Drafter

Job Title: Drafter

Job Description

The Drafter supports engineering and construction projects by creating, revising, and maintaining detailed engineering drawings and related documentation. This role collaborates closely with engineers and project managers to deliver accurate designs, track project progress, and help ensure that project schedules stay on track. The position offers strong growth potential, with opportunities to develop into experienced level roles and local project leadership over time.

Responsibilities

• Maintain project schedules, monitor progress, and provide clear and timely progress reports to the project team.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and project managers to understand project requirements and complete drafting tasks accurately and on time.
• Engage in the design and drafting of engineering plans, ensuring that drawings align with project specifications and standards.
• Use CADD software to prepare detailed engineering drawings based on sketches, verbal instructions, and design concepts.
• Revise and modify existing drawings as needed, incorporating feedback and design changes with attention to detail.
• Perform simple engineering calculations as directed and according to specific instructions to support design and drafting work.
• Perform quantity calculations as directed to support estimates, planning, and construction activities.
• Follow standard procedures for layering and drawing organization to ensure consistent, clear, and easily interpretable plans.
• Apply civil engineering design principles, when applicable, to support the development of roadway and site design plans.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot design and drafting issues and contribute to continuous improvement of drafting standards and processes.
• Provide services and feedback that support personal skill growth and contribute to becoming a local leader on the project over time.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with design and CADD software and the ability to prepare detailed engineering drawings from sketches or verbal instructions.
• Previous experience using design software in a professional or academic setting.
• Strong attention to detail when creating, revising, and reviewing engineering drawings and calculations.
• Ability to perform simple engineering and quantity calculations by following specific instructions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate with engineers, project managers, and other team members.
• Ability to follow established drafting standards, layering conventions, and procedures for drawing organization.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to help maintain project schedules and meet deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred: Relevant educational experience in drafting, civil engineering, engineering technology, or a related field.
• Preferred: 3–5 years of experience in a drafting, civil design, or related engineering support role.
• Preferred: Experience in civil engineering design, particularly related to roadway or site development projects.
• Preferred: Previous experience with civil engineering design software such as Civil 3D, OpenRoads, MicroStation, or similar tools.
• Interest in obtaining additional certifications and training that can support growth into top observer or construction management roles.
• Motivation to grow into a high-level or local project leadership position over the course of the project.

Work Environment

This is an in-office role with occasional field visits to project sites. Work is primarily performed in a professional office setting, collaborating with engineers and project managers and using CADD and civil design software such as Civil 3D, OpenRoads, and MicroStation. Field visits may be required in locations such as Urbandale or Cedar Rapids, where the Drafter may observe site conditions and coordinate with on-site personnel. The environment supports professional development and training, with opportunities to earn certifications and progress into leadership roles over time.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $45.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on May 14, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.