Mechanical Designer​/Drafter

Mechanical Designer / Drafter

This role offers an opportunity for a hands-on Mechanical Designer to lead, coach, and grow a drafting and design team while contributing directly to complex engineering projects. You will establish and maintain CAD standards, drive continuous improvement in drafting practices, and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of design work. This position focuses on developing people, strengthening processes, and building a resilient, high-performing drafting organization that effectively supports engineering and manufacturing activities.

• Lead, coach, and develop a drafting and design team to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.
• Establish, document, and enforce CAD standards to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all design work.
• Set clear, measurable team goals and track progress to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects.
• Run a regular coaching and development cadence, including one-on-ones, feedback sessions, and performance discussions.
• Build and maintain clear career paths for drafting and design team members to support their professional growth.
• Partner closely with engineering managers and project leads to prioritize drafting work and align resources with project needs.
• Identify and remove roadblocks that impact team productivity, quality, or schedule adherence.
• Contribute technically as a hands-on Mechanical Designer when needed, producing detailed models and drawings using Solid Works or equivalent CAD tools.
• Apply sound mechanical design principles, including GD&T, sheet metal, and machine design practices, to support complex engineering projects.
• Ensure that all drawings and models reflect constructability considerations, fabrication methods, and shop practices.
• Support project management activities by providing accurate estimates, timelines, and status updates for drafting tasks.
• Promote a people-first culture that values collaboration, accountability, and strong core values within the drafting organization.

• 5+ years of hands-on drafter/designer experience using Solid Works or equivalent CAD software.
• Proficiency in mechanical design and drafting, including 3D CAD modeling and 2D drawing creation.
• Strong experience with CAD management, including establishing and maintaining CAD standards.
• Working knowledge of Solid Works and related CAD design tools.
• Understanding and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience in sheet metal and machine design within mechanical engineering environments.
• Demonstrated experience coaching team members, running performance programs, and building development plans.
• Solid understanding of fabrication processes, shop practices, and constructability considerations.
• Ability to partner effectively with engineering managers and project leads to prioritize work and remove roadblocks.
• AA/AAS degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Technology, or a related field.

• Experience contributing to complex engineering projects as a hands-on mechanical designer.
• Experience in project management or coordinating drafting activities within engineering projects.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support a people-first leadership approach.
• Ability to define clear career paths and growth opportunities for drafting and design professionals.
• Commitment to maintaining high quality standards and on-time delivery in a fast-paced environment.

This position is based in an onsite office environment where you will work closely with engineers, project leads, and drafting professionals. You will regularly use Solid Works and other CAD tools to support mechanical design and drafting activities. The onsite setting encourages direct collaboration, quick problem-solving, and close alignment with fabrication and shop practices. The work culture emphasizes strong core values, a people-first mindset, and a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Plymouth, MN.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr individual compensation offered for this…