Technician II/III: Drafter and CAD specialist

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Colorado; On-site; USD 51,200 - 95,500; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match (3

Paid personal time off, holidays, and.

Relocation expense reimbursement

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO, seeks a Technician II/III: Drafter and CAD Specialist to develop detailed 2D drawings and 3D models for facility layouts, equipment, and process systems. The role emphasizes CAD proficiency, rigorous drafting standards, and collaboration with engineers and maintenance staff.

Work is primarily on-site at the South Table Mountain Campus. The position requires strong attention to detail, experience with AutoCAD/SolidWorks, and the ability to

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years relevant experience.
• Associate’s degree or certification with 2+ years relevant experience.
• Proficient in research techniques and practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, project management, and customer relations skills.
• U.S. citizenship required – access to Government Controlled Information and other DOE security requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and update detailed 2D drawings and 3D models in AutoCAD and SolidWorks using field measurements, redlines, sketches, vendor data, and photographs.
• Maintain comprehensive drawings of facility layouts, architectural backgrounds, equipment arrangements, and process systems.
• Apply architectural drafting principles to existing facility conditions to produce floor plans, elevations, sectional views, and detail drawings.
• Create and maintain internal schematics for process piping (compressed gas lines, flow paths, valves, instrumentation).
• Design 3D models and produce fully dimensioned 2D drawings, including bills of material (BOMs) for fabrication and custom hardware.
• Maintain drawings using disciplined layer control, XREFs, blocks, viewports, and strict naming conventions; use Model Space for geometry and Paper Space for sheet layouts.
• Support record drawing control by preserving historic files, separating active project work from master files, and incorporating approved revisions into the record set.
• Conduct field verification by reviewing drawings against physical conditions to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel to clarify design intent and verify technical data.
• Champion internal CAD standards and provide mentoring and guidance to staff lacking formal drafting experience.

Skills

CAD software

Drafting proficiency

Communication

Project management

MS Office

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years experience

Associate’s degree or certification with 2+ years experience

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Unistrut framing

BOMs

Job description

Technician II/III: Drafter and CAD Specialist

Location: Golden, Colorado
Position Type: Regular Full‑time (40 hours per week)
Host Laboratory: National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR)

Job Overview

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) seeks an experienced Design Drafter and CAD Specialist to produce, revise, maintain and control technical drawing files that support research operations. The role requires advanced CAD proficiency and strong drafting knowledge to create accurate drawings for a variety of projects ranging from facility layout to component‑level detail. The position is based at the South Table Mountain Campus in Golden, Colorado and will be performed primarily on site.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and update detailed 2D drawings and 3D models in AutoCAD and SolidWorks using field measurements, redlines, sketches, vendor data, and photographs.
• Maintain comprehensive drawings of facility layouts, architectural backgrounds, equipment arrangements, and process systems.
• Apply architectural drafting principles to existing facility conditions to produce floor plans, elevations, sectional views, and detail drawings.
• Create and maintain internal schematics for process piping (compressed gas lines, flow paths, valves, instrumentation).
• Design 3D models and produce fully dimensioned 2D drawings, including bills of material (BOMs) for fabrication and custom hardware.
• Maintain drawings using disciplined layer control, XREFs, blocks, viewports, and strict naming conventions; use Model Space for geometry and Paper Space for sheet layouts.
• Support record drawing control by preserving historic files, separating active project work from master files, and incorporating approved revisions into the record set.
• Conduct field verification by reviewing drawings against physical conditions to identify and correct discrepancies.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and maintenance personnel to clarify design intent and verify technical data.
• Champion internal CAD standards and provide mentoring and guidance to staff lacking formal drafting experience.

Basic Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 4+ years of relevant experience; OR associate’s degree or comparable certification with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Full knowledge of specialized support functions and practical application to typical problem situations.
• Proficient in research techniques and practices.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, project management, and customer relations skills.
• U.S. citizenship required – access to Government Controlled Information and other DOE security requirements.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in architectural drafting, facility documentation, and CAD best practices.
• Proven machine‑design drafting capability for fabricated parts, fixturing, and equipment modifications.
• Familiar with industry drafting standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5).
• Practical understanding of fabrication methods, mechanical assembly, fasteners, and tolerances.
• Ability to interpret complex technical drawings, redlines, field sketches, and vendor documentation.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Strong attention to detail, communication, and organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on experience building, troubleshooting, or maintaining mechanical, electrical, or process piping systems.
• Ability to read, create, and revise electrical schematics.
• Knowledge of fluid/pressure systems and components (e.g., Swagelok).
• Experience with Unistrut, 8020, or other modular industrial framing systems.
• Experience with metal fabrication tools (drill press, bandsaw, Bridgeport mill, lathe).
• Experience with 3D printing or rapid prototyping.

Compensation

• Research Technician II: $51,200 – $81,900 annually
• Research Technician III: $57,900 – $95,500 annually

Benefits Summary

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer match (403(b))
• Life and accidental death/dismemberment insurance
• Paid personal time off, sick leave, holidays, and tuition reimbursement
• Performance, merit, and achievement awards (subject to eligibility)
• Potential relocation expense reimbursement (subject to eligibility)

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified individuals with disabilities.