Drafter

Actalent; Portland (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Drafter in Portland, TN to produce detailed 2D drawings for industrial cages, guards, and partitions using Configura and AutoCAD. This entry‑level role emphasizes design work for automotive clients in a relaxed shop environment.

Ideal candidates have 0–2 years of drafting experience and proficiency with CAD tools, with strong attention to detail and customer communication skills. On‑site work initially, with potential for hybrid arrangements after ramp‑up.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of drafting experience in a professional or academic setting.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D or similar CAD tools for mechanical drafting and design.
• Ability to use 2D Configura software or willingness to quickly learn a CAD platform similar to AutoCAD.
• Strong mechanical drafting skills and understanding of basic engineering and design principles.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering blueprints and technical drawings.
• Professional communication skills to interface directly with customers.
• Customer service mindset with the ability to understand and respond to client needs.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in drafting work.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate 2D drawings for custom industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions using Configura and AutoCAD.
• Translate customer requirements and specifications into detailed mechanical drafting and design documents.
• Collaborate with customers in a professional manner to clarify design needs and ensure drawings meet their expectations.
• Interpret engineering blueprints and design concepts to produce clear and precise drafting outputs.
• Review and revise drawings based on feedback from customers and internal teams to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
• Maintain organized drawing files and documentation for ongoing and completed projects.
• Support automotive client projects by providing timely and high‑quality design work in a head‑down drafting environment.
• Represent the organization professionally during customer interactions, both in person and through other communication channels.

Skills

AutoCAD

Configura

2D drafting

Customer communication

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Drafting certificate or AS degree

Tools

AutoCAD 2D

Configura

Job description

Job Description

The Drafter creates detailed 2D drawings for custom industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions using Configura (similar to AutoCAD). This role focuses almost entirely on design work for automotive clients, offering an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain practical drafting experience in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Job Title: Drafter

Job Description

The Drafter creates detailed 2D drawings for custom industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions using Configura (similar to AutoCAD). This role focuses almost entirely on design work for automotive clients, offering an excellent entry-level opportunity to gain practical drafting experience in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate 2D drawings for custom industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions using Configura and AutoCAD.
• Translate customer requirements and specifications into detailed mechanical drafting and design documents.
• Collaborate with customers in a professional manner to clarify design needs and ensure drawings meet their expectations.
• Interpret engineering blueprints and design concepts to produce clear and precise drafting outputs.
• Review and revise drawings based on feedback from customers and internal teams to ensure accuracy and manufacturability.
• Maintain organized drawing files and documentation for ongoing and completed projects.
• Support automotive client projects by providing timely and high‑quality design work in a head‑down drafting environment.
• Represent the organization professionally during customer interactions, both in person and through other communication channels.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of drafting experience in a professional or academic setting.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD 2D or similar CAD tools for mechanical drafting and design.
• Ability to use 2D Configura software or willingness to quickly learn a CAD platform similar to AutoCAD.
• Strong mechanical drafting skills and understanding of basic engineering and design principles.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering blueprints and technical drawings.
• Professional communication skills to interface directly with customers.
• Customer service mindset with the ability to understand and respond to client needs.
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy in drafting work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Drafting certificate or Associate of Science (AS) degree in drafting or a related field.
• Experience with AutoCAD 2D gained either through formal education or on‑the‑job training.
• Experience supporting automotive or industrial clients is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple design tasks and prioritize work in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to translate conceptual ideas into practical designs.

Work Environment

This position is based in a small shop that designs and manufactures industrial safety cages, machine guards, and partitions. The culture is laid back, supportive, and well‑suited for individuals looking to build drafting experience in an entry‑level role. The work focuses 90–100% on design in a head‑down drafting environment, primarily serving automotive clients. The organization offers flexibility in working hours, particularly for individuals who are still in school. The role requires working on‑site in the office five days per week initially, with the potential for a hybrid arrangement (up to two remote days per week) after approximately two to three months, once dependability and performance are demonstrated.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Portland, TN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $28.00/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 fully onsite position in Portland,TN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 8, 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 [e-mail] 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.