Demo

Drafter/CAD Operator

Cherokee Federal
Lakewood, CO Full Time
POSTED ON 9/29/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 10/29/2026
Job Description

Drafter/CAD Operator - Journeyman

This position requires the ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance to be considered.

We are looking for a Drafter/CAD Operator-Journeyman to support the Department of Energy (DOE) Western Area Power Administration (WAPA) Headquarters in Lakewood, CO and support our team providing technical services to the Office of Design and Engineering under this Technical Support Services contract.

Compensation & Benefits:

Estimated Starting Salary Range for Drafter/CAD Operator - Journeyman: $70 -$75K

Pay commensurate with experience.

Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

Drafter/CAD Operator - Journeyman Responsibilities Include:
  • AutoCAD Drafting work is completed in preparation of stage additions, substation upgrades, etc. and without input from engineering group
  • Research and use applicable drawings, e.g. original manual drawings, as built markups, etc. to create multi-layered substation plan model to correctly display items per drawing type, e.g. foundation plans, foundation outline and reinforcement, general equipment layout, cable trenches and conduit and buried cable by manipulating layers to correctly display items per drawing type
  • Create all required sections, structural design and detail drawings for substation layout using proper scale
  • Create Location and Vicinity maps utilizing WAPA's Geographic Information System (GIS) to include Location, County and Vicinity, driving directions and emergency phone numbers
  • Act as a liaison between engineering disciplines throughout the design process. Note any inconsistencies between civil and outdoor electrical drawings and resolve with the help of engineering designers
  • Revise historical manual plan and profile drawings
  • Create drawings using AutoCAD 2023
  • Have SME level technical competence in using AutoCAD 2023
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Drafter/CAD Operator - Journeyman Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:
  • High school diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or technical certification in drafting or related field preferred
  • BA/BS or MA/MS is highly desired
  • Must have a minimum of seven (7) years of drafting experience. Five (5) of those years must be recent and full-time on AutoCad
  • Must be expert in AutoCAD 2023
  • Must be familiar with Raster Editor software
  • Must be proficient with conversion of manufacturer drawings to standard AutoCAD 2023 format and drafting standards
  • Must be proficient with multi-discipline drafting e.g. High voltage substation drawings including civil, structural, outdoor electrical, mechanical, and architectural
  • Must be able to work independently
  • Must be able to work from sketches and verbal instructions from designer or engineer
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Utilizing and applying computer software including Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint)
  • SME in design and drafting practices and fabrication and field construction techniques is required
  • Working knowledge of Quality Assurance principles is required
  • Ability to deal with a variety of people in a professional and courteous manner in diversified situations
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:

Cherokee Nation Defense Solutions (CNDS) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about CNDS, visit cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-CK1

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Similar searchable job titles:
  • CAD Technician
  • Engineering Technician - CAD
  • Design Drafter
  • AutoCAD Designer
  • Mechanical/Electrical/Architectural Drafter (depending on discipline)

Keywords:
  • Drafting
  • AutoCAD
  • Schematics
  • Technical Drawings
  • Design

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000

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