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Structural Drafter Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Structural Drafter

Happy Valley, OR · Hybrid

$59K - $76K/yr

Structural Drafter We are seeking a dedicated Structural CAD Drafter/Designer to join our Portland structural engineering team. This role involves closely collaborating with structural engineers to ...

Structural Drafter

Happy Valley, OR · Hybrid

$59K - $76K/yr

Structural Drafter We are seeking a dedicated Structural CAD Drafter/Designer to join our Portland structural engineering team. This role involves closely collaborating with structural engineers to ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Civil/Structural Team and be a part ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Civil/Structural Team and be a part ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Civil/Structural Team and be a part ...

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Structural Drafter for our Lake Oswego, OR office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Civil/Structural Team and be a part ...

Structural Designer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$64K - $89K/yr

If you have a strong background in structural drafting, modeling, and multidisciplinary coordination, we want to hear from you. Key Responsibilities Design & Deliverable Development • Technical ...

Be Seen First

This is not simply a drafting position. Our Structural Designers virtually build our structures in 3D before they are fabricated and constructed in the field. Working from architectural plans ...

AutoCAD Drafter

Portland, OR

$23.50 - $30/hr

Structural Design & Fabrication CAD Detailer/Drafter Our client, located north of Vancouver, Washington, is seeking a highly skilled Structural Design & Fabrication CAD Detailer/Drafter to join their ...

AutoCAD Drafter

Portland, OR · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Structural Design & Fabrication CAD Detailer/Drafter Our client, located north of Vancouver, Washington, is seeking a highly skilled Structural Design & Fabrication CAD Detailer/Drafter to join their ...

Structural Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$116K - $133K/yr

Structural Engineer (Professional Engineer) Role Overview We are seeking an experienced Structural ... Provide technical guidance, coaching, and mentorship to less experienced engineers and drafters ...

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Structural Drafter information

See Portland, OR salary details

$17

$31

$50

How much do structural drafter jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for structural drafter in Portland, OR is $31.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $36.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a structural drafter?

A structural drafter creates the final drawings, sketches, and designs for buildings and other structures. As a structural drafter, you use drafting programs to develop these plans. You usually have a specialization, such as drafting bridges, commercial buildings, or docks. Qualifications for this career include an associate or bachelor’s degree in drafting technology, architecture, or civil engineering, as well as a few years of related job experience. It is preferable to have drafting certification and CAD system knowledge. Essential skills and duties include the ability to work independently while executing other people’s ideas, background in math and statistics, familiarity with building codes, and the ability to conceptualize spaces.

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

To excel as a Structural Drafter, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, drafting techniques, and proficiency in reading and creating technical drawings, often supported by an associate degree or technical certification in drafting. Expertise in CAD software (such as AutoCAD, Revit, or MicroStation) and familiarity with building codes and standards are typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help ensure accuracy and facilitate teamwork with engineers and architects. These abilities are crucial for producing reliable construction documents that meet project specifications and safety requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by structural drafters when collaborating with engineers and architects on complex projects?

Structural Drafters often encounter challenges in ensuring their drawings accurately reflect both the engineer’s technical requirements and the architect’s design intent. Effective communication is key, as changes in one discipline can impact structural details and necessitate quick revisions. Managing multiple revisions, integrating feedback, and coordinating with project teams require strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Staying updated on building codes and software standards also helps drafters produce compliant and high-quality drawings.

What is the difference between Structural Drafter vs Civil Drafter?

AspectStructural DrafterCivil Drafter
CertificationsTypically requires drafting certifications or associate degrees in drafting or engineering technologySimilar certifications, often with additional civil engineering coursework
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on building frameworks, bridges, and structural componentsFocuses on infrastructure projects like roads, drainage, and site plans
Industry UsageCommon in construction, architecture, and structural engineering firmsPrevalent in civil engineering, municipal planning, and infrastructure companies
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for roles involving structural design and draftingCompared for civil engineering projects and site planning

While both Structural Drafters and Civil Drafters create technical drawings, Structural Drafters specialize in building frameworks and structural components, whereas Civil Drafters focus on infrastructure and site development. Their roles overlap in drafting skills and certifications, but they serve different project types within the construction and engineering industries.

More about Structural Drafter jobs
Infographic showing various Structural Drafter job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,260 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

Structural Drafter

Actalent

Happy Valley, OR • Hybrid

$59K - $76K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Structural Drafter

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Structural CAD Drafter/Designer to join our Portland structural engineering team. This role involves closely collaborating with structural engineers to prepare construction drawings and project documentation for a diverse range of building and infrastructure projects. You will gain exposure to multidisciplinary engineering teams and have the opportunity to contribute to projects across commercial, institutional, government, healthcare, industrial, and energy sectors.

Responsibilities

  • Develop structural drawings and project documentation using AutoCAD and Revit.
  • Create and modify construction documents based on engineer markups, sketches, and design criteria.
  • Produce structural building and framing plans, details, sections, and schedules.
  • Independently complete drafting and design assignments with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Assist multiple project teams and support project delivery schedules.
  • Generate graphs, charts, overlays, and simple isometric drawings.
  • Maintain quality standards and ensure on-time completion of deliverables.

Essential Skills

  • 3+ years of drafting and design experience.
  • Experience with structural building projects and framing systems preferred.
  • Advanced AutoCAD and BIM capabilities.
  • Proficiency with Revit and current AutoCAD platforms.
  • Strong Microsoft Office and Bluebeam skills.
  • Ability to collaborate across multiple engineering teams.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Revit is the top qualification as all projects are moving to this platform.
  • Effective communication skills to collaborate with the Portland team and national teams.
  • Associate's Degree or Technical Degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, or related discipline preferred.
  • Prior experience supporting consulting engineering firms.

Work Environment

The position offers a hybrid work environment, with in-office work required from Monday to Wednesday and optional remote work on Thursday and Friday. The office is located in downtown Portland, featuring modern amenities and convenient transit access. The firm boasts a strong culture focused on collaboration, professional growth, and technical excellence, with a diverse project portfolio. Employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and flexible PTO.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $59000.00 - $76000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

8.5 paid company holidays Holiday celebrations (holiday party, summer picnic, Halloween potluck) and other social events Paid parental leave 401(k) eligibility on day one of employment 401(k) match (generous tiered program) Employee medical, dental, vision and life insurance (the majority of premiums paid for employees) Dependent medical, dental, and vision insurance (premiums are partially company-paid) Flexible spending account and health savings account options (generous HSA contributions)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Portland,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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