Mechanical Drafter

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Drafter

Job Description

The Lead Mechanical Drafter is responsible for developing and maintaining detailed mechanical design documentation in support of unmanned systems, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs). This role translates engineering concepts, sketches, and models into accurate 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and production-ready documentation. The Lead Mechanical Drafter works closely with mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers to ensure designs are properly documented, manufacturable, and scalable for production. This position supports structural components, propulsion integration, payload systems, launch systems, and other critical subsystems across unmanned platforms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and mechanical drawings for UAV and USV platforms.
• Translate engineering concepts, sketches, and analysis results into complete mechanical documentation packages.
• Create detailed component and assembly drawings including tolerances, materials, finishes, and manufacturing notes.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other documentation required for manufacturing and procurement.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers to ensure accurate system integration and documentation.
• Review engineering designs and drawings to ensure compliance with company standards, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Identify manufacturability challenges and work with engineering and production teams to improve designs.
• Update and revise CAD models and drawings to support design changes, prototyping iterations, and production improvements.
• Support prototype builds, system integration, and testing by maintaining accurate and current design documentation.
• Maintain drawing standards, CAD libraries, and documentation best practices.

Essential Skills

• Advanced mechanical drafting and 3D CAD modeling skills.
• Experience developing complex assemblies and system-level mechanical drawings.
• Strong understanding of mechanical tolerancing, fits, and GD&T principles.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal fabrication, composite structures, and additive manufacturing.
• Ability to manage large CAD assemblies and ensure documentation accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and configuration management skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering documentation tools.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple design documentation tasks in a fast-paced development environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in Mechanical Drafting, Mechanical Design Technology, or related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of experience creating mechanical CAD models and technical drawings in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other complex electromechanical systems.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of mechanical assemblies, materials, tolerancing, and manufacturing processes.

Work Environment

Enjoy flexible work hours and a 9/80 work week schedule. Join a collaborative team consisting of Head and mid-level mechanical engineers. Work in an agile environment that values engineering judgment over bureaucracy, providing real technical ownership and creative freedom. The team has direct access to advanced tools and technology—such as in-house 3D printing—and can quickly secure the resources needed without supply-chain delays. This is a meaningful, highly visible role where engineers can move fast, innovate, and see the real impact of their contributions.

This is a Contract position based out of Rockville, MD.

The pay range for this position is $47.00 - $56.00/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 Rockville,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 13, 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.