ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Technical Illustrator Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Dana-Co

Fashion CAD Designer / Illustrator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Temporary / Contract with Potential for Permanent Employment About Dana-co Dana-co is a leading ... Collaborate with Designers to create detailed CADs, technical sketches, and fashion illustrations.

kgs

Technical Writer Level 3

Washington, DC

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

kgs

Technical Writer Level 3

Washington, DC

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

Koniag, Inc.

Technical Writer Level 3

Washington, DC · On-site

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

kgs

Technical Writer Level 2

Washington, DC

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

kgs

Technical Writer Level 2

Washington, DC

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

Koniag, Inc.

Technical Writer Level 2

Washington, DC · On-site

... contracts. The ideal candidate will have strong technical writing skills, attention to detail, and ... Experience with technical illustration tools * Experience writing procedures and documentation for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnical Illustrator Contract Jobs

Technical Illustrator Contract information

See salary details

$5

$27

$36

How much do technical illustrator contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical illustrator contract in the United States is $27.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.67 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are illustrators still in demand?

Technical illustrators are still in demand as industries such as engineering, manufacturing, and technology require detailed visual representations. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Illustrator and a strong understanding of technical concepts enhance employability in this field.

What is a Technical Illustrator Contract job?

A Technical Illustrator Contract job involves creating detailed, accurate visual representations of technical concepts, products, or processes on a temporary or project-based basis. Contractors typically work with engineers, designers, or technical writers to develop schematics, diagrams, and instructional graphics. These roles are often found in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, engineering, and medical devices. Contract illustrators may work independently or through an agency, and their workload varies based on project needs.

What art-related jobs are about $80,000 a year?

In art-related fields, roles such as senior technical illustrators, graphic designers with extensive experience, and certain art directors can earn around $80,000 annually. These positions often require advanced skills in design software, a strong portfolio, and industry experience. Compensation varies based on location, industry, and level of expertise.

How does a contract Technical Illustrator typically collaborate with engineers and subject matter experts during a project?

As a contract Technical Illustrator, you will often work closely with engineers, product designers, and subject matter experts to understand technical documentation and project requirements. This collaboration may involve attending meetings, reviewing schematics or prototypes, and clarifying complex details to ensure your illustrations are accurate and informative. Effective communication and the ability to quickly adapt to feedback are essential since you may work remotely or on a flexible schedule. Being able to integrate input from multiple stakeholders helps produce high-quality visuals that meet project standards and timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Technical Illustrator Contract position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Illustrator Contract, you need strong artistic ability, technical drawing skills, attention to detail, and a background in design or engineering. Proficiency with digital illustration tools such as Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks is typically required, and certifications in graphic design or technical illustration can be advantageous. Excellent communication, time management, and the ability to interpret complex technical information are key soft skills for this role. These qualifications ensure accurate, clear, and efficient visual communication of technical concepts in a contract-based work environment.

How much should a freelance illustrator charge?

Freelance technical illustrators typically charge between $25 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, complexity of the project, and industry standards. Many also set project-based rates, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for larger assignments, with some charging per image or page. Factors such as deadlines, usage rights, and client type influence pricing decisions.

How much does a technical illustrator make?

The average salary for a technical illustrator ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled illustrators with proficiency in CAD software and technical drawing tools tend to earn higher wages, especially in specialized fields such as engineering or manufacturing.
More about Technical Illustrator Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Technical Illustrator Contract jobs? Cities with the most Technical Illustrator Contract job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Technical Illustrator jobs? The most popular types of Technical Illustrator jobs are:
What states have the most Technical Illustrator Contract jobs? States with the most job openings for Technical Illustrator Contract jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Technical Illustrator Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Technical Illustrator Contract jobs are:
Technical Illustrator Contract jobs near you
Technical Documentation Illustrator

Technical Documentation Illustrator

Anduril Industries

Costa Mesa, CA

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Anduril rating

9.4

Company rating: 9.4 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 71,359 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM

Anduril's Deployments team is a cross-functional group that partners with every business line and supports all products that Anduril builds. Our responsibilities include product operations, training and adoption, along with user documentation and several other functions. We believe that the quality of our documentation should reflect the quality of our products, which are world-class.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are seeking a Technical Illustrator to support mission-critical defense programs by developing high-quality technical illustrations used in maintenance, operations, and training documentation. This role create and revise 2D illustrations and 3D content across Anduril products within the Deployments Technical Writing function. The ideal candidate has hands-on experience creating authoring standard-compliant (S1000D, MIL-STD-40051) illustrations and thrives in fast paced, Engineering-driven environments. The role will define how engineering data is translated into accurate scalable, and reusable visual content that supports mission success, rapid iteration, and future government contracts.
You will work closely with technical writers, engineers and program stakeholders to translate complex mechanical, electrical and system level concepts into clear accurate and usable visuals that support operations and maintainers in the field. This role will also advise on technical standards and best practices for illustration development.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
  • Define and implement S1000D compliant illustration standards across technical documentation.
  • Advise technical writers and illustrators on appropriate graphic type (procedural, descriptive, parts)
  • Develop and maintain illustration style guides
  • Create and revise 2D and 3D content using Rapid Illustrator in support of defense docs (IETMs, manuals, training manuals).
  • Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, source data and redlines to produce accurate illustrations.
  • Develop exploded views, parts, breakdowns, installations/removal graphics and system schematics
  • Ensure illustrations comply with S1000D. MIL-STD, and program specific style guides
  • Collaborate with technical writers to align graphics with procedural content
  • Manage illustrations revisions through configuration control and document change processes
  • Maintain and contribute to a reusable graphics asset library
  • Support reviews with engineering, QA, and program stakeholders

Tools:

    • PTC IsoDraw
    • Adobe creative suite (illustrator, photoshop)
    • CAD
    • S1000D authoring environments
    • PLM/configuration management systems
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • 3+ years of experience as a technical illustrator in aerospace, defense, or government contracting
  • Proficiency with PTC IsoDraw/ Rapid Author/ Rapid Illustrator
  • Experience supporting DoD programs and working in regulated documentation environments
  • Ability to interpret engineering source data (drawings, models, specifications)
  • Experience working with technical publication tools (Arbortext, Rapid Author, Cortona)
  • Ability to relocate, if not already local to be onsite in Costa Mesa, CA
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Prior work in DOD programs such as fighter aircraft
  • Experience working with a Teamcenter PLM environment
  • Experience working with technical pubs tools such as Arbortext, Oxygen, RapidAuthor
  • Active DoD security clearance
  • Experience in utilizing CAD models as source data for illustration
  • Experience creating interactive 3D animations
  • Experience creating or maintaining illustration style guides
  • Background in both illustration and authoring

Working at Anduril

What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Anduril Industries Jobs

Apply