AutoCAD Drafter at MANTECH - Remote USA Defense Job — Columbus
Traveler-Friendly Insight
This role is listed as fully remote, but it comes with a critical constraint that makes it largely incompatible with a traditional digital nomad lifestyle: you must be within local commuting distance of Chesapeake, VA for monthly on-site visits to a naval/boat facility. This is not a location-independent position.
Key restrictions to understand:
- You must hold an active US Secret security clearance, which requires US citizenship and ongoing compliance with government security protocols — meaning you cannot work from foreign countries.
- Monthly in-person presence at the Chesapeake, VA customer facility is expected, with occasional additional local travel.
- Physical requirements include the possibility of ladder climbing during boat inspections.
For US-based remote workers: If you're based in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia (Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake), this role offers solid work-from-home flexibility the majority of the week. At $55,700–$93,600/year, mid-range compensation covers comfortable living in coastal Virginia.
This is not suitable for nomads traveling abroad, EU/LATAM-based remote workers, or anyone without US Secret clearance. If you're seeking truly location-independent defense/CAD work, look specifically for "OCONUS" roles or fully unclassified remote positions.
Requisition #: R68835
Location: USA – Remote Work
Posting Date: 06/24/2026
Security Clearance Required: Secret
Remote Type: Fully Remote
Time Type: Full Time
Shape the future of defense with MANTECH! Join a team dedicated to safeguarding our nation through advanced tech and innovative solutions. Since 1968, we've been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense, delivering cutting-edge projects that make a real impact. Dive into exciting opportunities in Cybersecurity, IT, Data Analytics and more. Propel your career forward and be part of something extraordinary. Your journey starts now—protect and innovate with MANTECH!
MANTECH seeks a motivated, career and customer-oriented AutoCAD Drafter to support our operations in Chesapeake, VA. This is a remote position within local commuting distance for onsite presence expected once a month.
The ideal candidate will be responsible for providing design and drafting support to complete large complex assembly models and drawings.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Provide drafting support to complete large complex parts, assemblies, and 2D drawings using AutoCAD to support Boat Alteration development to remove obsolete systems and replace with new systems.
- Provide 3D modeling support for development of 3D models and subsequent 2D drawing drops.
- Creating/updating Technical Drawing Packages.
- Developing sketches, photos, and documentation of systems on existing hulls including mechanical and structural components and systems using tools such as calipers, gauge tools, tape measures, and other mechanical devices to aid in design, development, verification, and validation of prototype fabrications.
- Communicating with vendors to obtain Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) components for integration into vessel systems including cost information and weight characteristics.
- Lead quality control activities by working with project engineers and technicians to ensure all data required to build various assemblies and parts is properly documented.
- Efficiently, thoroughly, and independently research data required to create detailed drawings/designs using AutoCAD software.
- Must be proficient in creating drawings based on the Engineering Drawing Standards Guide (EDSG) as well as MIL-STD-31000.
- The candidate will be required to travel locally on occasion to the customer's facility where various boats are located, to work with MANTECH team members and client personnel to document condition of hulls in support of Boat Alteration development. As the candidate becomes familiar with the fleet assets MANTECH maintains, this position may become fully remote.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Associate's degree in a related discipline and 2+ years of related modeling/drafting experience, OR High School Diploma or GED and 4+ years of related modeling/drafting experience in lieu of an Associate's degree.
- 2+ years of experience designing with AutoCAD software or 3D modeling software (SolidWorks/Inventor, etc.) and willingness to learn other software platforms.
- Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
- Ability to operate effectively in a team environment and able to take direction and constructive criticism.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Extensive relevant knowledge of MIL-STD-31000, Department of Defense (DoD), and industry documentation standards for Engineering and Design.
- Demonstrated knowledge of technical drawing creation and review.
- Strong technical, interpersonal, written, and verbal skills and willingness to collaborate with team members.
- Curious mindset and willingness to ask questions of senior personnel to better understand existing processes and learn.
Clearance Requirements:
- Must be a US citizen with an active Secret security clearance.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to sit at a computer 40 hours/week (can be at home) in most weeks; some weeks may require a half-day local trip to conduct a boat check. Boat access may require climbing a ladder.
The projected compensation range for this position is $55,700.00–$93,600.00. There are differentiating factors that can impact a final salary/hourly rate, including but not limited to Contract Wage Determination, relevant work experience, skills and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location (for remote opportunities), education and certifications, as well as Federal Government Contract Labor categories. In addition, MANTECH invests in its employees beyond just compensation. MANTECH's benefits offerings include, dependent upon position: Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, Short-term and Long-term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs, as well as other optional benefit elections.
MANTECH considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to disability or veteran status or any other status protected under any federal, state, or local law or regulation.If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with MANTECH, please email us at [email protected] and provide your name and contact information.