Mechanical CAD Drafter

True Anomaly; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 46,356 - 62,914; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO)

401K

Job summary

True Anomaly in Laguna Beach, California, seeks a Mechanical CAD Drafter to create precise, production-ready drawings for spacecraft and equipment. The ideal candidate will have an Associate's degree and experience in mechanical drafting or aerospace engineering. Responsibilities include developing accurate drawings, collaborating with engineers, and maintaining documentation. This position offers a competitive salary with benefits, including health insurance and 401K options. A passion for the space industry is essential.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical drafting or aerospace engineering support.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering diagrams.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Develop accurate piece part and assembly drawings.
• Translate verbal direction and engineering inputs into technical drawings.
• Support the production of spacecraft assembly storyboards.

Skills

Mechanical GD&T principles

NX (Siemens)

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Understanding of manufacturing processes

Education

Associate's degree in drafting or engineering technology

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability.

OUR MISSION

The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all.

OUR VALUES

• Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity
• What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results
• It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together

YOUR MISSION

As a Mechanical CAD Drafter at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in bringing spacecraft hardware to life through precise, production‑ready drawings and documentation. From flight components to ground support equipment, you will translate complex engineering concepts into clear, manufacturable designs that support every phase of spacecraft development. This is an opportunity to build deep technical expertise at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and space systems—working alongside engineers and technicians to ensure our hardware meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop accurate piece part and assembly drawings for flight hardware, GSE, and structural components, ensuring compliance with engineering requirements and GD&T standards.
• Translate verbal direction, sketches, and engineering inputs into detailed technical drawings using NX (Siemens), editing CAD models as needed to support drawing accuracy and completeness.
• Maintain and update existing drawings and models in response to engineering change orders, design reviews, and manufacturing feedback.
• Support the production of spacecraft assembly storyboards and work instructions to guide manufacturing and integration teams through build sequences.
• Produce and manage drawing packages for moderately complex flight hardware and GSE assemblies, scaling in complexity and ownership with experience.
• Collaborate with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineers to incorporate design updates and resolve drawing‑related discrepancies.
• Assist in the creation of technical documentation for design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR), including drawing packages and interface details.
• Work within configuration management systems to ensure drawing revisions are properly tracked and released.
• Support the fabrication and assembly process by providing technical drawing guidance to production and integration teams.
• At senior levels, own complex multi‑level drawing packages across concurrent programs, serve as the primary technical resource for drawing standards and GD&T application, and drive continuous improvement in drafting processes and documentation practices.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree in drafting, engineering technology, or a related discipline, or 2+ years of professional experience in mechanical drafting or aerospace engineering support.
• Working knowledge of mechanical GD&T principles and their application to manufactured parts and assemblies.
• Proficiency in NX (Siemens) for drawing creation; SolidWorks experience is acceptable.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and how drawing specifications translate to fabricated hardware.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering diagrams, schematics, and assembly instructions.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple drawing tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Passion for the space industry and a desire to contribute to mission‑critical hardware.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or similarly regulated industries where drawing quality and configuration control are critical.
• Familiarity with spacecraft or satellite hardware, including flight structure, mechanisms, or GSE design and documentation.
• Exposure to assembly storyboarding or work instruction development for production environments.
• Experience working within configuration management or PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and engineering change processes.
• Familiarity with relevant aerospace drawing and documentation standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5, MIL‑STD‑100).
• Experience supporting design reviews and preparing formal drawing packages for technical milestone events.
• Comfort working in both office and production floor environments, interfacing directly with manufacturing and integration teams.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

COMPENSATION

• Colorado Hourly Base Rates
  • CAD Drafter: $31.25 – $43.27 per hour
  • CAD Drafter II: $36.06 – $48.08 per hour
  • CAD Drafter III: $43.27 – $60.10 per hour
  • Senior CAD Drafter: $55.29 – $74.52 per hour
• California Hourly Base Rates
  • CAD Drafter: $33.65 – $45.67 per hour
  • CAD Drafter II: $38.46 – $50.48 per hour
  • CAD Drafter III: $45.67 – $62.50 per hour
  • Senior CAD Drafter: $57.69 – $79.33 per hour

This position is non‑exempt and is eligible for overtime.

Equity + Benefits

• Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options
• PTO and paid holidays
• 401K
• Parental Leave

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance.
• Work Location: the role will be fully onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA.
• Work environment is a standard office or a production factory.
• Physical demands may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20 lbs.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.