Drafter

Job Title

Drafter 2 – Full‑time, On‑site, Madison, AL

ARA is globally recognized for applying our diverse science and engineering experience to drive innovation and solve complex problems.

The Prototyping Manufacturing and Integration Division (PMID) of Applied Research Associates (ARA, Inc.) has an exciting opportunity for a full‑time Drafter 2 working on‑site at our Madison, AL facility. A Drafter 2 is part of a hard‑working team using creativity and innovation to support the lives of our Warfighters. The Drafter 2 will provide innovative computer‑aided design and drawings based on engineering sketches and proposal specifications.

The role analyzes customer problems and recommends drafting techniques to satisfy customer needs, digitizes, edits, and revises engineering drawings of components, parts, circuits, structures, and/or assemblies. Under general supervision, the Drafter 2 is capable of performing all jobs, including the most complex.

This position will require passing a national background check. Must be able to obtain and maintain a minimum of a SECRET clearance from the US Department of War.

Base Pay Ranges: $55,000 – $60,000 annually (based on years of experience and specialized knowledge).

• Develop design drawings according to engineering sketches and proposal specifications.
• Digitize, edit, and revise engineering drawings of components, parts, circuits, structures, and/or assemblies.
• Make engineering computations, mathematical calculations, determine scales, and prepare or revise specifications.
• Perform calculations needed to solve scaling, dimensioning, and cross‑section interpolations.
• Sketch rough layout of machines and compute angles, weights, surface areas, dimensions, radii, clearances, tolerances, leverages, and location of holes.
• Work closely with the drafting and engineering team to address any design‑related challenges, providing support and adjustments as needed.
• Gather, maintain, format, compile, and manipulate technical data such as BOMs, product/material data sheets, and engineering design changes.
• Stay up‑to‑date with industry trends, drafting techniques, and software advancements, ensuring continuous improvement and innovation in the design process.
• Manage and organize design files, patterns, and technical documentation in a systematic manner to facilitate seamless information sharing.
• Conduct regular quality checks on the final products to ensure they adhere to established design specifications and industry standards.
• Seek guidance for unusual cases.
• Provide technical support to engineers on a variety of tasks.
• Manage and prioritize numerous assignments.

• High School diploma or equivalent plus advanced training and 4–5 years of working knowledge and experience as a drafter.
• Proficiency in computer‑aided design and modeling software.
• Working knowledge of Solid Works and its drawing environment features.
• Experience producing a drawing package that includes drafting techniques, processes, how a drawing should look, dimensions, and tolerances.
• Strong attention to detail and precision in translating designs into accurate technical specifications.
• Capability of performing intermediate drafting techniques with intermediate to advanced knowledge of practical fabrication techniques.
• Ability to gather, maintain, format, compile, and manipulate technical data such as BOMs, product/material data sheets, and engineering design changes.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with engineering, design, and production teams.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.
• Passion for staying updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
• Work checked upon completion to avoid errors and meet agreed deadlines or timelines.
• May support design team through moderate additions/changes of model.
• Physically capable of wearing all required personal protective equipment (safety glasses, respirator, safety shoes, hearing protection, hand protection, etc.).

• Active or current SECRET clearance from the US Department of War.
• Prior experience as a drafter in defense or government contractor manufacturing environments.
• Associate’s degree.
• Knowledge in electrical and/or hydraulic schematics.
• Solid Works FEA analysis experience.

All employees receive a competitive salary and benefits package, opportunities for professional growth and development, work‑life balance in a supportive environment, and the chance to contribute to mission‑critical projects that protect national security.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.