Mechanical Drafter/designer
Actalent, Rockville, MD, United States
Senior Mechanical Drafter
The Senior Mechanical Drafter develops and maintains 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 analysis results into accurate 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, and production-ready documentation. The Senior Mechanical Drafter works closely with mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers to ensure designs are thoroughly documented, manufacturable, and scalable for production across structural components, propulsion integration, payload systems, launch systems, and other critical subsystems.
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 suitable for manufacturing and vendors.
Create detailed component and assembly drawings that clearly define tolerances, materials, finishes, material thicknesses, and manufacturing notes.
Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other documentation required to support manufacturing and procurement activities.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers to ensure accurate system-level integration and documentation.
Review engineering designs and drawings to ensure compliance with internal standards, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
Identify manufacturability challenges and partner with engineering and production teams to improve designs and resolve issues.
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, current, and configuration-controlled design documentation.
Maintain drawing standards, CAD libraries, and documentation best practices to ensure consistency and quality across projects.
Translate high‑level conceptual or “napkin sketch” drawings into detailed prints that account for forces, loading, and other mechanical considerations.
Essential Skills
5+ years of experience creating mechanical CAD models and technical drawings in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Advanced mechanical drafting and 3D CAD modeling skills.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, or similar platforms.
Strong understanding of mechanical assemblies, materials, tolerancing, and manufacturing processes.
Experience developing complex assemblies and system-level mechanical drawings.
Strong understanding of mechanical tolerancing, fits, and GD&T principles (preferred).
Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal fabrication, composite structures, and additive manufacturing.
Ability to manage large CAD assemblies and configuration‑controlled documentation with strong attention to detail and 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 a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other complex electromechanical systems.
Experience with Solid Edge and Teamcenter or similar product data management tools.
Demonstrated ability to translate high-level engineering sketches and concepts into detailed, vendor‑ready prints.
Interest in working on mission‑critical, nationally significant programs involving unmanned systems.
Work Environment The role operates in a fast‑paced engineering environment focused on unmanned systems, with teams working on mission‑critical, nationally significant programs in a well‑funded and agile setting. The culture values engineering judgment over bureaucracy; team members enjoy real technical ownership and creative freedom without constant customer oversight. Engineers have direct access to advanced tools and technology, including in‑house 3D printing and other modern development resources, enabling rapid iteration and reduced dependence on external supply chains. The team includes a small, focused group of mechanical engineers and drafters, fostering close collaboration and direct communication. The position offers flexible work hours and a 9/80 work schedule to support a healthy balance between focused project work and personal time.
Job Type & Location This is a contract position based out of Rockville, MD. The position is fully onsite.
Pay & Benefits Pay range: $47.00 – $56.00 per hour.
Benefits
Medical, dental & vision
Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
401(k) retirement plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
Life insurance (voluntary life & AD&D for employee and dependents)
Short- and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee assistance program
Paid time off / leave (PTO, vacation, or sick leave)
Application Deadline Position anticipated to close on April 24, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Actalent is an equal‑opportunity employer.
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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 suitable for manufacturing and vendors.
Create detailed component and assembly drawings that clearly define tolerances, materials, finishes, material thicknesses, and manufacturing notes.
Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and other documentation required to support manufacturing and procurement activities.
Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and aerospace engineers to ensure accurate system-level integration and documentation.
Review engineering designs and drawings to ensure compliance with internal standards, specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
Identify manufacturability challenges and partner with engineering and production teams to improve designs and resolve issues.
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, current, and configuration-controlled design documentation.
Maintain drawing standards, CAD libraries, and documentation best practices to ensure consistency and quality across projects.
Translate high‑level conceptual or “napkin sketch” drawings into detailed prints that account for forces, loading, and other mechanical considerations.
Essential Skills
5+ years of experience creating mechanical CAD models and technical drawings in a manufacturing or engineering environment.
Advanced mechanical drafting and 3D CAD modeling skills.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Solid Edge, or similar platforms.
Strong understanding of mechanical assemblies, materials, tolerancing, and manufacturing processes.
Experience developing complex assemblies and system-level mechanical drawings.
Strong understanding of mechanical tolerancing, fits, and GD&T principles (preferred).
Familiarity with manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal fabrication, composite structures, and additive manufacturing.
Ability to manage large CAD assemblies and configuration‑controlled documentation with strong attention to detail and 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 a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, robotics, automotive, or other complex electromechanical systems.
Experience with Solid Edge and Teamcenter or similar product data management tools.
Demonstrated ability to translate high-level engineering sketches and concepts into detailed, vendor‑ready prints.
Interest in working on mission‑critical, nationally significant programs involving unmanned systems.
Work Environment The role operates in a fast‑paced engineering environment focused on unmanned systems, with teams working on mission‑critical, nationally significant programs in a well‑funded and agile setting. The culture values engineering judgment over bureaucracy; team members enjoy real technical ownership and creative freedom without constant customer oversight. Engineers have direct access to advanced tools and technology, including in‑house 3D printing and other modern development resources, enabling rapid iteration and reduced dependence on external supply chains. The team includes a small, focused group of mechanical engineers and drafters, fostering close collaboration and direct communication. The position offers flexible work hours and a 9/80 work schedule to support a healthy balance between focused project work and personal time.
Job Type & Location This is a contract position based out of Rockville, MD. The position is fully onsite.
Pay & Benefits Pay range: $47.00 – $56.00 per hour.
Benefits
Medical, dental & vision
Critical illness, accident, and hospital coverage
401(k) retirement plan – pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available
Life insurance (voluntary life & AD&D for employee and dependents)
Short- and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee assistance program
Paid time off / leave (PTO, vacation, or sick leave)
Application Deadline Position anticipated to close on April 24, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Actalent is an equal‑opportunity employer.
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