Mechanical Designer/Drafter II

AMERICAN SYSTEMS; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 34,848,000 - 88,828,000; Full time

Job summary

AMERICAN SYSTEMS in McLean, VA is seeking a Mechanical Designer/Drafter II to support U.S. Navy submarine programs and unmanned underwater vehicles.

You will develop 2D drawings and 3D models, perform ship checks, and document installation layouts in accordance with Navy standards. Collaborate with Mechanical Engineers to optimize shipboard installations, apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5, manage design files, and participate in design reviews.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain/maintain a DoW Secret clearance.
• 2+ years of related experience in CAD drafting and 2D/3D design.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and specifications.

Responsibilities

• Create 2D drawings and 3D models for submarine and UUV installations.
• Perform ship checks and verify configurations using technical drawings.
• Collaborate with engineers to optimize mechanical layouts.
• Develop and maintain material lists (LOMs) and documentation.
• Apply GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and ensure design integrity.

Skills

CAD drafting

3D modeling

Reading drawings

Microsoft Office

Education

CAD/Drafting Certificate

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Inventor

SOLIDWORKS

Adobe PDF tools

Job description

Mechanical Designer/Drafter II

Location

US-VA-McLean

ID

2026-4968

Category

Engineering

Position Type

Full-Time

Remote

No

Clearance Required

Secret

Overview

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is an employee-owned federal government contractor supporting national priority programs through our strategic solutions in the areas of Information Technology, Test & Evaluation, Program Mission Support, Engineering & Analysis, and Training.

The Mechanical Designer/Drafter II position supports mechanical design and drafting efforts for United States Navy submarine programs and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV)s. The Mechanical Designer/Drafter II develops and updates technical drawings and models, conducts ship checks, and assists with shipboard installation and mechanical design documentation in accordance with Navy, DoW, and company standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct ship checks on United States Navy submarines to collect field data and verify existing configurations.
• Research submarine construction using ship construction drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate directly with Mechanical Engineers to create 3D solid models supporting optimization of mechanical designs for shipboard installations.
• Develop 2D mechanical component and assembly-level drawings in accordance with applicable standards.
• Develop, update, and maintain Lists of Material (LOM).
• Support senior Mechanical Designer/Drafter personnel with development of shipboard installation and arrangement drawings.
• Apply mechanical drafting principles and engineering concepts to support design solutions.
• Implement Standard Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) practices in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Perform self-checks of drawings and models to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to submittal.
• Participate in internal design reviews and incorporate review comments into assigned drawings.
• Maintain organized electronic design files and adhere to configuration management and document control processes.
• Communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and program team members to clarify design intent and task requirements.
• Track assigned tasks, meet schedule-driven deliverables, and provide status updates to senior design staff or project leaders.
• Follow company quality management system (QMS) procedures and support continuous improvement efforts.
• Comply with all safety, security, export control, and confidentiality requirements when working in office, shipyard, and onboard environments.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) Secret Clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship is required for the purpose of obtaining and holding a U.S. security clearance.
• High School Diploma or GED, plus a Computer-Aided Design/Drafting Certificate.
• 2 years minimum of business-related experience in one or more of the following:
• Creating 2D drawings using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software
• Creating 3D drawings using solid modeling design software
• Developed understanding of mechanical drafting principles, manufacturing processes, and drawing conventions.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering sketches, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Experience with Autodesk AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor is desired but not required. SOLIDWORKS experience is acceptable.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using Adobe PDF tools.
• Physically capable of conducting ship checks aboard United States Navy submarines.
• Comfortable working in confined spaces.
• Ability to climb vertical ladders ranging from 20 to 25 feet unassisted.
• Work may be performed in office, shipyard, and onboard submarine environments.
• May require travel to Navy facilities and shipyards.

Pay Transparency Statement

AMERICAN SYSTEMS is committed to pay transparency for our applicants and employee-owners. The salary range for this position is USD $25.35/Hr. - USD $31/Hr. Actual compensation will be determined based on several factors permitted by law. AMERICAN SYSTEMS provides for the welfare of its employees and their dependents through a comprehensive benefits program by offering healthcare benefits, paid leave, retirement plans, insurance programs, and education and training assistance.

EEO Statement

EEO Race/Sex/Disability Status/Veteran Status