CAD SPECIALIST JOB DESCRIPTION

CAD Specialist. Accurate plan production starts here. Without it, transportation projects stall at review, infrastructure deliverables miss compliance thresholds, and engineering teams lose weeks to rework. The CAD Specialist owns drawing production and standards governance within a civil or infrastructure engineering consultancy, ensuring that every set of construction documents meets the QA/QC requirements and client-mandated standards that govern roads, transportation, and public infrastructure work. This role answers to design and project leadership and is evaluated on the accuracy and compliance of what ships to the client.

As the CAD Specialist, you produce and manage the full scope of engineering drawing deliverables for civil and transportation infrastructure projects, maintaining conformance with client CAD standards and internal QA/QC protocols. You work within a regional or multi-office engineering team, supporting project engineers and design leads across active project phases from preliminary design through construction document production.

Career Impact: Consistent delivery against IDOT, INDOT, or equivalent state DOT standards deepens a specialization that civil engineering consultancies actively recruit for at the senior and CAD Manager level.

Business Impact: Infrastructure projects move to bid and construction only when drawing packages are accurate, compliant, and complete - this role is the final production checkpoint before client submission.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to Phase I and Phase II transportation project types, combined with hands-on standards governance, positions experienced CAD Specialists to step into CAD Manager or BIM Lead roles as project portfolios expand.

• Produce project-specific engineering drawings from field notes, sketches, and engineer direction to support construction and bid document packages.
• Review completed drawings for readability, dimensional accuracy, and conformance with client and company QA/QC standards before submission.
• Implement and maintain state DOT CAD standards across all active project files to ensure consistent deliverable compliance.
• Create and update as-built drawings reflecting final field conditions for record documentation at project closeout.
• Compile and organize engineering data from drawings and field surveys to support project engineers across concurrent project assignments.
• Develop and maintain CAD object libraries and drawing templates following company and client standards.
• Audit project drawing sets for standards alignment and flag discrepancies to design leads or project managers in advance of milestone reviews.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Engineering Technology, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of CAD drafting or design support experience in a civil or infrastructure engineering environment, with demonstrated drawing production output.
• Working knowledge of civil drafting standards and the ability to interpret engineering drawings, survey data, and construction documents.
• Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD drafting and modeling within a professional engineering production workflow.
• Ability to perform arithmetic computations, apply specified formulas, and verify dimensional accuracy across drawing sets.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple concurrent drawing assignments without missing project deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to take direction from engineers and relay drawing issues clearly.

• Familiarity with state-level DOT CAD standards such as IDOT or INDOT deliverable manuals and roadway geometrics requirements.
• Prior experience in transportation project types including roadway design, topographic survey, or highway structures.
• Knowledge of BIM standards such as ISO19650 or equivalent CDE environment protocols used in major infrastructure or international projects.
• Associate's degree or certification in Engineering Technology, with coursework relevant to civil drafting or geospatial data.

• Drawing accuracy rate, measured by the percentage of submitted sheets that pass QA/QC review without revision cycles.
• On-time deliverable rate, tracking how consistently drawing packages are completed by project milestone dates.
• Rework hours per project, reflecting how often drawing errors require correction after initial engineer review.
• Standards compliance score, based on audit findings against client or state DOT CAD requirements per project phase.
• Volume of concurrent projects supported without missed deadlines, indicating workload management and prioritization.
• Typical tools: CAD drafting platforms (commonly AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation/GeoPak); project document management systems (commonly ProjectWise)

• Base Salary Range: $52,000 to $78,000 per year, depending on experience and region.
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus of 3% to 7% of base salary, project-dependent.
• Equity: Typically not offered at this level in engineering consultancy environments.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contributes a majority of premiums.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days per year, plus standard federal holidays and sick leave.
• Common Perks: Professional development reimbursement, licensure exam support, and mileage or travel reimbursement for site visits.

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for all positions; candidates must be eligible to work without sponsorship unless otherwise stated. Employment offers are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment, in accordance with applicable law. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

