Mechanical Drafter

Actalent; Pontiac (IL); On-site; USD 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Pontiac, IL seeks an entry-level Mechanical Drafter I to translate concepts into precise CAD drawings for machinery and devices. You will contribute to detailed schematics, layouts, and documentation using CAD tools, with onboarding to Siemens NX as you grow on the shop floor.

This onsite role expects a reliable team player with a high school diploma or GED and 0–2 years CAD experience; automotive or hands-on mechanical interest is a plus.

Qualifications

• Entry-level drafting role with basic CAD skills.
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Willingness to learn Siemens NX.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed diagrams and drawings of machinery and devices.
• Develop design drawings for equipment, tools, and controls using CAD software.
• Lay out orthographic and isometric views to show component relationships.
• Apply calculations to develop specifications for components.
• Annotate drawings with instructions for manufacturing and assembly.
• Coordinate with teammates to resolve design issues.

Skills

2D drafting

3D modeling

CAD software

Attention to detail

Team player

Verbal/written communication

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD tools

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Drafter I

This entry-level Mechanical Drafter I role focuses on preparing detailed technical drawings and diagrams for machinery and mechanical devices. You use computer-assisted drafting (CAD) tools to translate engineering concepts into precise specifications, dimensions, and documentation that support manufacturing and product development. This is a hands‑on, onsite opportunity for someone mechanically inclined, dependable, and eager to learn in a production-focused environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed working diagrams and technical drawings of machinery and mechanical devices, including dimensions, fastening methods, and other engineering information.
• Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for mechanical equipment, dies, tools, and controls using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) software.
• Lay out and draw schematic, orthographic, and angular views to depict functional relationships of components, assemblies, systems, and machines.
• Design scale or full-size blueprints of specialty items such as furniture and automobile body or chassis components as needed.
• Compute and apply mathematical formulas to develop and refine detailed specifications for components or machinery using computer-assisted equipment.
• Position clear instructions, notes, and comments onto drawings to support manufacturing, assembly, and quality processes.
• Check and verify dimensions of materials and components to be used, and assign identifying numbers or codes to materials as required.
• Coordinate with and consult other team members to design, lay out, or detail components and systems, and collaborate to resolve design or technical problems.
• Follow provided drafting standards, templates, and technical instructions to ensure consistency and accuracy in all drawings.
• Demonstrate attention to detail when translating engineering designs into technical drawings, ensuring completeness and correctness.
• Learn and apply new CAD tools and processes over time, including Siemens NX, with support and guidance from the team.

Essential Skills

• Ability to use computer-assisted drafting (CAD) software for 2D drafting and/or 3D modeling at a foundational level.
• Basic knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Basic understanding of the practical application of engineering science and technology in a manufacturing or mechanical setting.
• Basic knowledge of relevant computer applications, including Computer Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) tools.
• Ability to demonstrate technical drafting knowledge and discuss previous CAD work, school projects, or hands‑on experience.
• Comfort working in CAD software without needing introductory drafting training.
• Strong attention to detail when translating engineering designs into accurate technical drawings.
• Ability to follow established standards, procedures, and technical instructions consistently.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with colleagues and document design information clearly.
• Analytical and problem‑solving skills to interpret engineering requirements and resolve design‑related issues.
• Ability to work as a team player while maintaining a detail‑oriented approach to tasks.
• Mechanical inclination and comfort working around manufacturing equipment and on the production floor.
• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 02 years of experience with CAD modeling or drafting, including foundational experience using CAD software for 2D drafting and/or 3D modeling.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Entry‑level candidates are welcome, including recent high school graduates interested in technical drafting and mechanical work.
• An associate degree in a related technical field is preferred but not required.
• Significant related work experience may be considered in place of formal education.
• Automotive shop or hands‑on mechanical experience can be a strong fit for this role.
• Willingness to learn and use Siemens NX; prior experience with Siemens NX is not required.
• Dependable work habits and reliability in meeting schedule and task commitments.
• Comfort working on a manufacturing floor and engaging with production personnel.
• Eagerness to learn, grow technical skills, and take on new drafting and design responsibilities over time.
• Creativity in approaching design challenges while adhering to technical standards.

Work Environment

This role is fully onsite in Pontiac, Illinois, within a manufacturing‑focused environment where you work closely with engineering and production teams. The position follows an eight‑hour workday, with a start time between 7:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., and requires availability for the full daily schedule. Remote work and travel are not part of this role, and schedule adjustments for school or other external commitments are not available. You primarily work with CAD and CADD software, including opportunities to learn Siemens NX, while spending time on or near the manufacturing floor to understand how your drawings support real‑world production. The environment emphasizes reliability, teamwork, mechanical aptitude, and careful attention to technical detail.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Pontiac, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $15.00 - $18.00/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 & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long‑term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Pontiac, IL.

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.