Structural Drafter Jobs
Structural Drafter jobs are open across civil engineering, architecture, and construction firms, at every level from junior drafter to senior and lead, with specializations in steel detailing, precast concrete, and building information modeling. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 23+ Structural Drafter jobs
Houston, TX, US, 77070 Chicago, IL, US, 60603 Lisle, IL, US, 60532
RINA is a global knowledge company where expertise travels across borders, disciplines, and industries. Every day, we collaborate on solving complex challenges that no single field could tackle alone. With a presence in more than 70 countries and 160 years of heritage, we turn individual know-how into collective progress.
We are currently recruiting for a CAD Drafter - Structural Engineering to join our office in Houston, TX or Chicago/Lisle, IL within the Plant Engineering Division.
Compensation Data
$31 - $45 per hour, commensurate with education and experience
Mission
The CAD Drafter is responsible for preparing drawings from engineering and/or field markups for designers and engineers. The individual will coordinate CAD for projects, perform initial drawing setup, and update project drawing lists. Assignments performed at this level on a recurring basis receive little supervision during progress but are closely reviewed upon completion.
Key Accountabilities
Drafting and Design:
- Use drafting software, such as AutoCAD, to create detailed and accurate technical drawings for infrastructure projects, including but not limited to roads, bridges, and utilities.
- Collaborate with engineers and senior draftsmen to ensure drawings align with project requirements and standards.
Documentation Management:
- Prepare, organize, and maintain technical documentation, including drawings, plans, and specifications.
- Assist in maintaining version control and ensuring the accuracy of technical files.
Quality Control:
- Conduct thorough quality checks on drawings to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with industry standards.
- Work collaboratively to address and resolve discrepancies identified during the review process.
Collaboration:
- Collaborate with drafting and engineering teams to implement design changes and updates.
- Effectively communicate with team members, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Data Management:
- Organize and maintain project data, including drawings, sketches, and related documents.
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy in accordance with project timelines.
Technology Utilization:
- Stay informed about advancements in drafting technologies and software.
- Assist in the implementation and integration of new tools and technologies as needed.
Education
Qualifications
- Ability in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit) and strong technical drawing skills.
- Knowledge of drafting standards and the ability to produce accurate and detailed technical drawings and blueprints.
- Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to interpret specifications and design documents.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
- Good understanding of dimensioning, tolerancing, and materials specifications in drawings
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a highly organized manner, ensuring all designs are compliant with regulations and quality standards
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for collaboration with engineers and other team members.
- Ability to work with 3D modeling software and generate models for product visualization is a plus.
Competencies
- FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.
- WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
- INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
- DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
- PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
At RINA, your growth drives our innovation. We bring together engineers, inspectors, digital minds and specialists from more than 100 nationalities, creating an environment where diverse perspectives sharpen how we think, collaborate and deliver.
RINA North America provides a comprehensive benefits package, including the following insurance options: Medical, Dental, Vision, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Transit, Parking, Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Voluntary Life, Voluntary AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits provided include paid time off, company holidays, tuition reimbursement, nursery grant, travel resource services, and 401K plan with company discretionary match.
Flexibility and respect drive how we work. We are committed to building a workplace where every person feels valued, empowered to develop their potential, and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.
RINA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of RINA without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RINA. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Houston, TX, US, 77070 Chicago, IL, US, 60603 Lisle, IL, US, 60532
RINA is a global knowledge company where expertise travels across borders, disciplines, and industries. Every day, we collaborate on solving complex challenges that no single field could tackle alone. With a presence in more than 70 countries and 160 years of heritage, we turn individual know-how into collective progress.
We are currently recruiting for a CAD Drafter - Structural Engineering to join our office in Houston, TX or Chicago/Lisle, IL within the Plant Engineering Division.
Compensation Data
$31 - $45 per hour, commensurate with education and experience
Mission
The CAD Drafter is responsible for preparing drawings from engineering and/or field markups for designers and engineers. The individual will coordinate CAD for projects, perform initial drawing setup, and update project drawing lists. Assignments performed at this level on a recurring basis receive little supervision during progress but are closely reviewed upon completion.
Key Accountabilities
Drafting and Design:
- Use drafting software, such as AutoCAD, to create detailed and accurate technical drawings for infrastructure projects, including but not limited to roads, bridges, and utilities.
- Collaborate with engineers and senior draftsmen to ensure drawings align with project requirements and standards.
Documentation Management:
- Prepare, organize, and maintain technical documentation, including drawings, plans, and specifications.
- Assist in maintaining version control and ensuring the accuracy of technical files.
Quality Control:
- Conduct thorough quality checks on drawings to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with industry standards.
- Work collaboratively to address and resolve discrepancies identified during the review process.
Collaboration:
- Collaborate with drafting and engineering teams to implement design changes and updates.
- Effectively communicate with team members, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Data Management:
- Organize and maintain project data, including drawings, sketches, and related documents.
- Ensure data integrity and accuracy in accordance with project timelines.
Technology Utilization:
- Stay informed about advancements in drafting technologies and software.
- Assist in the implementation and integration of new tools and technologies as needed.
Education
Qualifications
- Ability in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Revit) and strong technical drawing skills.
- Knowledge of drafting standards and the ability to produce accurate and detailed technical drawings and blueprints.
