ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ship Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kratos Defense

Engineering Drafter SPY-1

Crane, IN · On-site

S. Navy radar systems, subassemblies, and shipboard equipment. This role converts engineering ... The Drafter collaborates with radar engineers, technicians, logistics teams, and manufacturing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing JobsProduct Manufacturing JobsMechanical Design Engineer JobsShip Drafter Jobs

Ship Drafter information

See salary details

$14

$26

$43

How much do ship drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for ship 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 ship drafter?

A Ship Drafter is a professional who creates detailed technical drawings and plans used in the construction and repair of ships and marine vessels. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop blueprints that guide shipbuilders in assembling the vessel's structure, systems, and components. Ship Drafters work closely with naval architects and marine engineers to ensure that the designs meet industry standards and safety regulations. Their work is essential for translating conceptual designs into actionable construction documents.

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

To thrive as a Ship Drafter, you need strong technical drawing skills, proficiency in naval architecture concepts, and typically an associate degree or higher in drafting or engineering technology. Familiarity with CAD software (such as AutoCAD, ShipConstructor, or Rhino), 3D modeling tools, and knowledge of maritime regulations are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills are important soft skills for collaborating with engineers and shipbuilders. These competencies ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient ship designs that meet safety standards and project requirements.

What are some typical challenges ship drafters face when working on complex vessel designs?

Ship Drafters often encounter challenges such as integrating multiple engineering specifications, adhering to strict safety and regulatory standards, and coordinating design changes from various stakeholders. Collaboration with naval architects, engineers, and production teams is essential to ensure accuracy and feasibility. Additionally, tight project deadlines and the need to update drawings for design modifications can require strong organizational and communication skills.

What are popular job titles related to Ship Drafter jobs?

For Ship Drafter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Engineering Drafter SPY-1

Crane, IN • On-site

Kratos Defense
National Security and International Affairs • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Kratos Defenseexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Kratos Defense is currently seeking an Engineering Drafter in support of the SPY-1 Radar Program in Crane, Indiana. The Engineering Drafter (Radar Systems / Navy Programs) provides technical drafting and documentation support for U.S. Navy radar systems, subassemblies, and shipboard equipment. This role converts engineering concepts, field-service findings, depot-level repair data, and legacy Navy technical documentation into accurate, configuration-controlled drawing packages. The Drafter collaborates with radar engineers, technicians, logistics teams, and manufacturing personnel to support modernization, sustainment, and restoration of Navy radar capabilities.

 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Radar & Navy System Drafting

  • Prepare, update, and maintain detailed drawings for radar components, cabinets, arrays, phase shifter drivers (PSD), power supplies, waveguides, cabling, cooling systems, and electronic modules.
  • Generate mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical drawings that align with U.S. Navy technical data requirements and applicable MIL-STDs.
  • Translate engineering notes, depot repair observations, reverse-engineered components, and GFI technical manuals into formal drawing packages.

Support for Sustainment, Harvesting & Depot Repairs

  • Create or revise documentation supporting equipment harvesting, cabinet restoration, 2M-level repairs, and end-of-life component replacements.
  • Build drawing packages to support reassembly, refurbishment, and test of radar equipment (e.g., SPY-1 or similar Navy systems).
  • Develop or update BOMs, install drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and cable harness documentation for radar subsystems.

Engineering Collaboration

  • Work closely with radar engineers, field technicians, and manufacturing leads to resolve discrepancies and ensure technical accuracy.
  • Integrate redlines from engineering walkdowns, ship checks, depot reviews, and government review cycles.
  • Participate in drawing reviews, design reviews, and CM/DM boards.

Configuration Management & Documentation Control

  • Maintain drawing control within CM/DM systems such as PTC Windchill or equivalent.
  • Manage revisions, ECO/ECR workflows, and metadata updates to ensure compliance with program baselines.
  • Ensure documentation aligns with MIL-STD-31000, NAVSEA drafting standards, and other applicable Navy data deliverables.

Technical Data Generation & Compliance

  • Support creation of drawing packages required for Logistics Product Data (LPD), technical manuals, provisioning, maintenance procedures, and government deliverables.
  • Ensure all drafting work meets DoD, NAVSEA, and program-specific formatting, marking, and classification requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

  • Proficiency in CAD platforms such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CREO, or Inventor.
  • Ability to read and interpret radar drawings, Navy technical manuals, schematics, block diagrams, wiring diagrams, and legacy MIL-SPEC documentation.
  • Understanding of shipboard cable routing, enclosure design, radar cooling architecture, grounding/bonding standards, and EMI/EMC considerations.
  • Familiarity with DoD/Navy technical data practices and configuration management workflows.
  • Experience working with legacy and modern Navy radar systems preferred (e.g., AN/SPY-1, SPS-49, SPQ-9B, illumination radars, signal processors, antenna arrays).
  • Strong ability to apply GD&T and ASME Y14 drafting standards.
 

 REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION

  • Associate degree in Drafting, Engineering Technology, or related field OR equivalent hands-on engineering drafting experience.
  • 3+ years drafting mechanical and/or electrical components for defense, aerospace, naval, or radar systems.
  • Experience creating drawing packages supporting manufacturing, repair, or sustainment activities.
 

 DESIRED / PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

  • Prior experience supporting NAVSEA, PEO IWS, NSWC, defense contractors, or Fleet sustainment programs.
  • Experience drafting components related to antenna arrays, signal processors, radar cabinets, or shipboard power systems.
  • Background or familiarity with 2M repair standards, test stations, or electronics refurbishment is highly desirable.
  • Experience producing drawings from legacy Navy technical data or incomplete documentation (reverse engineering).
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (Top Secret preferred for some radar programs).
 

 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • U.S. Citizenship required due to DoD contract obligations.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and classified information per Navy and DoD requirements.
  • Ability to support occasional travel to shipyards, government test sites, or radar facilities for walkdowns or data collection.

#LI-AC1

#LI-Onsite

What Kratos Defense & Security Solutions employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply