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Ship Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Geodesicx Inc

Drafter

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Job Posting Title - Creo modeler / Drafter - Geodesicx, Inc. is in search of a Creo Modeler ... Mechanical design experience in support of ground-based tactical vehicle systems or shipboard ...

ECS

Marine AutoCAD Drafter

Newport, RI · On-site

$22.25 - $28.50/hr

... typical ship drawings/documentation. The preferred location is at one of three NOAA's Marine ... Technical Drafting and Design (70%): Prepare, update, and modify detailed 2D and 3D drawings using ...

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Pipe Drafter

Portland, OR · On-site

$41.27/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional piping design/detailing experience in a shipbuilding, marine ... Comfortable making sound drafting and routing decisions with incomplete information, and working in ...

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Pipe Drafter

Portland, OR

$41.27/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional piping design/detailing experience in a shipbuilding, marine ... Comfortable making sound drafting and routing decisions with incomplete information, and working in ...

Madden Industrial Craftsmen

Pipe Drafter

Portland, OR · On-site

$41.27/hr

Qualifications Minimum 5 years of professional piping design/detailing experience in a shipbuilding ... Comfortable making sound drafting and routing decisions with incomplete information, and working in ...

Madden Industrial Craftsmen Inc

Pipe Drafter

Portland, OR · On-site

$41.27/hr

Minimum 5 years of professional piping design/detailing experience in a shipbuilding, marine ... Comfortable making sound drafting and routing decisions with incomplete information, and working in ...

Akima, LLC

Drafter

North Charleston, SC · On-site

The Drafter will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of 3D models and 2D technical ... Mechanical design experience in support of ground-based tactical vehicle systems or shipboard ...

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Ship Drafter information

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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:

Mechanical Designer/Drafter II - SolidWorks

Norwich, CT • On-site

AMERICAN SYSTEMS
See more jobs at AMERICAN SYSTEMSexternal

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

This position is 100% Onsite.


  • Conduct ship checks on SSN 688/688I Class, SEAWOLF Class, VIRGINIA Class and OHIO Class (SSBN/SSGN) Class submarines.
  • Conduct research of submarine construction drawings using the Advanced Technical Information Support (ATIS) System.
  • Create 3D solid models to optimize mechanical designs in SolidWorks.
  • Manage large assemblies in SolidWorks.
  • Develop 2D Installation & Arrangement drawings in SolidWorks and in accordance with Military Specifications.
  • Utilize Standard Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practice as defined by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME Y14.5).
  • Develop Lists of Material (LOM).
  • Interpret Government Furnished Information (GFI) to meet design requirements.
  • Supervise/aid/mentor Designer/Drafter I coworkers.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoW Secret Clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship Required for the purposes of obtaining/holding a U.S. security clearance
  • High School Diploma or GED and: Technical School CAD Certificate or A.S. / B.S. Degree in Drafting / CAD Design or Engineering discipline
  • Physically capable to conduct ship checks on United States Nuclear Submarines:
    • Be comfortable in relatively confined spaces
    • Able to climb vertical ladders (20’ – 25’) within the submarine
  • Three (3) to four (4) years business experience in:
    • Creating 2D drawings using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drafting software application in SolidWorks 
    • Creating 3D drawings using solid modeling design software
  • Solidworks experience
  • AutoCAD experience acceptable
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint software applications
  • Adobe PDF tools
  • Communication with customers
  • Mentorship to junior level Drafter/Designers

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