CAD Operator / Junior Mechanical Engineer

The Planet Group; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Benefits Package

Job summary

The Planet Group is seeking a CAD Operator / Junior Mechanical Engineer in Knoxville, TN. You will convert red-line markups into accurate 2D/3D piping drawings, using AutoCAD, and assist with basic design tasks.

This is a great entry path toward piping design, with hands-on learning and projects that build technical breadth. You will collaborate with engineers, PMs, and field teams to ensure drawings comply with standards and specifications, while developing skills in 3D piping software and

Qualifications

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, drafting & design or related field.
• Strong AutoCAD proficiency and ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to grow into piping design responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Interpret red-line markups and incorporate changes into piping drawings.
• Revise and maintain 2D/3D piping layouts using AutoCAD.
• Ensure drawings meet industry standards, specifications, and quality requirements.
• Read engineering drawings, schematics, and P&IDs to support projects.
• Collaborate with engineers, PMs, and field personnel to resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain drawing files and revision histories for compliance.
• Support mechanical team with basic design tasks, measurements, and documentation.
• Learn 3D piping design software (E3D, CADWorx) and grow into piping designer roles.
• Develop knowledge of piping design practices and project workflows.

Skills

Reading drawings

P&IDs understanding

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, drafting & design, or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

CAD Operator / Junior Mechanical Engineer - 651745

Location: Knoxville, TN (Local candidates only) Pay Range: $25 - $35/hr. DOE Work Hours: Core hours are 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Monday-Thursday and 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM Friday. Contract to Hire - 6 months Benefits: Competitive Benefits Package

The Planet Group is currently seeking a CAD Operator / Junior Mechanical Engineer for a growing company in the heavy industrial engineering industry. Qualified candidates must have excellent AutoCAD skills and an associate's or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, drafting & design, or a related field. This is an excellent opportunity for a CAD Operator or entry-level mechanical engineer interested in developing a career in piping design.

Job Description

The CAD Operator / Junior Mechanical Engineer will support the piping design team by taking red-line markups from engineers and field teams and turning them into accurate, production-ready black-line drawings. This position offers an excellent opportunity to learn piping design and develop skills with industry-leading 3D piping software. In this role, you will initially focus on updating and maintaining engineering drawings while gaining hands-on exposure to piping design principles and project workflows. Over time, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow into a piping design role and, for candidates with an engineering background, develop knowledge of mechanical design and pipe stress analysis.

Key responsibilities include:

• Interpret red-line markups from engineers and field teams and accurately incorporate changes into piping drawings.
• Use AutoCAD to revise and maintain 2D and 3D piping layouts.
• Ensure drawings comply with industry standards, project specifications, and internal quality requirements.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs).
• Collaborate with engineers, project managers, and field personnel to clarify design intent and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain organized drawing files and revision histories for reference and compliance purposes.
• Support the mechanical engineering team with basic design tasks, measurements, documentation, and other project needs.
• Learn and utilize 3D piping design software, including E3D and CADWorx.
• Develop knowledge of piping design practices with the long-term goal of advancing into a piping designer role.

Requirements

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, drafting & design, or a related field.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and P&IDs.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Good communication and collaboration skills.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a fast-paced engineering environment.
• Previous piping design experience or familiarity with piping design software is a plus, but not required.

Candidates may include:

• CAD Operators with approximately 1-5 years of experience.
• Entry-level Mechanical Engineers with approximately 1-3 years of experience.
• Recent Mechanical Engineering graduates with AutoCAD experience gained through internships, projects, or previous employment who are interested in learning piping design.

The Planet Group is a global professional services firm delivering strategic staffing and advisory solutions. We operate at the intersection of talent and transformation - connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Named one of the fastest-growing private companies in the US, The Planet Group operates with a global reach and a performance-first mindset. We partner with clients to move fast, stay agile, and drive measurable results - building high-impact teams that fuel transformation and growth.

EEOC Compliance Statement The Planet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

EEM