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Technical Illustrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Collaborate with technical communicators, engineers, user experience analysts, and other subject matter experts to define technical illustration and animation requirements. * Lead, manage and execute ...

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

Job Overview The Illustrator/ Artist will join our team-oriented group of creative in the Game Development Department. The ideal candidate will be required to work inside a group of artists to create ...

An Illustrator II has a strong artistic background and an eye for appealing visual images. They're responsible for creating an image that matches what the client wants and their desired outcome.

Make illustrations for animation * Work closely with other illustrator on same project * Manage your time and meet deadlines * Great at collaborating with our animators * Create awesome storyboards ...

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Technical Illustrator information

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How much do technical illustrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for technical illustrator 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.

What are the typical challenges faced by Technical Illustrators when translating complex technical information into visual content?

Technical Illustrators often encounter the challenge of accurately depicting intricate technical concepts and machinery for audiences with varying levels of expertise. Balancing clarity and detail is crucial, as illustrations need to be precise enough for engineers yet accessible to non-technical stakeholders. Collaborating closely with engineers, designers, and technical writers is common, ensuring that visuals are consistent with project specifications and meet industry standards. Staying up-to-date with evolving software tools and illustration techniques also plays a key role in overcoming these challenges.

Is there a high demand for illustrators?

The demand for technical illustrators is steady, especially in industries like engineering, manufacturing, and medical fields that require detailed visual communication. Opportunities are often available for those skilled in software such as Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD, with employment growth driven by the need for clear technical documentation and instructional materials.

What is a technical illustrator?

A technical illustrator creates detailed visual representations of products, machinery, or technical concepts to aid understanding and communication. They often use tools like Adobe Illustrator or CAD software and work closely with engineers or designers to produce accurate diagrams, schematics, and instructional materials.

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

To thrive as a Technical Illustrator, you need strong artistic ability, a solid grasp of engineering or scientific concepts, and proficiency in visual communication, often supported by a degree in graphic design, technical illustration, or a related field. Familiarity with software such as Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, and 3D modeling tools, as well as knowledge of industry-specific standards, is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to interpret and simplify complex information are essential soft skills. These skills ensure that technical illustrations are accurate, comprehensible, and meet the needs of engineers, manufacturers, and end-users.

What Is a Technical Illustrator?

A technical illustrator creates graphics and other images for technical publications and materials. As a technical illustrator, your primary duties include reading and analyzing the technical information, developing an outline of needed illustrations, and creating drawings and graphics that precisely communicate the written information. A technical illustrator career requires excellent analytical and organizational skills. Strong computer skills are a must as most drawings are done using graphic design software and programs. You work closely with the technical writer to ensure that you meet all client goals.

What is a technical illustrator salary?

The average salary for a technical illustrator varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $50,000 to $80,000 annually. Skilled technical illustrators who use tools like Adobe Illustrator and AutoCAD, and have specialized knowledge, may earn higher wages or freelance rates. Salaries can also be influenced by certifications and the complexity of the projects they handle.

What is the role of a technical illustrator?

A technical illustrator creates detailed visual representations of products, machinery, or processes to communicate complex information clearly. They use tools like CAD software and follow technical specifications to produce accurate diagrams, schematics, and illustrations for manuals, manuals, or technical documentation.

What is the difference between Technical Illustrator vs Technical Artist?

AspectTechnical IllustratorTechnical Artist
Required credentialsDesign or illustration degree, technical drawing skillsArt or technical degree, knowledge of 3D software
Work environmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturingGame development, animation, software companies
Employer and industry usageEngineering, manufacturing, product designVideo game, film, interactive media
Common search intentCreating detailed technical illustrationsIntegrating art and technology in digital projects

While both roles involve technical skills and visual communication, Technical Illustrators focus on creating precise technical drawings and illustrations for manuals, engineering, and manufacturing. Technical Artists, on the other hand, bridge art and technology in digital media, working on visual effects, shaders, and asset integration in game and software development.

What are technical illustrators?

