Mechanical Designer/drafter

Job Title: Mechanical Designer / Drafter (Temporary)

Job Description

This temporary Mechanical Designer / Drafter role provides mechanical drafting support using computer-aided design (CAD) tools to create and revise detailed part, assembly, and installation drawings. Working under general supervision with intermittent review, you will transform engineering notes, sketches, and instructions into accurate, production-ready documentation that follows standard engineering drafting practices and industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Prepare clear and accurate detailed drawings, parts lists, sketches, schematics, assemblies, and installation drawings for engineering and manufacturing purposes using information from engineering notes, written instructions, and detailed sketches.
• Create new drawings and complete revisions to existing drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, tabulations, and appropriate sectional views in accordance with established procedures, standards, machinist handbooks, and vendor catalog data.
• Verify your own completed work, ensuring dimensions, materials, and quantities are correct and meet specified requirements.
• Incorporate changes to existing drawings, including redrawing or tracing as appropriate and rearranging views according to instructions from engineering.
• Use standard CAD digitizing techniques to create and modify 2D and 3D wireframe or solid model geometry, and to create and update text, dimensions, and parts lists.
• Revise both CAD models and hand-drawn board drawings as needed to reflect engineering changes or corrections.
• Maintain accurate records, files, drawings, parts lists, and other data essential to the completion and traceability of engineering drawings.
• Support work ranging from new concept designs through sustainment activities, including updating drawings for errors, change notices, and product improvements.
• Work closely with engineers, receiving work assignments, progressing tasks through to completion, participating in reviews, and incorporating feedback.
• Observe all applicable laws, regulations, and organizational obligations whenever and wherever business is conducted on behalf of the company.
• Work in a safe manner at all times, following established operating procedures and safety practices.
• Handle sensitive and proprietary information with appropriate confidentiality while working both independently and as part of a team.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned to support engineering and drafting activities.

Essential Skills

• One or more years of experience as an entry-level mechanical drafter or in a closely related drafting role.
• Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD modeling, including creating and modifying wireframe or solid models and associated drawing views.
• Working knowledge of basic mechanical drawing and drafting techniques and standard engineering drafting practices.
• Familiarity with industry practices and standards related to mechanical drawings and documentation.
• Intermediate knowledge of trigonometry, algebra, and plane and solid geometry, typically acquired through high school and/or trade school studies.
• Ability to create and update dimensions, tolerances, notes, and parts lists in CAD drawings accurately and efficiently.
• Sound knowledge of computer operations and drafting-related software tools.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple drawings, records, and part lists effectively.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with engineers and other stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work productively within a collaborative engineering environment.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Ability to work independently with some latitude for decision-making in the absence of clear precedents.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and participate in design and drawing reviews.
• Willingness and ability to work extended hours as required to meet project or production deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional technical or trade school education in drafting or mechanical design may substitute for some work experience.
• Experience using Siemens NX, CREO, or SolidWorks for mechanical design and drafting.
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems such as Windchill and Teamcenter.
• Experience working with Microsoft Word for documentation and reporting.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials and methods of manufacture.
• Experience supporting both new concept designs and sustainment activities, including updating and maintaining existing drawings.
• Familiarity with landing gear or similar mechanical systems is beneficial, particularly for concept-phase and detailed design work.
• Ability to interpret machinist handbooks and vendor catalog data and apply them to drawing creation and updates.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to checking and verifying drawings and associated documentation.

Work Environment

You will work closely with engineers in a collaborative environment, receiving assignments, progressing tasks through drafting and design stages, and participating in review cycles before final approval. The role involves extensive use of CAD software such as Siemens NX, CREO, or SolidWorks, as well as PLM tools like Windchill and Teamcenter, along with standard office software including Microsoft Word. Much of the work focuses on sustainment of existing drawings, including correcting errors, processing change notices, and updating documentation, with opportunities to contribute to new concept designs and, where experience allows, detailed design of systems such as landing gear. The position typically operates in an office or engineering lab setting with standard computer-based workstations and follows established safety procedures and operating practices. Hours may occasionally extend beyond the standard workday to meet project deadlines, and you will be expected to maintain a professional appearance appropriate for an engineering and office environment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $75.00/hr.

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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 2026.

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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.