Drafter

Job Title: Drafter / CAD & PDM Specialist

** if you are interested in this opportunity, please feel free to apply and email me your resume at alalfaro @ astoncarter.com so we can schedule a time to connect asap! **  

Job Description

The Drafter / CAD & PDM Specialist is a pivotal role in the development and execution of transit bus platforms, encompassing battery-electric, hybrid, CNG, and diesel vehicles. This position involves producing high-quality CAD models, drawings, and controlled product definitions while upholding SolidWorks PDM discipline and CAD standards. As a technical leader, this role offers mentorship, governance, and support for CAD/PDM system implementation and continuous improvement, collaborating closely with engineering teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain complex 3D CAD models, assemblies, and detailed 2D drawings for transit bus structures and mechanical subsystems using SolidWorks.
• Produce manufacturing-ready drawings with proper GD&T, tolerancing, weld symbols, and revision control.
• Translate conceptual layouts and engineering requirements into release-ready CAD and drawings.
• Administer and enforce SolidWorks PDM best practices, including file structure, workflows, and release processes.
• Ensure accuracy and traceability in drawing and CAD release from WIP through production.
• Create, maintain, and improve CAD standards, templates, libraries, and naming conventions.
• Support BOM creation and accuracy, ensuring alignment between CAD, PDM, and ERP systems.
• Serve as a SolidWorks and PDM subject-matter expert, supporting software implementation and user training.
• Mentor and train junior draftsmen and designers in CAD modeling and PDM discipline.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain teams.
• Interface with suppliers to review drawings, models, and manufacturing feasibility.
• Support prototype builds, production issues, drawing corrections, and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or technical certification in Drafting, Mechanical Design, or related field (Bachelor’s degree a plus).
• 5 years of professional drafting or CAD design experience in automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, or industrial equipment environments.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Strong hands-on experience with SolidWorks PDM or equivalent systems.
• Solid understanding of GD&T, tolerancing, and manufacturing drawing standards.
• Experience managing large assemblies and complex CAD file structures.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in transit buses or heavy-duty vehicles.
• Experience supporting BOM release and ERP integration.
• Familiarity with vehicle structures and mounting systems.
• Experience establishing or improving CAD/PDM standards.
• SolidWorks PDM Administrator experience.
• Exposure to regulatory-driven design environments.

Work Environment

This position is based at the headquarters in Riverside, California, requiring collaboration with U.S. and international teams, suppliers, and manufacturing partners. The work environment is fast-paced, process-driven, and collaborative, emphasizing strong ownership of product definition quality and disciplined CAD and document control. It offers opportunities for hands-on problem-solving and technical leadership in a supportive and dynamic setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Riverside, CA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $47.00/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 Riverside,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 16, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $40 - $47