The CAD Specialist leads and manages CAD staff across major infrastructure projects, overseeing day-to-day production output and ensuring compliance with BIM and CAD standards in a CDE environment. Working closely with BIM Leads, Design Leads, and the Design Director, this role shapes project delivery quality and enables timely completion of engineering design deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage CAD staff, assigning tasks to individuals and overseeing day-to-day CAD production output.
• Work closely with BIM Lead, Design Leads, and Design Director to ensure project compliance with policies, processes, and timely completion.
• Provide overall direction of BIM activities including implementation, integration, maintenance, training, and quality control.
• Review each drawing for readability, presentation, and adherence to standards in accordance with company QA/QC process.
• Develop and maintain CAD object library (2D and 3D) following company standards.
• Establish proper CAD/BIM structures, policies, and procedures for the CAD group.
• Identify opportunities and recommendations for increasing workflow efficiencies.
• Train and supervise CAD group in core application skills and standards.
• Lead and audit project information models and drawings to ensure alignment with CAD/BIM standards in CDE environment.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent.
• 12+ years of experience managing CAD production in an engineering consultancy, especially in major roads and infrastructure projects.
• Previous experience in BIM/CAD management in UAE or MEA.
• Previous experience implementing CAD standards, preferably through automation and CAD customization.
• Good knowledge of BIM Standards such as ISO19650 and BS/PAS1192 and ProjectWise CDE.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Autodesk Civil 3D, Navisworks, Bentley Microstation, ProjectWise, Aconex, and BIM360.
• Excellent communication, numeric, and computer literacy skills, including advanced MS Excel proficiency.
• Excellent organization and time management skills with ability to work to tight deadlines independently and in a team.

Embedded within the Engineering department at Farasis Energy, a lithium-ion battery technology company, the CAD Specialist delivers day-to-day SolidWorks and PDM support while administering vault processes, drawing templates, and data porting to company-wide PLM systems. Working closely with engineering staff and a local reseller network, this role advances the efficiency and reliability of product data management workflows across the organization.

Core Functions

• Provide day-to-day on-site support for SolidWorks and PDM issues.
• Administer PDM for new users, access control, and workflows.
• Develop and enhance tool sets in PDM to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Maintain task machine that converts SolidWorks files to other formats.
• Work with the Engineering department to define and manage PDM vault processes and drawing release processes.
• Develop and maintain procedural documentation for SolidWorks and PDM.
• Provide PDM training and support for CAD users as required.
• Support planning and implementation of improvements and upgrades to software systems including PDM and PLM.
• Implement and administer data porting from SolidWorks PDM to company-wide PLM system when brought online.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or similar field preferred but not required.
• 3-5 years of SolidWorks PDM or equivalent administrator experience.
• Knowledge and experience in SolidWorks 3D modeling, PLM (TeamCenter), and developing SolidWorks drawing templates.
• Knowledge of change and document control in engineering and production environments.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills to document processes and procedures.
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact with all levels of personnel.
• Proficiency in Mandarin required.

Reporting to the EDT and CAD services team lead, the CAD Specialist provides design and drafting support across business unit projects while administering engineering design tools and smart plant cloud solutions in an integrated oil and gas environment. Partnering with both internal and external users, this role ensures consistent adherence to standards and captures accurate as-built facility data through field walk downs and 3D laser scanning.

Primary Duties

• Provide design and drafting support for business unit management of change and projects.
• Provide support and advice on the use of engineering design tools to both external and internal users.
• Support the administration of engineering design tools and smart plant cloud solutions.
• Perform field walk downs and 3D laser scanning in plants to capture as-built information for maintenance and project engineering requirements.
• Ensure standards, processes, and procedures are consistently followed across the business area.

Skills and Qualifications

• Five years of experience as a piping designer or administrator within engineering design tools in the oil and gas industry.
• Knowledge of and experience with industry drafting standards, procedures, engineering drawings, and software tools.
• Proficient in 3D modeling with AutoPlant, SmartPlant, and Cloud Point Data tools.
• Diploma in mechanical or process piping design and drafting engineering technology or equivalent.
• Membership in an associated technical association (ASET).
• Strong collaboration skills to build positive relationships with diverse groups and a continuous improvement mindset.

Sitting at the intersection of architectural design and entertainment facility planning, the CAD Specialist at Harkins Theatres coordinates design requirements for remodel and new theatre projects, producing seating plans, site plans, and drawing standards using AutoCAD and Revit. Operating across internal teams and external partners in the Scottsdale, AZ office, this role enables accurate, standards-compliant design deliverables that support leadership decision-making.

Duties

• Coordinate design requirements for various project types with all internal and external partners.
• Create seating and layout plans to coordinate with existing conditions and current standards for remodel and new projects.
• Create schematic site plans and elevations.
• Create and maintain drawing standards including AutoCAD blocks and Revit Families.
• Manipulate drawings by others as needed.
• Review all work for accuracy against directions given prior to submitting files for leadership review.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Design or Architecture and 2+ years of experience, or technical training/certification plus 5 years of CAD design experience.
• Knowledge of various construction and structural systems, components, and basic architecture and interior design principles.
• Knowledge of drafting standards and ability to read and interpret architectural and MEP drawings/plans.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp, Photoshop, and Illustrator.
• Proficient in Microsoft Project, Excel (advanced), Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Strong hand sketch ability is a plus.

