Mechanical CAD Drafter

True Anomaly, Inc.; Laguna Beach (CA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Best-in-class healthcare

Generous time off

Daily catered lunch

401(k) retirement plan

Dog Fridays

Equity participation

Fitness reimbursement

Job summary

True Anomaly seeks a Mechanical CAD Drafter to translate complex engineering concepts into clear, manufacturable drawings for spacecraft hardware and ground support equipment. You will work with engineers to ensure high-quality design outputs and maintain documentation through changes.

The role is onsite at our GravityWorks facilities, with duties spanning drafting, model edits, and preparation of drawing packages for flight hardware. Strong GD&T and NX skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or 2+ years mechanical drafting/aoe support experience.
• Proficiency in NX; SolidWorks acceptable; GD&T knowledge required.
• Ability to read complex diagrams and translate into drawings.
• Detail-oriented, able to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop piece part and assembly drawings for flight hardware and GSE.
• Translate verbal direction into detailed drawings using NX; edit CAD models.
• Maintain and update drawings in response to changes and feedback.
• Support storyboard and work instruction production for manufacturing.

Skills

GD&T fundamentals

Reading complex diagrams

Multitasking

Team collaboration

Education

Associate's degree in drafting/engineering tech

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Windchill/Teamcenter

Job description

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

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.

BENEFITS & PERKS*

• Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
• Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
• Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
• And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
• Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.

*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles

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

• Hourly Salary Rate
  • $24.00-$62.50

This position is non-exempt and is eligible for overtime.
Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to maintain or obtain TS//SCI clearance
• Work Location: this role will be fully onsite at our GravityWorks factory in Centennial, CO or Long Beach, CA
• Work environment is in a standard office, working at a desk or in a production factory.
• Physical demands may include frequent standing, sitting, walking, bending, and lifting or carrying items up to 20lbs.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled.

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 know.