Mechanical Drafter/designer

Mechanical Designer / Drafter

This temporary Mechanical Designer / Drafter position provides mechanical drafting support using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create and revise detailed part, assembly, and installation drawings. Working under general supervision with intermittent review, you will translate engineering notes, sketches, and instructions into accurate, production-ready documentation in accordance with standard engineering drafting practices. You will contribute to both new concept designs and sustainment work, helping ensure engineering drawings are current, correct, and compliant with established standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clear, accurate, detailed drawings, parts lists, sketches, schematics, assemblies, and installation drawings for engineering and manufacturing purposes, based on engineering notes, written instructions, and detailed sketches.
• Create new drawings and complete revised drawings that show dimensions, tolerances, tabulations, and appropriate sectional views in accordance with established procedures, standards, machinist handbooks, and vendor catalog data.
• Verify your own completed work by checking dimensions, materials, quantities, and other critical details to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Incorporate changes to existing drawings, including redrawing or tracing as appropriate, and rearrange views according to instructions and change notices.
• Use standard CAD digitizing techniques to create and modify 2D and 3D wireframe or solid model geometry, and to create and update text, dimensions, and parts lists.
• Revise CAD models and drawings, as well as hand-drawn board drawings, as needed to reflect design updates and corrections.
• Maintain organized records, files, drawings, parts lists, and other data essential to the completion and traceability of engineering drawings.
• Support sustainment of existing drawings by updating them for errors, engineering change notices, and other revisions required to keep documentation current.
• Contribute to new concept design work and, where experience allows, participate in the actual mechanical design of components such as landing gear from concept phase through sustainment.
• Collaborate closely with engineers by receiving work assignments, working through tasks, participating in design and drawing reviews, and submitting completed work for engineering approval.
• Operate CAD and related software in a consistent, efficient, and methodical manner to meet drafting and documentation requirements.
• Handle sensitive and proprietary information with discretion, maintaining confidentiality at all times.
• Work both independently and as part of a team to meet project schedules, including working extended hours when required to support project deadlines.
• Follow all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures when conducting business on behalf of the company.
• Work safely at all times and adhere to established operating procedures and safety practices.
• Perform other drafting and design-related duties as assigned to support engineering and manufacturing needs.

Essential Skills

• Experience as a mechanical drafter or designer, with at least one year of entry-level drafting experience or equivalent education.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD modeling, including creation and modification of wireframe and solid models.
• Working knowledge of basic drawing techniques and standard engineering drafting practices.
• Familiarity with industry practices and standards related to mechanical drawings and documentation.
• Ability to create detailed drawings, assemblies, and installation drawings that clearly convey dimensions, tolerances, and sectional views.
• Intermediate knowledge of trigonometry, algebra, and plane and solid geometry, typically acquired through high school and/or trade school studies.
• Ability to interpret engineering notes, written instructions, and sketches, and translate them into accurate, readable drawings.
• Strong organizational skills to maintain records, files, drawings, and parts lists in an orderly and traceable manner.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with engineers and team members.
• Solid interpersonal skills to work productively in a collaborative engineering environment.
• Sound knowledge of computer operations and software relevant to drafting tasks.
• Ability to verify and check your own work for accuracy and completeness before submission.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Ability to work both independently with limited supervision and collaboratively within a team.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours when required to meet project deadlines.
• Commitment to follow safety procedures and work in a safe manner at all times.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required; additional technical or trade school education in drafting or mechanical design may substitute for some work experience.
• Experience with mechanical design, including work on new concept designs and sustainment of existing designs.
• Familiarity with Siemens NX, including use for mechanical design and drafting tasks.
• Experience with CREO, NX, or SolidWorks for 2D and 3D mechanical modeling and drafting.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for creating and revising mechanical parts, assemblies, and drawings.
• Experience using product lifecycle management (PLM) tools such as Windchill and Teamcenter to manage engineering data and drawings.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles and materials, including knowledge of material properties and selection for mechanical components.
• Ability to support design work across the full lifecycle, from new concept designs through sustainment and change management.
• Experience with Microsoft Word for documentation, reports, and communication related to drafting and design activities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic engineering environment.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional engineering and manufacturing environment where you work closely with engineers and other technical staff. You will receive assignments from engineering, work through drafting and design tasks, participate in reviews, and return completed work for engineering approval. The position involves extensive use of computer-aided design tools, including 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., CREO, NX, or SolidWorks), and product lifecycle management systems such as Windchill and Teamcenter. Work focuses heavily on sustainment of existing drawings, including updating documentation for errors and change notices, while also providing opportunities to contribute to new concept designs and, when experience permits, to the design of complex mechanical systems such as landing gear. The environment emphasizes accuracy, organization, and collaboration, with expectations to follow established procedures, maintain detailed records, and handle sensitive information confidentially. You will work primarily at a computer workstation in an office or engineering setting, adhering to standard safety practices and operating procedures. Extended hours may occasionally be required to support project schedules and deadlines.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $75.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 7, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise