Mechanical Drafter

Mechanical Drafter

Location: Richland, WA
Company: Columbia Energy & Environmental Services
Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience: 5-10 years
Salary: $25-$40, based on experience

About Columbia Energy

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services, headquartered in Richland, WA, is a well-established small business providing engineering, design, fabrication, instrumentation and controls, and other specialized services to federal and commercial clients. We specialize in fixed-price design/build/test projects and are known for delivering high-quality, practical solutions through strong technical expertise and collaboration.

With continued growth and expansion, we offer opportunities to work on challenging, hands-on projects while maintaining a company culture that values integrity, teamwork, and technical excellence.

Why Join Columbia Energy?

At Columbia Energy, you’ll work alongside experienced engineers, designers, and fabrication teams on meaningful projects that go from concept through fabrication and installation. We value practical, buildable designs and encourage close collaboration between engineering and the shop to deliver solutions that work in the real world.

This role is well suited for a seasoned drafter who enjoys hands-on work, solving complex design challenges, and contributing to project success across disciplines.

Position Overview

We are seeking a
Mechanical Drafter to support the design and development of mechanical equipment and piping systems from concept through fabrication and installation. This role plays a key part in translating engineering concepts into accurate 3D models and detailed fabrication drawings that reflect real-world manufacturing and installation requirements.

The Mechanical Drafter works closely with engineers, project managers, and fabrication personnel to ensure designs meet applicable codes, client requirements, and constructability standards.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical equipment and piping system designs in collaboration with engineering and project teams


• Create and maintain detailed 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD


• Interface with shop engineering and fabrication personnel to resolve design issues and incorporate fabrication input


• Apply ASME codes, client-specific requirements, and drafting standards to all design deliverables


• Translate redlines, markups, and engineering comments into accurate drawing revisions


• Produce complete, shop-ready drawing packages based on fabrication and installation constraints


• Support ECN/DCN processes and maintain drawing updates based on shop redlines and field feedback


• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and fabrication staff throughout the design lifecycle


• Contribute to solutions for field installation and constructability challenges

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree (2-year) in Drafting, Mechanical Design, Engineering Technology, or a related field


• 5-10 years of mechanical design experience in an industrial or fabrication-focused environment


• Proficiency with Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD


• Experience working within large, complex parametric models and assemblies


• Experience managing high volumes of drawings within complex design projects


• Familiarity with designing to fabrication and installation constraints


• U.S. citizenship required due to work on U.S. government contracts and the ability to obtain required clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing equipment and piping systems for DOE or Hanford Tank Farm projects


• Working knowledge of fabrication and machining processes (welding, cutting, tolerances, fit-up)


• Familiarity with additional modeling tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, SmartPlant, or similar platforms


• Prior experience preparing ECNs/DCNs and complete fabrication drawing packages

Working Conditions

This position is primarily performed in an office environment, with periodic visits to the company’s fabrication shop to support coordination and design validation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Columbia Energy & Environmental Services is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law.