CADD TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

A CADD Technician in civil and infrastructure engineering converts engineering intent into construction-ready drawings. Drawings that fail DOT permit standards or miss state agency formatting requirements can delay project approvals by months. This role produces the permit sets, construction plans, and as-built documentation that keep infrastructure projects - roadways, bridges, drainage corridors, and utility networks - moving through review and into the field. Accurate output from this seat directly determines how quickly a project team can break ground.

As the CADD Technician, you produce drafting deliverables that span DOT mapping, right-of-way documentation, and permit-compliant construction sets for civil and infrastructure projects. You work alongside engineers, project managers, and field survey crews, translating technical specifications into drawing packages that meet AASHTO standards and state agency requirements.

Career Impact: Drafting experience across roadway, bridge, and survey deliverables builds a technical portfolio that is recognized by DOT agencies and civil engineering firms as a benchmark credential for advancement toward senior technician or civil designer roles.

Business Impact: Construction teams and estimators depend on accurate, standards-compliant drawing sets to bid projects correctly and avoid costly field revisions during infrastructure delivery.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to survey data processing, quantity take-offs, and design-build project workflows expands your technical scope and creates a direct path toward Senior CADD Technician or Civil Designer roles.

• Prepare construction drawings for roadway, bridge, drainage, and utility projects to meet state and local agency submission standards.
• Incorporate engineer redlines and markup comments into revised drawing sets to support iterative design review cycles.
• Develop plan and profile sheets, cross sections, and sitemaps from survey data and aerial photography within drawing sets.
• Compile area and volume calculations to support quantity take-off and cost estimation activities.
• Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and field crews to verify design intent and resolve drawing discrepancies.
• Draft DOT MOT plans, railroad permits, construction access plans, and environmental permit exhibits as required per project scope.
• Maintain and organize drawing files in accordance with established CAD standards and project documentation protocols.
• Review drawing dimensions, material callouts, and part relationships to ensure accuracy before engineer sign-off.

• Associate's degree in computer aided drafting, civil engineering technology, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of drafting and design experience in civil engineering, infrastructure, or survey environments, with demonstrated proficiency in CAD-based drawing production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, survey plats, and construction specifications accurately.
• Knowledge of DOT plan formatting requirements, permit drawing conventions, and state agency submission standards.
• Proficiency in 2D drafting including plan and profile layouts, cross sections, and construction detail sheets.
• Ability to perform area, volume, and basic geometric calculations in support of design and quantity take-off tasks.
• Valid driver's license with a record acceptable to employer insurance standards.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to manage multiple drawing assignments under deadline pressure.

• Experience drafting for roadway, highway, or bridge projects under AASHTO or state DOT design guide requirements.
• Familiarity with 3D infrastructure modeling including alignment and profile design, DTM modeling, and drainage corridor generation.
• Prior experience processing field survey data or working within a survey technician capacity on land development or utility projects.
• Certified Survey Technician designation or Land Surveyor Intern standing preferred for roles with significant survey drafting scope.

• Drawing revision cycles per submittal, measuring how completely redlines are resolved before re-issue.
• Permit submission acceptance rate, reflecting compliance with DOT and state agency formatting standards on first submission.
• Drawing output volume per week, tracking productivity against project schedule milestones.
• Quantity take-off variance, comparing drafted calculations against engineer-verified estimates across project phases.
• Field RFI rate attributable to drawing errors, measuring how often construction teams flag documentation gaps.
• Typical tools: 2D and 3D CAD platforms (commonly AutoCAD and Civil 3D); survey data and DOT corridor design software (commonly MicroStation and InRoads).

• Base Salary Range: $45,000 to $68,000 per year depending on experience and location.
• Bonus: Project completion or performance bonuses common at mid-size civil firms.
• Equity: Equity participation uncommon at this level in civil engineering firms.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard across most employers.
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, increasing with tenure.
• Common Perks: Mileage reimbursement for site visits, professional development allowance, and CAD software training support.

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 this position, and employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The CADD Technician owns the preparation of means and methods drawings covering construction sequences, formwork definition, lifting operations, and temporary works for large-scale infrastructure projects under a design-build joint venture. Collaborating with engineers and construction teams across multiple departments, this role ensures drawing compliance with employer requirements and CADD Manual workflows, directly enabling safe and objection-free permanent construction delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare means and methods drawings covering construction methods, sequence of works, temporary works, formwork definition, lifting operations, and logistic issues including scaffolding and access.
• Ensure all requirements from employers and relevant parties are met with no objections to the permanent construction.
• Develop drawings using the workflows set in the CADD Manual.
• Produce drawings compliant with required standards using designated software.
• Collaborate closely with other departments and engineers.
• Integrate quality and safety measures and prevent risks in execution methods and sequence drawings.
• Report on the progress of design development.
• Circulate drawings to the design or construction team for review and integrate received comments through issuance of revised drawings.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 1 year of experience as a Draftsman or CAD Designer in the construction industry and in infrastructure works including roadway, bridge, and tunnel.
• Minimum 1 year of experience using AutoCAD and Autodesk Civil 3D software.
• Experience with formwork, work sequences, and construction methods drawings.
• Experience in infrastructure 3D modeling such as building pads, alignment and profile design, roadway modeling, DTM modeling, drainage, cross sections, and quantity take-offs.
• Experience with MicroStation GEOPAK SS4 or Bentley OpenRoads Designer.
• Knowledge or experience in BIM software such as Revit, Navisworks, or Synchro.
• Previous experience in tunneling projects and large infrastructure projects.
• Strong organizational skills with high ability to work under pressure and communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

