Drafting Technician Jobs in California
Drafting Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, civil infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, and commercial construction, with demand at every level from entry-level drafters through senior design technicians. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Jacobs Engineering, and Lockheed Martin maintain major California operations. The most in-demand specialties are civil and structural drafting, mechanical and electromechanical design, and BIM-based architectural drafting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 17+ Drafting Technician jobs
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Design Technician to join our Survey team in Riverside, CA! This is an in-office/in-person position.
Responsibilities
- Use AutoCAD Civil 3D software to produce detailed subdivision maps, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys, and other various survey related maps or exhibits
- Research boundary and easement title documents and perform boundary analysis
- Use field crew data files (points), field sketches, photos and reference maps to create surveys
- Prepare legal descriptions and exhibits for right of way, easements, acquisition parcels, etc.
- Coordinates work activities to maintain schedules and ensure quality control
- Develop familiarity with Kimley-Horn’s practices, procedures, and standards
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent (associates degree preferred)
- 3+ years of relevant experience
- Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Autocad Civil3D
- Detail oriented, professional attitude, good communication, team player, self-starter
- Strong work ethic, interpersonal communication/writing skills and desire to learn
- Ability to work independently and with a team
SALARY RANGE
$75,000 to $90,000
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
INTRODUCTION
Kimley-Horn is looking for a Survey Design Technician to join our Survey team in Riverside, CA! This is an in-office/in-person position.
Responsibilities
- Use AutoCAD Civil 3D software to produce detailed subdivision maps, ALTA surveys, topographic surveys, and other various survey related maps or exhibits
- Research boundary and easement title documents and perform boundary analysis
- Use field crew data files (points), field sketches, photos and reference maps to create surveys
- Prepare legal descriptions and exhibits for right of way, easements, acquisition parcels, etc.
- Coordinates work activities to maintain schedules and ensure quality control
- Develop familiarity with Kimley-Horn’s practices, procedures, and standards
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or equivalent (associates degree preferred)
- 3+ years of relevant experience
- Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Autocad Civil3D
- Detail oriented, professional attitude, good communication, team player, self-starter
- Strong work ethic, interpersonal communication/writing skills and desire to learn
- Ability to work independently and with a team
SALARY RANGE
$75,000 to $90,000
WHY KIMLEY-HORN?
At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it—that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!
Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn
- Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to-1 company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
- Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
- Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
- Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
- Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
See All 17 Drafting Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Drafting Technician JobsDrafting Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Drafting Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers12
- Congruex1
- EFCO1
- Haas Automation1
- Kimley-Horn1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Manufacturing2
- Construction & Real Estate1
- Electronics & Hardware1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in drafting technician jobs across California.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or Revit with a demonstrated portfolio of completed drawings
- Associate degree or certificate in drafting technology, engineering design, or a related field
- Experience reading and interpreting engineering, architectural, or civil construction plans
- Familiarity with California Building Code standards and Title 24 compliance requirements
- Knowledge of GD&T principles and ANSI or ISO drafting standards for mechanical drawings
- Ability to coordinate with licensed engineers and project managers throughout the design process
Drafting Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a drafting technician in California?
Most California employers require at minimum a certificate or associate degree in drafting technology, CAD design, or engineering design from a community college or technical school. California has no single state-issued license for drafting technicians, but employers in architecture-adjacent roles may prefer candidates familiar with California Building Code and Title 24 energy standards. Building a strong CAD portfolio and gaining exposure to industry-specific software, whether for civil, mechanical, or architectural work, is the most direct path to landing your first role.
Which companies hire drafting technicians in California?
Employers hiring drafting technicians in California right now include BKF Engineers, Congruex, and EFCO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's aerospace, defense, and civil infrastructure sectors are particularly consistent sources of drafting technician openings year-round.
Which California cities have the most drafting technician jobs?
Oakland, Brentwood, and Clayton have the most drafting technician openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego are driven by large aerospace and defense contractors alongside active commercial construction, while the Bay Area concentration reflects the region's dense engineering and infrastructure project pipeline anchored by both public agencies and major technology-sector construction programs.
Are there remote drafting technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're limited. About 0% of drafting technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting the role's frequent need for on-site coordination with engineers, contractors, and project teams. The portions of the work most suited to remote arrangements are production drafting tasks and drawing revisions that don't require direct access to physical plans or site conditions.
How can I get hired as a drafting technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a drafting technology certificate or associate degree at a California community college, such as those offered through programs affiliated with the California Community Colleges system, then applying directly to civil engineering consultancies, public utilities, or municipal public works departments that regularly bring on junior drafters. Large infrastructure employers and county agencies often hire drafting assistants or design support technicians as an on-ramp. Building a portfolio of school projects in AutoCAD or Revit and earning a CAD certification gives candidates a concrete edge over applicants with no credentials.
Where can I find and apply to drafting technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to drafting technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and experience levels. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listings.
See All 17 Drafting Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Drafting Technician Jobs