Drafting Lead

ARA Brand; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc in Madison, AL is seeking a full-time Drafting Lead to develop design drawings from sketches using CAD techniques. The role involves digitizing, editing, and revising drawings of components and assemblies, performing engineering calculations, and ensuring conformance to ANSI and ARA standards.

Candidates should have SolidWorks expertise, ANSI Y14 familiarity, and the ability to work with engineering, design, and production teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree with 5+ years drafting experience or equivalent
• Associates with 8+ years drafting experience
• HS diploma or equivalent with 12+ years drafting experience in manufacturing

Responsibilities

• Develop design drawings from sketches using CAD techniques
• Digitize, edit, and revise engineering drawings of components and assemblies
• Perform engineering calculations, determine scales, and prepare specifications
• Check drawings for conformance to design criteria and standards

Skills

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

ANSI Y14 drawing standards

Attention to detail

Communication with cross-functional团队

Fabrication and welding knowledge

Advanced drafting techniques

Ability to lift 50 lbs

PPE safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree + drafting experience

Associate’s + drafting experience

HS diploma + drafting experience

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks PDM

Job description

Job Category: Engineering Support Services

Requisition Number: DRAFT010136

• Posted : October 2, 2026
• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Madison, AL 35756, USA

Description

The Prototype, Manufacturing and Integration (PMI) Division of Applied Research Associates (ARA), Inc ( www.ara.com ) has an exciting opportunity for a full-time Drafting Lead to work on-site in our Madison, AL location. ADrafting Lead develops design drawings according to engineering sketches and proposal specifications using standard and specialized computer aided design (CAD) techniques and skills. Digitizes, edits, and revises engineering drawings of components, parts, structures, and/or assemblies. Makes engineering computations, mathematical calculations, determines scales, and prepares or revises specifications. Makes final drawing, checking dimension of parts, materials to be used, relation of one part to another, and relation of various parts to whole structure or project. Checks drawings for final approval to ensure conformance to design criteria, ARA standards, and ANSI standards. The complexity of assignments requires exercise of considerable initiative, latitude, independent judgment, and the ability to work under general technical direction.

This position will require passing a national background check and Must be able to obtain & maintain a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War . Must be a US Citizen.

Drafting Lead Experience & Skills Needed:

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of Drafting experience OR a Associates and 8+ years of Drafting experience, OR a H.S. diploma (or equivalent) and 12+ years’ experience in Drafting within manufacturing field
• Advanced SolidWorks knowledge and practice, advanced SolidWorks PDM knowledge
• In-depth understanding and practice of ANSI Y14 drawing standards
• Experience in producing a drawing package which includes drafting techniques, processes, how a drawing should look, dimensions and tolerances
• Strong attention to detail and precision in translating designs into accurate technical specifications
• Capable of performing advanced drafting techniques with intermediate to advanced knowledge of practical fabrication techniques
• Experience with metal fabrication and welding, and system assembly
• Highly proficient in producing drawings used for manufacturing and production
• Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with the engineering, design, and production teams
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Provides solutions and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges
• Ability to support design team through moderate to advanced additions/changes of model
• Job requires any or all of the following: pushing, pulling, sitting, sitting for long periods of time, standing, standing for long periods of time, reaching, grasping, bending, climbing, stooping, vision for computer work and near and distance work and candidate must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. individually or 50 lbs. or more assisted
• Be physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment to include, but not limited to safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection and hand protection as required

Who is ARA?
Applied Research Associates (ARA) is a 100% employee-owned technology solutions company with more than 2,300 employee-owners across the United States and beyond. Our dedicated team brings deep technical expertise and a passion for solving complex challenges – creating innovative solutions that protect our safety, security, and way of life. At ARA, every project is an opportunity to exceed expectations. We deliver solutions that not only meet mission objectives but unlock new possibilities for the future.

*Learn more about who we are and what we do by going to: www.ara.com

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.