Drafter/designer

Job Title: CAD Drafter / Designer

Job Description

This full-time role offers an opportunity for a junior to mid-level CAD drafter to support a production and manufacturing workflow with a strong focus on technical drafting, accurate shop drawings, and timely revisions. You will work closely with an experienced drafter as well as sales and project management teams to translate architectural and manufacturing requirements into clear, build-ready drawings, while maintaining high standards of quality, consistency, and organization.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and review detailed 2D shop drawings using AutoCAD to support production and manufacturing processes.
• Translate architectural plans, sketches, and markups into clear, build-ready drawings suitable for fabrication.
• Revise drawings efficiently based on internal and external feedback while maintaining version control.
• Maintain drawing standards, accuracy, and consistency across all project documentation.
• Assist with material take-offs and preparation of information required for manufacturing.
• Coordinate closely with sales and project management teams to support project timelines and deliverables.
• Provide clear communication regarding drawing status, updates, and issues, and proactively ask questions when clarification is needed.
• Work independently on assigned tasks while contributing effectively to a small drafting and project team.
• Prepare architectural-style drawings for customer approvals when required.

Essential Skills

• Approximately 3+ years of professional drafting experience in a production, manufacturing, or related environment.
• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, including 2D drafting and 3D design capabilities.
• Ability to read and interpret technical manufacturing and architectural drawings accurately.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical drafting and design concepts.
• Experience working with sheet metal or steel fabrication drawings.
• High attention to detail with strong organizational skills and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to manage multiple drawing revisions while maintaining accuracy and version control.
• Clear, professional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines while collaborating with a small team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks for mechanical or fabrication-related design.
• Familiarity with SketchUp or Revit; experience with either is considered a strong plus.
• Exposure to steel fabrication, sheet metal design, or related manufacturing processes.
• Experience using specialized tools or plugins such as mPanel for panel or metal design is beneficial.
• Background in mechanical design, drafting, or related technical disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects from initial drawings through to final revisions and approvals.
• Interest in working in a small, stable company environment where creativity and initiative are valued.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, on-site position with a typical Monday through Friday daytime schedule, running approximately from early morning through mid-afternoon. You will work in a small, family-owned company environment that offers long-term stability, close collaboration, and the opportunity to own your work as a key member of a drafting team of one. The role centers on supporting production and manufacturing, using tools such as AutoCAD and other CAD platforms in a shop-drawing and fabrication-focused setting. The culture encourages creativity, initiative, and clear communication while maintaining a practical, hands-on approach to design and drafting.

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

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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 Santa Ana,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 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.