Coordinated design and documentation accuracy across the product development lifecycle depends on the CAD Specialist, who assists mechanical engineers using CAD solid modeling best practices and maintains manufacturing documentation for internal and external facilities. Based within a manufacturing-focused team, this role ensures that customer deliverables are met on time and that layouts and drawings conform to established standards and procedures.

What You'll Do

• Assist mechanical engineers in various product development cycle activities using CAD solid modeling best practices.
• Create and maintain documentation required to manufacture products at internal or external facilities.
• Check layouts and drawings for clarity and conformity to standards and procedures.
• Interact with internal and external customers to assess needs and develop products that meet their requirements.
• Meet internal and external customer deliverables in a timely and efficient manner.

Experience and Qualifications

• Associate's degree in mechanical design or related field, at minimum.
• 3-4 years of design and drafting experience including 1-2 years of extensive design documentation work.
• Expertise in CAD 3D modeling, with knowledge of NX11 or higher and SolidWorks as a plus.
• Knowledge of metals, plastics, machining, casting, and molding.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and in a team environment.

As the CAD Specialist, this role transforms distribution facility and material handling equipment layouts into accurate working drawings within a structured, standards-based system while supporting project managers across multiple sites. The engineering and project team relies on this work to maintain version-controlled drawing sets, validate third-party contributions, and document final as-built conditions that serve as long-term records of record.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Transform distribution facility or material handling equipment layouts into working drawings within a standards-based system.
• Contribute to the improvement and implementation of company workflow standards, processes, and tool set development.
• Validate and correct existing master drawing sets by visiting remote sites to document current conditions.
• Create and maintain accurate project drawing sets with version control for the duration of a project.
• Assist project managers with a variety of project-related tasks.
• Validate third-party contributions and provide corrective commentary.
• Document final conditions as built upon project completion.
• Travel as required by projects up to 20% of the time.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Associate's degree or equivalent combination of experience and education in drafting, engineering, or architecture.
• Minimum 2 years of directly related and progressively responsible experience.
• Knowledge of warehouse operations, warehouse design, warehouse and business systems, process improvement, and standardization.
• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills to evaluate business problems and identify appropriate solutions.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective communicator across technical and non-technical audiences, with ability to present and discuss technical information clearly.

CAD Specialist creates and revises designs for low-voltage technologies including Access Control, CCTV Surveillance, and Structured Cabling, producing detailed drawings and code-compliant documentation using AutoCAD and Revit across the full project lifecycle. The work directly supports construction project teams by maintaining current documentation in Autodesk PlanGrid and ensuring adherence to NFPA guidelines and local building codes.

Scope of Work

• Create, review, and revise designs for various low-voltage technologies.
• Interpret related construction documentation including architectural, MEP, and interior design drawings.
• Utilize AutoCAD and Revit to create detailed drawings, submittals, and documentation for proposed and existing solutions.
• Prepare and revise design documentation, as-built documentation, owner's manuals, and other code-required or contractually obligated documentation.
• Upload and maintain current project documentation in Softrim's Autodesk PlanGrid system.
• Research and adhere to locally enforced national and local building codes and NFPA guidelines in design work.

Position Requirements

• 5+ years of experience using AutoCAD or equivalent software, with 5+ years in the low-voltage field preferred.
• Experience reading and interpreting construction documents and specifications.
• Knowledge of low-voltage technologies including Access Control, Audio/Visual, Cellular DAS, CCTV Surveillance, Structured Cabling, Networking, Nurse Call, and others.
• Working knowledge of topology concepts such as MPOE, MDF, IDF, riser, conduit, and line-of-sight.
• Valid Florida Driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Proficient in AutoCAD and Revit (current release, 2019-2022).
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and attention to detail skills with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Spanish language proficiency is a plus.

The CAD Specialist owns the delivery of CAD consulting services to customers in New York across the full project lifecycle, covering standards development, library creation, deliverables auditing, and software training from design through construction and operations. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, this role builds trusted advisory relationships that ensure projects are executed consistently and that new CAD/BIM solutions are evaluated and introduced to improve design and construction outcomes.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide implementation services, best practices, advisory services, and technical support for CAD technology and tools.
• Define, develop, and deliver technical training in CAD technology to stakeholders.
• Serve as a proactive trusted CAD technical advisor to understand and support stakeholder needs.
• Support the development of implementation processes, workflows, and guidelines for internal and external use.
• Create, maintain, and improve existing CAD Standards, templates, and content including libraries.
• Perform CAD audits to ensure consistency with company VDC requirements and CAD Standards.
• Evaluate and introduce new CAD/BIM solutions to aid design and construction processes.
• Participate in project meetings and help lead workshops.

