Mechanical CAD Drafter (Staff or Principal)

True Anomaly•Long Beach, CA

17h•Onsite

About The Position

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability. The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all. As a Mechanical CAD Drafter at True Anomaly, you will play a vital role in bringing spacecraft hardware to life through precise, production-ready drawings and documentation. From flight components to ground support equipment, you will translate complex engineering concepts into clear, manufacturable designs that support every phase of spacecraft development. This is an opportunity to build deep technical expertise at the intersection of design, manufacturing, and space systems — working alongside engineers and technicians to ensure our hardware meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience in mechanical drafting for a Staff hire; 12+ years for a Principal hire, with a strong track record of owning complex drawing packages in aerospace, defense, or a related industry.
Expert-level knowledge of mechanical GD&T principles and their application across a wide range of part types, materials, and assembly configurations.
Proficiency in NX (Siemens) for drawing creation; SolidWorks experience is acceptable.
Deep familiarity with manufacturing processes and the ability to produce drawings that are accurate, complete, and optimized for fabrication and assembly.
Demonstrated experience leading drawing efforts across multiple concurrent programs with minimal oversight.
Strong communicator with the ability to interface effectively across engineering, manufacturing, quality, and program management functions.
Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior drafting talent.

Nice To Haves

Extensive experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, or defense hardware programs, including flight structure, mechanisms, and GSE documentation.
Experience defining or improving drafting standards and drawing template libraries for a team or program; at the Principal level, experience doing so at an organizational level.
Deep familiarity with configuration management and PLM systems (e.g., Windchill, Teamcenter) and engineering change processes.
Expert knowledge of relevant aerospace drawing and documentation standards (e.g., ASME Y14.5, MIL-STD-100).
Experience leading drawing package preparation for major program milestones and formal customer reviews.
Exposure to assembly storyboarding and work instruction development for complex spacecraft integration sequences.
Experience working in a startup or fast-paced environment with compressed development timelines and evolving program requirements.
Active U.S. security clearance or ability and willingness to obtain one.

Responsibilities

Own and lead the development of complex, multi-level drawing packages for flight hardware, GSE, and structural assemblies across concurrent programs, ensuring full compliance with engineering requirements and GD&T standards.
Translate engineering inputs, sketches, and design intent into precise technical drawings using NX (Siemens), editing CAD models as needed to ensure drawing accuracy and completeness.
Partner closely with mechanical, thermal, electrical, and structural engineers to drive design-for-manufacturability and resolve complex drawing-related challenges.
Lead the preparation and delivery of formal drawing packages for major design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure documentation meets program and customer requirements.
Oversee drawing release and revision processes within configuration management systems, ensuring traceability and integrity across all hardware documentation.
Support the fabrication and assembly process by providing technical drawing guidance to production and integration teams.
Mentor and guide junior and mid-level drafters, contributing to a culture of quality, precision, and continuous improvement within the drafting team.
At the Principal level, serve as the primary technical authority for drawing standards and GD&T application across the hardware team, establish and enforce drafting processes and documentation standards, and drive cross-functional alignment with manufacturing, quality, and program management stakeholders.