At least 5 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
71% STARs in role.
Job Title: HVAC + Sheet Metal Designer and Drafter
Job Description
This onsite HVAC + Sheet Metal Designer and Drafter role focuses on designing, detailing, and supporting the fabrication of complex industrial ventilation and ductwork systems, with a strong emphasis on reverse-engineering existing shipboard and industrial installations. You will work primarily in an office environment using 3D scan data, customer drawings, and field measurements to create accurate, fabrication-ready models, drawings, and shop packages for replacement ductwork and sheet metal assemblies. This position is ideal for a highly detail-oriented CAD professional who enjoys translating real-world systems into precise designs while collaborating closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams on long-term industrial and maritime projects.
Responsibilities
- Reverse-engineer existing ductwork and ventilation systems using 3D scan data, customer drawings, and field measurements to understand current conditions.
- Develop detailed 3D models and fabrication-ready drawings for replacement ductwork and sheet metal assemblies that can be used directly by manufacturing and shop personnel.
- Create cut lists, bills of materials, and material requirement documents to support fabrication and production planning.
- Perform material takeoffs and calculate quantities required for purchasing and production activities.
- Compile takeoff information into spreadsheets and coordinate with purchasing and materials teams to ensure timely procurement.
- Prepare complete fabrication documents and shop packages that provide manufacturing teams with everything needed to build replacement systems.
- Support field walkthroughs aboard ships and in industrial environments to validate scope, verify measurements, and gather missing information.
- Collaborate closely with engineering, fabrication, and production teams to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and aligned with project requirements.
- Interpret and apply drawings, specifications, and field data to develop accurate models and fabrication documentation.
- Manage design projects independently from concept through fabrication, ensuring deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
- Use CAD and detailing software to model existing ductwork, generate replacement system layouts, and refine designs based on feedback from the field and shop.
- Contribute to the redesign and replacement of HVAC and ventilation systems on ships and other industrial facilities as part of larger repair and modernization programs.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of experience in HVAC detailing, sheet metal detailing, industrial ductwork design, or mechanical drafting and fabrication detailing.
- Proven experience creating fabrication-ready drawings that are used directly by manufacturing or shop personnel.
- Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and field measurements and translate them into accurate CAD models and fabrication documents.
- Demonstrated experience working independently and managing design projects from concept through fabrication.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD and mechanical CAD drafting for HVAC, ductwork, and sheet metal systems.
- Hands-on experience with HVAC design, sheet metal design, and reverse engineering of existing systems.
- Proficiency in 3D modeling for mechanical and sheet metal components and assemblies.
- Ability to generate bills of materials (BOM), cut lists, and material takeoffs for fabrication and purchasing.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in drafting, modeling, and documentation.
- Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering, fabrication, production, and purchasing teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Preferred experience with AutoCAD MEP for mechanical and HVAC system detailing.
- Preferred experience with Autodesk Fabrication CAMduct for sheet metal and ductwork fabrication workflows.
- Preferred experience with Design2Fab or similar sheet metal fabrication software.
- Experience with SolidWorks for mechanical and sheet metal 3D modeling.
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor, Rhino, or similar 3D design tools.
- Familiarity with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for precise mechanical detailing.
- Background in HVAC fabrication, sheet metal manufacturing, industrial ventilation systems, or mechanical fabrication.
- Experience in shipbuilding, marine, or maritime environments, particularly with shipboard ductwork and ventilation systems.
- Experience in manufacturing drafting or pre-construction detailing for mechanical and HVAC systems.
- Comfort working with 3D scan data and field measurements to reverse-engineer existing systems.
- Interest in long-term engineering and infrastructure programs with opportunities for growth into new departments.
Work Environment
This is a fully onsite role in a primarily office-based setting located on the second floor of a facility that is accessible by stairs only. You will work a day shift from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most work takes place in an office environment using CAD and 3D modeling software, with periodic walkthroughs aboard ships and in the field to review statements of work, verify measurements, and gather missing information. The position supports large, long-term Navy and maritime engineering and infrastructure programs, providing job stability and a steady pipeline of ship repair and modernization work focused on HVAC and ventilation system replacement. The organization offers two weeks of paid time off, six sick days, and holidays, along with opportunities to grow and move into new departments as the business expands with new long-term contracts.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Portland, OR.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Portland,OR.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006180236