Mechanical Designer/drafter

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule after onboarding

9/80 work schedule

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life Insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mid-Level Mechanical Designer/Drafter to translate engineering concepts into detailed aerospace designs. The role involves creating manufacturing-ready documentation and updating 3D CAD models across propulsion, avionics, and ground support initiatives.

You will collaborate with engineers on development and sustainment programs, applying drafting standards and best practices to ensure high quality, compliant drawings.

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience creating and maintaining mechanical engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensions, tolerances, engineering documentation, and drafting standards.
• Experience supporting engineering change processes and configuration‑controlled environments.

Responsibilities

• Create and update detailed mechanical drawings and engineering documentation for aerospace applications.
• Develop and modify 3D CAD models to support ongoing engineering projects and product improvements.
• Support engineering change activities by implementing design updates and maintaining configuration control.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet technical and manufacturing requirements.
• Improve and maintain existing designs across multiple aerospace programs.
• Apply advanced drafting techniques and CAD best practices to deliver accurate, high‑quality designs.
• Ensure drawings are compliant with engineering standards, manufacturing processes, and quality requirements.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Support propulsion, avionics, ground support, and aerospace systems development efforts.

Skills

Mechanical drawings

GD&T

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree or technical certification

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

Mechanical Designer / Drafter (Mid-Level)

Design the Future of Aerospace Innovation

Are you passionate about transforming engineering concepts into real-world aerospace technology? Join a team developing and sustaining advanced aerospace systems, where your designs directly support mission-critical aircraft, propulsion systems, avionics, and next-generation unmanned platforms.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Designer / Drafter who enjoys combining hands-on CAD design with collaborative engineering work. You'll contribute to high-visibility aerospace programs, support cutting-edge technologies, and work alongside talented engineers in an environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous learning.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Contribute to advanced aerospace and defense programs that have a real-world impact.
• Work with modern CAD tools including Creo, NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA.
• Collaborate directly with engineers on both new product development and sustainment efforts.
• Enjoy a flexible hybrid schedule after onboarding.
• Take advantage of a 9/80 work schedule, giving you every other Friday off.
• Join a culture focused on innovation, teamwork, and long-term career growth.

What You'll Do

As a Mechanical Designer / Drafter, you'll play a key role in translating engineering concepts into detailed designs and manufacturing-ready documentation.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and update detailed mechanical drawings and engineering documentation for aerospace applications.
• Develop and modify 3D CAD models to support ongoing engineering projects and product improvements.
• Support engineering change activities by implementing design updates and maintaining configuration control.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet technical and manufacturing requirements.
• Improve and maintain existing designs across multiple aerospace programs.
• Apply advanced drafting techniques and CAD best practices to deliver accurate, high-quality designs.
• Ensure drawings are compliant with engineering standards, manufacturing processes, and quality requirements.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Support propulsion, avionics, ground support, and aerospace systems development efforts.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience creating and maintaining mechanical engineering drawings.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, dimensions, tolerances, engineering documentation, and drafting standards.
• Experience supporting engineering change processes and configuration‑controlled environments.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, manufacturing teams, and technical stakeholders.

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience supporting propulsion systems, engines, avionics, or ground support equipment.
• Familiarity with product sustainment and engineering change management.
• Passion for solving technical challenges and supporting innovative engineering programs.

Work Environment

You'll be part of a collaborative engineering organization supporting some of the industry's most advanced aerospace technologies. The team works across research and development, manufacturing, engineering, and technical support functions to bring innovative solutions from concept to reality.

This role offers the chance to make meaningful contributions to cutting‑edge aerospace programs while working in an environment that values technical expertise, teamwork, and professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job‑related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:Medical, dental & visionCritical Illness, Accident, and Hospital401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions availableLife Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)Short and long‑term disabilityHealth Spending Account (HSA)Transportation benefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramTime Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.