Job at a glance
Job Title: Mechanical Designer / Drafter (Mid-Level) Job Description This mid-level Mechanical Designer / Drafter role focuses on creating, updating, and maintaining engineering drawings and performing light 3D CAD modeling to support active aerospace programs. You work with moderate supervision, handle engineering change activities, and contribute to sustainment efforts across multiple platforms.
The position offers the opportunity to support advanced unmanned aircraft systems and next-generation aerospace technology in a collaborative engineering environment. Responsibilities Create and revise detailed mechanical engineering drawings and associated documentation in accordance with engineering standards and drafting best practices. Perform light 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design work to support engineering projects and sustainment activities.
Support engineering change packages, including implementing drawing updates, processing documentation releases, and executing sustainment efforts. Update existing drawings to correct errors, incorporate change notices, and ensure configuration accuracy across multiple aerospace programs. Collaborate closely with engineers and cross-functional technical teams to translate design requirements into accurate drawings and models.
Work independently on assigned drafting and design tasks while managing priorities and meeting project deadlines. Apply advanced drafting techniques and solid modeling practices to produce high-quality, manufacturable designs. Ensure drawings and models align with manufacturing processes, engineering standards, and configuration control requirements. Maintain organized CAD files and documentation to support ongoing engineering, ground support, avionics, and propulsion systems work.
Essential Skills High school diploma or technical certification plus 3+ years of drafting and design experience, or equivalent education. Alternatively, AS degree with 1+ year of relevant work experience, or High School Diploma with 3+ years of work experience. Hands-on experience with advanced drafting techniques and mechanical drafting for engineering applications. Proficiency with 3D CAD solid modeling and mechanical design workflows.
Experience using CAD software, with Creo preferred; NX, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar platforms also acceptable. Strong understanding of engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, notes, and standard views. Familiarity with manufacturing processes, engineering standards, and drafting best practices. Ability to support engineering change activities and sustainment updates with moderate supervision.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers and technical teams. Solid organizational skills to manage multiple drawing updates and documentation tasks concurrently. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working on aerospace or defense-related mechanical design and drafting projects. Background supporting engines, propulsion systems, ground support equipment, avionics, or configuration-related engineering work.
Comfort working in a collaborative environment with in-house R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and technical support teams. Ability to adapt to different CAD tools and design standards as required by program needs. Interest in long-term innovation and technology development within complex engineering environments. Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, error-free engineering documentation.
Work Environment You work within a collaborative engineering setting that supports engines, propulsion systems, ground support, avionics, and configuration-focused mechanical engineering under a larger aerospace systems organization. The role involves extensive sustainment of existing drawings, frequent updates based on error corrections and change notices, and close collaboration with an engineering team responsible for multiple active aerospace programs.
You use modern CAD software such