Senior Mechanical Drafter

Job Category: Engineering Support Services

Requisition Number: SENIO
009796

Job Location: Shalimar, FL 32579, USA

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Mechanical Drafter for its Concept Development Group in the Southwest Division, Albuquerque, New Mexico. The role involves creating technical drawings and 3D models of weapon systems, supporting equipment, and other components for Department of Defense programs.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan
• Flexible Spending Plan, Health Savings Account (HSA), various insurance options
• Paid leave and holidays

• Create technical drawings and 3D digital models of weapon systems and support equipment.
• Generate mechanical solid models, fabrication/assembly drawings, BOMs, technical illustrations, schematics, and installation/integration instructions under limited supervision.
• Produce technical data packages for DoD clients to sustain and modernize legacy hardware.
• Support research and development of new national defense technologies.
• Develop analysis-only CAD models for structural, thermal, dynamic, and dimensional engineering analyses.
• Lead drafting decisions, interact with engineering teams, and document comprehensive technical data packages.
• Lead reverse‑engineering activities, creating 3D CAD models from legacy avionics data.
• Manage individual and drafting team contributions under limited supervision.
• Develop dimensioning and tolerancing schemes to ensure proper form, fit, and function of new parts.

• High school diploma or equivalent; preferred an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Drafting Design, Aerospace Design, or Avionics Design.
• Strong organizational, technical writing, oral/written communication, and professional skills.
• Experience leading complex mechanical design projects through conceptual, preliminary, and detailed phases.
• Proficiency with mechanical solid modeling using multiple commercial 3D/2D software suites—Solid Works preferred.
• Skill in generating and interpreting mechanical dimensioning and fit tolerances.
• Citizenship: all applicants must be eligible for a DoD security clearance.

• Generate mechanical solid models, fabrication/assembly drawings, BOMs, technical illustrations, schematics, and installation instructions.
• Proficiency with Solid Works or equivalent CAD software.
• Lead drafting decisions, collaborate on design decisions, and document 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings (experience with GD&T per ASME Y14.5).
• Lead reverse‑engineering from legacy weapon and equipment data.
• Manage individual and team workflow under limited supervision.

• Professional certification in mechanical drafting.
• Familiarity with creating mechanical drawings for complex machined parts.
• Professional certification in Solid Works.
• Knowledge of GD&T for non‑metallic materials (G10, carbon fiber, explosives, reactive materials).
• Advanced GD&T skills per ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with electromechanical system schematics.
• Experience with PDM and Solid Works.
• Experience with CAD integration within Aras Innovator.
• Strong understanding of aerospace and defense engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee‑owned international research and engineering company founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979. With over 2,300 professionals, ARA provides technical solutions in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.

ARA promotes a culture of innovation and ownership, offering employees the tools and training to take active roles as owners.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. The contractor will not discriminate against employees or applicants for pay inquiries. Disclosures of compensation are limited to formal complaints, investigations, or legal duties.