ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Vessel Drafter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Global Vessel and Tank

Drafting/Design

New Iberia, LA · On-site

$32 - $36/hr

The Draftsman - is an individual selected to draw plans for Global Vessel and Tank products. The Draftsman must be comfortable working at a computer or drafting table and able to work alongside an ...

SGS U.S. Holding Inc.

Marine Surveyor

Deer Park, TX · On-site

Also performing marine surveys, including vessel draft surveys, barge surveys, on/off hire condition surveys, and product inspections for vessels carrying a variety of dry bulk cargo and petroleum ...

Saronic

Marine Designer/Drafter

New Orleans, LA · On-site

Support new vessel construction through detailed 2D and 3D modeling and technical drawing ... Minimum 3 - 5 years of CAD drafting experience * Strong fundamentals in one or more areas of vessel ...

SGS

Marine Surveyor

Deer Park, TX · On-site

Also performing marine surveys, including vessel draft surveys, barge surveys, on/off hire condition surveys, and product inspections for vessels carrying a variety of dry bulk cargo and petroleum ...

ABEC Inc

Vessel Designer

Bethlehem, PA · On-site

Vessel Designer works under the direction of the Vessel Design Manager. They will utilise ... Qualifications: Ø Level 6/7 degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting or equivalent. Ø 1-year ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTravel JobsMaritime JobsVessel Drafter Jobs

Vessel Drafter information

See salary details

$30K

$58.6K

$85.5K

How much do vessel drafter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for vessel drafter in the United States is $58,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a vessel drafter?

Vessel drafters are technical professionals who create detailed drawings and plans for vessels such as tanks, pressure vessels, and other related equipment used in industries like oil & gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop blueprints that guide the fabrication and assembly of these vessels, ensuring compliance with industry codes and safety standards. Vessel drafters work closely with engineers and project managers to incorporate specifications and modifications into their designs. Their work is critical in ensuring that vessels are built accurately, efficiently, and safely.

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

To thrive as a Vessel Drafter, you need strong skills in technical drawing, understanding of vessel construction standards, and a background in mechanical or marine engineering, often supported by an associate degree or drafting certification. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks) and familiarity with industry codes like ASME or ABS are essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills that help deliver precise and collaborative designs. These skills ensure accurate vessel schematics, compliance with safety standards, and successful teamwork with engineers and fabricators.

What are the typical challenges a vessel drafter faces when coordinating with engineering and fabrication teams?

Vessel Drafters often encounter challenges in ensuring that design specifications are accurately translated into manufacturable drawings while collaborating with engineering and fabrication teams. Miscommunication or incomplete information can lead to design revisions or delays, so attention to detail and strong communication skills are crucial. Additionally, Vessel Drafters must stay updated on industry codes and standards, such as ASME, to ensure compliance throughout the design and production process. Regular meetings and feedback loops with engineers and fabricators help address potential issues early and contribute to smoother project execution.

What is the difference between Vessel Drafter vs Marine Designer?

AspectVessel DrafterMarine Designer
CredentialsDrafting certifications, CAD proficiencyEngineering degrees, CAD skills
Work EnvironmentShipyards, design firmsDesign offices, consulting firms
Industry UsageCreating detailed vessel drawingsDeveloping vessel concepts and layouts

Vessel Drafters focus on creating detailed technical drawings of ships using CAD software, primarily working on the design documentation. Marine Designers, on the other hand, develop the overall vessel concepts, layouts, and structural plans. While both roles require CAD skills and industry knowledge, Marine Designers typically have a broader engineering background and are involved in the conceptual phase, whereas Vessel Drafters focus on detailed execution of designs.

What cities are hiring for Vessel Drafter jobs?

Cities with the most Vessel Drafter job openings:

What states have the most Vessel Drafter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vessel Drafter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Vessel Drafter jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Vessel Drafter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,552 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Pressure Vessel Drafter

Kingsport, TN • On-site

Hargrove Engineers and Constructors
Industrial Automation Equipment Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Hargrove Engineers and Constructorsexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Role Responsibilities:

Create technical drawings and design layouts for pressure vessels and related equipment

Creating accurate views, sections, dimensions, and bills of materials, while collaborating with

Engineering to ensure design compliance

Convert concepts from Engineers and Designers into fabrication quality drawings

Convert vendor drawings into standard site format vessel drawings

Update existing drawings to reflect changes and repairs as directed by Engineers and Designers

Collaborate with Vessel Engineers, Designers, Fabricators, and Shop Planners to address design

issues to ensure drawings meet vessel code requirements

Requirements:

Associate degree in Engineering Technology or CAD Drafting is required

Proficient in CAD software (Microstation); 3D software (SolidWorks) is a plus

Ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively in a team environment

Excellent interpersonal communication, organizational skills, visualization and hands-on

experience

Previous Vessel Drafting experience or working in a fabrication shop is a plus

Familiarity with ASME Section I and VIII is a plus

The Pressure Vessel Drafter position will support the client's Pressure Vessel Design Team to generate technical drawings for the fabrication and repair of pressure vessels and storage tanks for manufacturing facilities worldwide. Projects will range from small, fast-paced maintenance requests to large, long-range capital projects, and discovery and study job projects using MicroStation CAD software.

Hargrove Culture

We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a "team mentality" so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.

Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.

As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.

Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

Apply