utilities and systems. Because the work spans many types of applications, you will need to be flexible, working with various groups and projects requiring design assistance. You will work at Site 300. This position is in the National Security Engineering Division (NSED) with the Engineering Directorate.
This position requires full-time on-site presence due to the nature of the work.
This position will be filled at eitherlevel based on knowledge and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will
  • Provide general Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical drafting and design support to lead designers, and to engineering, scientific, and technical staff to conceptualize, develop, and complete detailed designs of hardware for various mechanical applications.
  • Translate requirements and constraints into detailed layouts, fabrication, and assembly drawings utilizing knowledge of CAD tools.
  • Create moderately complex 3D CAD models of design concepts using PTC Creo 10.
  • Develop detailed fabrication drawings, specifications, and documentation for all designs.
  • Work independently on small projects and/or contribute to large team projects.
  • Perform basic calculations to support technical work using standard engineering formulas; analyze cost effectiveness of design, schedule, and materials.
  • Interact productively with vendors, customers, and others outside the work unit.
  • Maintain documentation in a configuration management system (PTC Windchill PDMLink
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the 534.3 level
  • Provide advanced Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical design and drafting support where overall design parameters and specifications have been established.
  • Contribute to preliminary design concepts for hardware, componentry, and systems including making independent judgment and decisions.
  • Estimate scheduling and costs to determine effective methods in design, materials, and time to meet project deliverables and prepare and present technical material for design reviews, procedures, and other related documentation.

Qualifications
  • Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance which requires U.S. citizenship.
  • Associate's degree in Mechanical or Electro-Mechanical Drafting; or relevant degree with significant science, mathematics, and engineering coursework with related experience; or Certificate in Engineering Technology or Mechanical Drafting with related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
  • Intermediate knowledge of drafting standards, procedures, and techniques, including working knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standard.
  • Experience developing design concepts with a broad background in a wide variety of its various sub-disciplines.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve moderately complex technical problems.
  • Intermediate understanding of design, function, fabrication processes, and packaging of mechanical hardware/systems
  • Demonstrated ability to read and follow engineering notes, sketches, drawings, specifications, and procedures.
  • Intermediate knowledge of PTC Creo10 CAD software.
  • Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Additional qualifications at the 534.3 level
  • Advanced knowledge of ASME Y14.5M Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing Standard and proficient use of PTC Creo10 CAD software.
  • Advanced understanding of mechanical and electrical design principles and demonstrated ability to solve complex technical problems.
  • Advanced knowledge of engineering hardware design principles, fabrication, and installation processes

Qualifications We Desire
  • Experience with SolidWorks CAD software
  • Experience in reviewing and verifying the accuracy of work performed by peers and other engineering disciplines as needed.
  • Experience using PTC Windchill PDMLink design software or other database management software

Pay Range
$43.55 - $63.97 Hourly
$43.55 - $53.36 Hourly for the 534.2 level
$52.23 - $63.97 Hourly for the 534.3 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Onsite
Position Information
This is a Flexible Term appointment, which is for a definite period not to exceed six years.If final candidate is a Career Indefinite employee, Career Indefinite status may be maintained (should funding allow).
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?
  • Included in 2026Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
  • Flexible Benefits Package
  • 401(k)
  • Relocation Assistance
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
  • Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Site 300
Site 300 is an experimental test site operated by LLNL. Situated on 7,000 acres in rural foothills approximately six miles southwest of downtown Tracy and 15 miles southeast of Livermore, Site 300 hosts approximately 200 employees with expertise in such fields as engineering, chemistry, biology, and environmental restoration. Employees assigned to work at Site 300 may be exposed to the organism that causes San Joaquin Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis ).
Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance.If you are selected, wewill initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if youmeet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the useand/or possession ofmobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area whereyou are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile devicein your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
Ifyou useamedical device, whichpairs with a mobile device,you must still follow the rules concerningthe mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities requireseparate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
How to identify fake job advertisements
Please be aware of recruitment scams where people or entities are misusing the name of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) to post fake job advertisements. LLNL never extends an offer without a personal interview and will never charge a fee for joining our company. All current job openings are displayed on the Career Page under "Find Your Job" of our website. If you have encountered a job posting or have been approached with a job offer that you suspect may be fraudulent, we strongly recommend you do not respond.
To learn more about recruitment scams: https://www.llnl.gov/sites/www/files/2023-05/LLNL-Job-Fraud-Statement-Updated-4.26.23.pdf
Equal Employment Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
Reasonable Accommodation
Our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please use our online form to submit a request.
CaliforniaPrivacy Notice
The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) grants privacy rights to all California residents. The law also entitlesjob applicants, employees, and non-employee workers to be notified of what personal information LLNL collects and for what purpose. The Employee Privacy Notice can be accessed here .