Drafter/Engineering Technician

UICGS / Bowhead Family of Companies; Dahlgren (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bowhead seeks a Drafter/Engineering Technician to support the Advanced Technologies Division by producing detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation for weapon systems and related equipment.

You will work with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to translate concepts into accurate, manufacturable technical packages, ensuring drawings comply with MIL-SPEC and DoD data standards.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with at least 7 years of drafting experience.
• Ability to produce 2D and 3D CAD models and detailed drawings.
• Experience maintaining drawings and baselines in PDM/SharePoint or similar systems.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo or AutoCAD and GD&T.
• Excellent communication and teamwork in multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D and 3D CAD models for weapon systems, assemblies and wiring diagrams.
• Generate detailed engineering drawings with dimensions, tolerances and GD&T.
• Create fabrication and assembly drawings for prototypes and production hardware.
• Update as-built drawings and baseline configurations across development/testing cycles.
• Coordinate with vendors and ensure work meets specifications.

Skills

CAD drafting

GD&T

2D/3D CAD modeling

Engineering drawings

Team collaboration

Communication

MS Office

Education

High school diploma/GED with 7 years drafting experience

Associate’s degree/Certificate in CAD/Drafter/EIT

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

AutoCAD

Job description

DRAFTER/ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN (N-WRHS): Bowhead seeks a Drafter/Engineering Technician to support the Advanced Technologies Division. This position provides technical drafting support to engineering teams engaged in the design, development, integration, and testing of weapon systems. This role produces detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation that align with program requirements, configuration control standards, and DoD technical data specifications. This position works closely with mechanical, electrical, and systems engineers to translate design concepts into accurate and manufacturable technical packages.

Technical Drafting & Modeling

• Produce 2D and 3D CAD models for mechanical assemblies, subcomponents, wiring diagrams, and system layouts related to weapon systems and associated support equipment.
• Generate detailed engineering drawings including dimensions, tolerances, material specifications, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Create fabrication and assembly drawings for prototypes, test articles, and production hardware.
• Update and maintain as-built drawings and baseline configurations throughout development and testing cycles.
• Coordinate vendor activities; provide technical input and oversight to ensure work meets specifications.

Engineering Support for Weapon Systems

• Support engineers by rapidly iterating design changes based on test results, engineering review boards, and system integration findings.
• Assist with modeling of complex weapon system components, including housings, mounts, fixtures, brackets, racks, and mechanical interfaces.
• Interpret engineering notes, sketches, design intent, and requirements to produce accurate drafting deliverables.
• Contribute to engineering trade studies by providing model variations, fit checks, and layout options.

Configuration & Data Management

• Ensure drawings comply with DoD standards, MIL-SPEC requirements, and project configuration management processes.
• Maintain drawing revisions, controlled data sets, and documentation within engineering data repositories (e.g., PDM, SharePoint).
• Proficiency in industry-standard CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, AutoCAD).
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting principles, GD&T, and proper dimensioning practices.
• Experience working with engineering teams on hardware development projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, technical standards, and MIL-SPEC documentation.
• Familiarity with configuration control, drawing standards, and engineering release processes.
• Basic level skills in Microsoft Office software suite - Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong technical troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communicator who collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Solid organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced operational setting.
• Valid driver’s license in the state of employment with an acceptable driving record.
• High school diploma/GED with at least 7 years drafting experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant Associate’s degree/Certificate (CAD/Drafter/EIT) in addition to at least 7 years of related experience (additional experience may be substituted for formal education for highly qualified candidates)
• Experience supporting DoW, defense contractors, or weapon system development programs.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to obtain a security clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for this contract.