Background and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, MEP Engineering, Structural Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience participating in and coordinating CAD projects.
• 3+ years of professional experience in CAD software and modeling tools.
• Proven experience developing and executing CAD software and process training.
• Experience delivering projects following CAD methodologies and best practices.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, with Civil 3D, Revit, ReCap, Infraworks, Synchro, and Dynamo as a plus.
• Self-driven with strong ability to prioritize and schedule assigned tasks.

Embedded within a civil engineering team supporting Phase I and Phase II transportation projects across WI, IL, IN, and KY, the CAD Specialist produces construction and bid documents while configuring and maintaining Bentley CAD products, OpenRoads Designer, and MicroStation/GeoPak to IDOT and INDOT standards. Working closely with engineering staff and Bentley support, this role refines company-wide CAD standards and trains users across multiple offices to ensure consistent, compliant plan production.

Accountabilities

• Perform uniform setup and configuration of Bentley CAD products for users throughout the company.
• Implement and maintain IDOT and INDOT CAD standards for OpenRoads Designer and MicroStation/GeoPak throughout the company.
• Maintain CAD workstations with the latest standards and updates as required by Bentley and clients.
• Support users with troubleshooting and developing necessary fixes or workarounds due to product issues.
• Interact with Bentley support to escalate and resolve software issues.
• Evaluate and recommend Bentley tools to improve work efficiency.
• Assist engineering staff with design tasks and production of construction and bid documents.
• Train other Bentley CAD users and develop standards and best practices across multiple offices.

Professional Experience

• Associate's degree in Engineering Technology and/or Bentley certifications preferred.
• 7+ years of experience as a CAD Designer or CAD Manager in the Civil Engineering field.
• Experience with IDOT CAD Standards for roadway geometrics, topographic survey, boundary survey, and plats of highways, and the IDOT CAD Modeling and Deliverables Manual.
• Design experience for transportation projects including roadway and structures.
• High level of proficiency with OpenRoads Designer, MicroStation SS4/SS10, and GeoPak.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong communication and organizational skills with ability to work across multiple offices.
• Valid driver's license with ability to occasionally travel to other offices.

Reporting to senior project staff, the Architectural CAD Specialist produces construction documents and technical detail drawings while overseeing and inspecting the work of draftspersons on construction projects. Partnering with project managers and senior staff, this role maintains and expands the company CAD Manual and standard detail library to uphold graphical standards and ensure error-free drawing submissions.

Role Responsibilities

• Produce construction documents including drawing sets and technical detail drawings.
• Create accurate CAD drawings from hand sketches, verbal instructions, and site visits.
• Oversee, organize, and inspect the work of draftspersons and other team members on construction projects.
• Review drawing sets for adherence to company graphical standards and check sketches and drawings for errors before submission.
• Create, edit, and update the company's standard detail library.
• Maintain and expand upon the company's existing CAD Manual.
• Work with multilines, dynamic blocks, tool palettes, and other drawing aids.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5 years of experience in architectural CAD drafting required.
• In-depth knowledge of building design, specifications, building codes, and spatial visualization of material and system integration.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and competency in Revit BIM modeling.
• Technical aptitude with strong attention to detail, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities with ability to work independently and seek clarity from senior staff when needed.
• Familiarity with building envelope and waterproofing construction materials is a plus.

Sitting at the intersection of BIM technology and civil/MEP engineering practice, the BIM/CAD Specialist creates standards, develops workflows, and evaluates emerging technologies including laser scanning and photogrammetry to support design, construction, and asset management outcomes. Operating across the TEC Department and Autodesk Cloud Solutions, this role ensures that information generated from BIM models and CAD drawings is organized and handed off accurately to the Agency's Asset Management System.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Create BIM/CAD standards aligned with compliance requirements.
• Develop BIM/CAD workflows for design and construction.
• Provide training to on-site technical end users.
• Develop and update contract language pertaining to BIM deliverables for various contracting mechanisms across all project stages.
• Create and maintain BIM/CAD libraries.
• Support Autodesk Cloud Solutions working with the TEC Department.
• Evaluate and introduce new BIM technologies including laser scanning, photogrammetry, and geospatial tools.
• Organize and standardize information from BIM Models and CAD Drawings to facilitate asset data handoff to the Agency's Asset Management System.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience working in a MEP or Civil environment.
• 3+ years of experience with AutoCAD.
• General knowledge of integrated architectural and engineering practice.
• Proficient in Autodesk Revit, Navisworks, and AutoCAD, with experience in Dynamo and BIM 360 as a plus.
• Strong organizational skills, detail orientation, and excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, manage changing priorities, and work both independently and collaboratively.