- Understanding of engineering principles and the ability to interpret specifications and design documents.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics, diagrams, and technical manuals.
- Good understanding of dimensioning, tolerancing, and materials specifications in drawings
- Attention to detail and ability to work in a highly organized manner, ensuring all designs are compliant with regulations and quality standards
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for collaboration with engineers and other team members.
- Ability to work with 3D modeling software and generate models for product visualization is a plus.
Competencies
- FORESIGHT & INSIGHT - Context awareness adopting a systemic perspective and informed decision making.
- WORKPLACE DYNAMICS - Resourcefulness in shaping progress and working efficiently.
- INTERPERSONAL INFLUENCE - Skills and strategies we use to interact effectively with others.
- DOMAIN & BUSINESS ACUMEN - Applying a scientific approach and critical thinking in operations and solution development within area of expertise.
- PERSONAL EMPOWERMENT - Ownership for life, work and results, striving to grow professionally and personally.
At RINA, your growth drives our innovation. We bring together engineers, inspectors, digital minds and specialists from more than 100 nationalities, creating an environment where diverse perspectives sharpen how we think, collaborate and deliver.
RINA North America provides a comprehensive benefits package, including the following insurance options: Medical, Dental, Vision, Medical Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Transit, Parking, Basic Life, Basic AD&D, Voluntary Life, Voluntary AD&D, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Voluntary Accident, Voluntary Critical Illness, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, and Employee Assistance Program. Additional benefits provided include paid time off, company holidays, tuition reimbursement, nursery grant, travel resource services, and 401K plan with company discretionary match.
Flexibility and respect drive how we work. We are committed to building a workplace where every person feels valued, empowered to develop their potential, and safe from discrimination or harassment of any kind. It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.
RINA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of RINA without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of RINA. Please, no phone calls or emails.
Structural Drafter Jobs by Experience Level
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Find Structural Drafter JobsStructural Drafter Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in structural drafter jobs.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and at least one BIM platform such as Revit or Tekla Structures
- Two or more years of experience producing structural drawings or shop drawings
- Associate degree or technical certificate in drafting, CAD technology, or civil engineering technology
- Ability to read and interpret structural engineering calculations, specifications, and details
- Experience preparing plan sets that comply with IBC, AISC, or ACI standards
- Familiarity with coordination between structural, architectural, and MEP drawing packages
Tips for Your Structural Drafter Job Search
List every CAD and BIM platform you know
Hiring managers filter resumes for specific software before reading anything else. Name every version of AutoCAD, Revit, Tekla Structures, or RISA you've used, and note which you've used on live projects versus coursework.
Tailor your resume to the sector
A steel fabrication shop and a DOT bridge office read resumes very differently. Swap in the sector's vocabulary before each application, matching terms like 'shop drawings,' 'connection details,' or 'plan sets' to what the posting actually uses.
Build a drawing portfolio before you apply
Attach a two-to-four page PDF of your cleanest plan sheets, details, or 3D model screenshots. Include at least one set that shows a full project phase, not just isolated details, so reviewers can judge your documentation standards.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists structural drafter openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare to walk through a drawing live
Most structural drafting interviews include a screen-share or whiteboard exercise where you explain a detail or mark up a set. Practice narrating your decisions out loud: why you chose a callout location, how you handled a coordination conflict, or what standard drove a dimension.
Negotiate around project variety, not just pay
When you reach the offer stage, ask which project types and structural systems you'd work on in the first year. Firms that rotate drafters across steel, concrete, and wood framing build your skillset faster, which matters more early in your career than a small salary difference.
Structural Drafter Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most structural drafters?
The companies hiring the most structural drafters right now include Quanta Services, Quanta Infrastructure Solutions, and Entech Engineering, with the largest share of openings in Texas, Utah, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is concentrated at engineering-construction firms, steel fabricators, and precast concrete manufacturers.
How many structural drafter jobs are remote?
About 25% of structural drafter openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than many technical roles because coordination with fabricators and site teams often requires in-office or on-site presence. BIM coordination and 3D modeling tasks are the sub-areas most likely to appear in remote or hybrid postings.
How do you become a structural drafter?
Start with a two-year associate degree or technical certificate in CAD technology, drafting, or civil engineering technology. Build proficiency in AutoCAD and at least one BIM platform. Entry-level positions at engineering firms or steel fabricators give you hands-on experience with shop drawings and plan sets. From there, most drafters specialize in a structural system such as steel, precast concrete, or wood framing.
Can you get hired as a structural drafter without much experience?
Yes, firms regularly hire junior structural drafters who have completed a drafting or CAD program and can demonstrate clean, standards-compliant drawing work. A portfolio of school or personal projects showing plan sheets, details, and 3D models carries significant weight. Targeting fabrication shops and smaller engineering firms is practical because they often train entry-level drafters on the job rather than requiring years of prior experience.
What does the structural drafter interview process look like?
Most structural drafting interviews include a phone or video screen focused on your software experience and drawing background, followed by an in-person or virtual technical round. That second stage typically involves reviewing a sample drawing set and explaining your markup decisions, or completing a short drafting task. Some firms ask you to walk through a project from your portfolio. A final offer conversation with the hiring manager or HR usually follows.
Where can I find and apply to structural drafter jobs?
You can find and apply to structural drafter jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience and specialization, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 23 Structural Drafter Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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