Mechanical Designer/drafter

Job Title: Mechanical Designer/DrafterJob Description

We are seeking a detail-oriented Mechanical Drafter to support engineering teams by creating, revising, and maintaining technical drawings and documentation. The ideal candidate will have experience using 2D and 3D CAD software, a strong understanding of engineering drawing practices, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Create, revise, and maintain engineering drawings using 2D and 3D CAD software.
• Interpret engineering notes, sketches, specifications, and instructions to develop accurate technical drawings.
• Ensure drawings comply with established drafting standards, industry practices, and company procedures.
• Verify dimensions, tolerances, materials, and design details for accuracy and completeness.
• Support engineering documentation updates, drawing revisions, and change management processes.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to support design and manufacturing requirements.
• Handle confidential and proprietary information with discretion and professionalism.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback into drawing updates.
• Complete assignments within project timelines while maintaining a high level of quality and attention to detail.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of one (1) year of drafting experience, or additional relevant education in lieu of experience.
• Working knowledge of engineering drawing techniques and drafting standards.
• Experience using 2D and 3D CAD software for modeling and drawing creation.
• Familiarity with industry drafting practices, standards, and documentation requirements.
• Intermediate understanding of: Trigonometry, Algebra, Plane geometry, Solid geometry.
• Strong computer skills and proficiency with software used in drafting and engineering environments.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively within a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet project deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, CAD Technology, Mechanical Design, or a related field.
• Experience with CAD platforms such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA.
• Knowledge of engineering change processes, drawing control, and document management systems.
• Experience supporting manufacturing, aerospace, defense, or industrial engineering environments.

Work Environment

Opportunity to support leading aerospace and defense organizations developing advanced unmanned aircraft systems and next-generation aerospace technology. Strong potential for contract-to-hire conversion and long-term career growth. High-impact work supporting aerospace platforms and mission-critical defense programs. Collaborative engineering environment with in-house R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and technical support teams. Hybrid work flexibility after onboarding, combined with a 9/80 work schedule that provides every other Friday off. Join a privately held company focused on long-term innovation and technology development rather than short-term quarterly performance pressures.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/hr.

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.

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 Sep 23, 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.