CAD Drafter/Designer
About the role
The CAD Drafter/Designer will support an engineering team focused on test operations and ground support systems by creating, modifying, and documenting hardware designs. This role translates engineering concepts into detailed, production-ready 2D and 3D drawings that fabrication and technician teams can use directly. The position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment where designs move quickly from concept to fabrication and who enjoys close collaboration with mechanical, fluids, and test engineers.
Responsibilities
- Create and revise detailed 2D and 3D CAD models and drawings for mechanical systems and Ground Support Equipment.
- Generate complete fabrication and manufacturing drawing packages, including dimensions, tolerances, bills of materials, and assembly documentation.
- Partner closely with mechanical, fluids, and test engineers to incorporate design changes and engineering feedback into drawings.
- Maintain drawing accuracy and configuration control throughout the entire design lifecycle.
- Support the release of drawing packages for fabrication, installation, and testing activities.
- Ensure all designs and drawings are clear, complete, and easily understood so fabrication teams can build hardware without additional clarification.
- Update and modify legacy drawings as needed to support ongoing test operations and hardware improvements.
- Participate in design reviews and accurately document updates and changes resulting from review feedback.
- Work in a highly collaborative environment, coordinating with engineering, fabrication, and test teams to resolve design issues and support project goals.
Essential Skills
- At least 1 year of experience in design and drafting, with a focus on mechanical fabrication and manufacturing drawings.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software, with a strong preference for Siemens NX; familiarity with AutoCAD is not required.
- Ability to interpret engineering sketches, concepts, and technical requirements and convert them into detailed, production-ready drawings.
- Understanding or familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Experience creating assembly drawings, detail drawings, and bills of materials documentation.
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple design revisions and configurations.
- Familiarity with fluid systems, piping, tubing, mechanical assemblies, or structural hardware.
- Experience supporting fabrication, manufacturing, test, aerospace, or industrial equipment environments.
- Experience working directly with weldments, fabricated components, and assembly documentation.
- Knowledge of configuration management and engineering change processes.
- Experience supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE), test stands, or similar infrastructure.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience supporting fabrication, manufacturing, test, aerospace, or industrial equipment environments.
- Experience working directly with weldments, fabricated components, and assembly documentation.
- Knowledge of configuration management and engineering change processes.
- Experience supporting Ground Support Equipment (GSE), test stands, or similar infrastructure.
Work Environment
This is an onsite role based in an engineering and fabrication-focused environment. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work as project needs dictate, and weekly hours can extend up to approximately 60 hours, including longer days when required. You will work closely with engineering, fabrication, and test teams, using tools such as Siemens NX, SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA, and piping design and routing software. The environment is fast-paced, highly collaborative, and centered on moving designs quickly from concept to fabrication, with a strong emphasis on clear communication, adaptability, and teamwork.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Waco, TX.
Pay And Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/hr.
Requirements
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)
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 15, 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.
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