Technical illustrators are professionals who create detailed and precise visual representations of complex information, systems, or products. Their illustrations help explain technical concepts, machinery, or processes in a way that is easy to understand. Technical illustrators often work closely with engineers, scientists, and product designers to ensure accuracy. Their work is commonly used in instruction manuals, textbooks, product documentation, and marketing materials. They use both traditional drawing techniques and digital tools to produce their illustrations.
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Technical Illustrator / CAD Designer

Valar Atomics

Hawthorne, NV

Other

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

About Valar Atomics

At Valar Atomics, we're redefining what's possible in energy. Our mission is to make clean, high-temperature nuclear power scalable-unlocking abundant energy for industry, hydrogen, and next-generation manufacturing. We are a team of builders, engineers, and operators who believe nuclear energy should be fast to deploy, factory-made, and built for the real world. Our first pilot plant in Orangeville, Utah will demonstrate how advanced nuclear systems and fuel fabrication can power the future. Joining Valar Atomics means becoming part of a company where autonomy, ownership, and impact exist at every level.

The Role

We're looking for a skilled Technical Illustrator and CAD Designer to join our engineering documentation team. You'll transform complex mechanical and electromechanical assemblies into clear, production-ready technical illustrations, work instructions, and 3D documentation that support manufacturing, service, and training operations. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable inside a CAD environment and an illustration workflow-someone who takes pride in visual clarity, understands how assemblies fit together, and can communicate complex technical information to both engineering and non-engineering audiences. The role requires strong familiarity with real-world manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, and assembly) so that documentation accurately reflects how parts are actually made, finished, and verified on the shop floor. Candidates must also demonstrate strong working knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5, the ability to identify and document drawing deviations, and experience revising drawings to meet ASME codes and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create detailed technical illustrations, exploded views, assembly sequences, and callout graphics.
  • Develop and maintain work instructions usable on the shop floor, and produce installation guides and assembly procedures from 3D models.
  • Use SolidWorks Composer (or equivalent) for technical illustrations.
  • Create and modify 3D models and 2D drawings, generating drawings with proper GD&T and BOMs.
  • Support prototype builds and documentation, and develop drawings reflecting CNC machining, lathe work, and fabrication.
  • Incorporate tooling access, datum structure, and finishes into drawings, and collaborate with machinists and technicians on machined and pressure-containing hardware documentation.
  • Document CNC milling, turning, and lathe processes, and define finishes, coatings, and heat treatments.
  • Create documentation for sheet metal and welding, and support pressure vessel fabrication and testing (hydro, leak).
  • Align documentation with inspection and tolerance requirements.
  • Apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5, and review and revise drawings for compliance.
  • Document deviations and corrective actions, and support pressure vessel documentation in accordance with ASME Section VIII.

You Will Be Successful in This Role If

  • You take pride in visual clarity and produce illustrations and documentation that engineers, machinists, and technicians can actually use.
  • You bring strong GD&T fluency to your work, treating ASME Y14.5 as a functional engineering language rather than a notation exercise.
  • You understand how parts are actually made, inspected, and assembled, and your documentation reflects shop-floor reality.
  • You move fluidly between CAD modeling and illustration workflows, choosing the right tool for each output.
  • You collaborate effectively with engineers, machinists, and technicians to capture the intent and detail of complex assemblies.
  • You hold a high bar for accuracy and traceability, ensuring drawings and revisions are clean, compliant, and current.

Basic Qualifications

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related field.
  • 3-5 years of experience in CAD and technical illustration.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent.
  • Strong GD&T knowledge per ASME Y14.5.
  • Experience with PDM and PLM systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
  • Understanding of CNC machining and lathe operations.
  • Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication.
  • Experience with coatings and finishes.
  • Exposure to pressure vessel systems.

Preferred Skills and Experience

  • SolidWorks Composer experience.
  • Aerospace or energy industry background.
  • Experience with PLM tools such as Teamcenter or Windchill.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
  • Direct experience working with machine shops and understanding CNC workflows and machinability.
  • Experience documenting weldments or pressure systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Valar Atomics is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.

We are committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment and will provide reasonable accommodation as required by law.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States as a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (green card holder).