Mechanical CAD Drafter (Staff or Principal)

Trueanomalyinc; California (MO); On-site; USD 72,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision benefits

401K

Paid time off and holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

Trueanomalyinc in California is seeking a Mechanical CAD Drafter to create production-ready drawings for aerospace hardware. You will work closely with engineers to ensure high standards in design and manufacturing.

The ideal candidate will have extensive mechanical drafting experience, strong GD&T knowledge, and proficiency in NX software. This position offers a collaborative environment with opportunities to mentor junior staff and contribute to advanced aerospace projects.

Compensation rates vary based on the role level and geographical location, with opportunities for overtime and comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and 401K.

Qualifications

• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical GD&T principles.
• Professional experience in aerospace or defense industries.
• Ability to translate engineering inputs into precise technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Own development of drawing packages for flight hardware.
• Translate engineering sketches into technical drawings using NX.
• Lead formal drawing package preparation for design reviews.

Skills

Mechanical drafting

GD&T knowledge

Communication

Proficiency in NX (Siemens)

Ability to mentor

Education

10+ years in mechanical drafting

Tools

NX (Siemens)

SolidWorks

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.

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

• Own and lead the development of complex, multi-level drawing packages for flight hardware, GSE, and structural assemblies across concurrent programs, ensuring full compliance with engineering requirements and GD&T standards.
• Translate engineering inputs, sketches, and design intent into precise technical drawings using NX (Siemens), editing CAD models as needed to ensure drawing accuracy and completeness.
• Partner closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineers to drive design-for-manufacturability and resolve complex drawing-related challenges.
• Lead the preparation and delivery of formal drawing packages for major design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure documentation meets program and customer requirements.
• Oversee drawing release and revision processes within configuration management systems, ensuring traceability and integrity across all hardware documentation.
• Support the fabrication and assembly process by providing technical drawing guidance to production and integration teams.
• Mentor and guide junior and mid-level drafters, contributing to a culture of quality, precision, and continuous improvement within the drafting team.
• At the Principal level, serve as the primary technical authority for drawing standards and GD&T application across the hardware team, establish and enforce drafting processes and documentation standards, and drive cross-functional alignment with manufacturing, quality, and program management stakeholders.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 10+ years of professional experience in mechanical drafting for a Staff hire; 12+ years for a Principal hire, with a strong track record of owning complex drawing packages in aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
• Expert-level knowledge of mechanical GD&T principles and their application across a wide range of part types, materials, and assembly configurations.
• Proficiency in NX (Siemens) for drawing creation; SolidWorks experience is acceptable.
• Deep familiarity with manufacturing processes and the ability to produce drawings that are accurate, complete, and optimized for fabrication and assembly.
• Demonstrated experience leading drawing efforts across multiple concurrent programs with minimal oversight.
• Strong communicator with the ability to interface effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management functions.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior drafting talent.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, or defense hardware programs, including flight structure, mechanisms, and GSE documentation.
• Experience defining or improving drafting standards and drawing template libraries for a team or program; at the Principal level, experience doing so at an organizational level.
• Deep familiarity with configuration management and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and engineering change processes.
• Expert knowledge of relevant aerospace drawing and documentation standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5, MIL-STD-100).
• Experience leading drawing package preparation for major program milestones and formal customer reviews.
• Exposure to assembly storyboarding and work instruction development for complex spacecraft integration sequences.
• Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines and evolving program requirements.
• Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

COMPENSATION

• Colorado Hourly Base Rates
  • $70.00- $93.00 per hour for Staff CAD Drafter; $86.00- $120.00 per hour for Principal CAD Drafter
• California Hourly Base Rates
  • $72.00- $98.00 per hour for Staff CAD Drafter; $88.00- $125.00 per hour for Principal CAD Drafter

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.
• 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.