Embedded within a surveying and engineering firm with over 50 years of industry experience spanning the US and Caribbean, the CADD Technician delivers drawing sets covering DOT MOT plans, railroad permits, construction access plans, and environmental permits for diverse civil projects. Working closely with designers and engineers, this role produces final construction drawings and detailed sitemaps that support accurate, deadline-driven project deliverables.

Core Functions

• Set up drawings in accordance with specified CAD standards.
• Prepare drawing plots relative to project requirements and deliverables as directed by designers.
• Incorporate redlines or markups to plan drawings and figures quickly and accurately per engineering reviews.
• Perform area and volume calculations.
• Utilize existing aerial photography and survey data within drawing sets.
• Illustrate existing survey locations and boundaries.
• Create detailed and accurate sitemaps with utilities for use in design plans.
• Prepare working design drawings and final construction drawings based on various engineering designs including plan and profiles, state and county permits, railroad permits, DOT MOT plans, construction access plans, control house plans, and environmental permits.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or acceptable equivalency diploma required.
• Graduate of a two-year program in computer aided drafting and design techniques from an accredited college or technical school preferred.
• 1-3 years of drafting and design experience using AutoCAD or MicroStation, with civil engineering field preferred.
• Prior experience in civil design and site development preferred.
• Technical knowledge of Civil 3D or DOT environment preferred.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD required, with practical knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to company insurance provider required.
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and multi-task effectively while reading and interpreting engineering plans and identifying discrepancies between drawings and specifications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Reporting to the design staff, the CADD Technician delivers detailed fabrication drawings and bills of material used in the manufacture and installation of products, working from site plans, engineering specifications, and custom programs. Partnering with design staff and fellow team members, this role performs dimensional calculations and maintains standard and custom details across all product families, enabling accurate and on-schedule production outcomes.

Primary Duties

• Work with custom programs to create detailed drawings and bills of material for the manufacture and installation of products.
• Review design information, site plans, and manuals to determine critical dimensions of design.
• Perform calculations to produce design information necessary to create fabrication drawings.
• Confer with design staff to determine design requirements, modifications, and issues.
• Efficiently produce accurate drawings for review and approval by design staff.
• Coordinate with other team members to accomplish required tasks.
• Submit and review drawings with peers before design staff review.
• Develop and maintain standard and custom details for all product families.

Skills and Qualifications

• Strong technical skills with an academic background in AutoCAD and proficiency in current versions of AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within the engineering field.
• Excellent math skills with ability to read and interpret documents, technical manuals, and engineering concepts.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Inventor, and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work as a member of a team with strong attention to detail under conditions involving frequent changes, delays, and unexpected events.
• Good oral and written communication skills including phone, personal, and written correspondence.

Sitting at the intersection of aviation planning and civil drafting, the CADD Technician shapes the preparation of airport layout plans, airspace drawings, and technical illustrations using AutoCAD-based systems under the direction of planners, architects, and engineers at Michael Baker International. Operating across coordinated design teams that include aviation designers, drafters, and architects, this role applies FAA airport design criteria to deliver planning and engineering drawing packages that support infrastructure and environmental project outcomes.

Duties

• Use CADD software to prepare planning and engineering drawings consisting of various report graphics, technical illustrations, drawings and charts, airport layout plans, airport facility layouts, and airspace drawings.
• Work closely with other aviation designers, drafters, planners, architects, and engineers to ensure coordinated design.
• Apply standard drafting and design principles and theories to complete assignments.
• Read and understand orthographic 2D and isometric 3D designs.
• Compile data and perform dimensional and routine calculations required for the preparation of drawings.

Technical Qualifications

• Successful completion of an industry-based technical certification or similar degree program for technical drafting and illustration.
• 3-5 years of experience applying professional drafting skills using AutoCAD-based drafting systems.
• Ability to reference, understand, and apply FAA-published airport design criteria used in airport planning, airfield layouts, navigable airspace obstruction analysis, and Airport Layout Plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD Map, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Ability to incorporate data and graphical elements generated by GIS-based systems.

Precise, multi-discipline construction drawings for transit, highway, and local agency clients depend on the Sr. CADD Technician, who oversees complex computer-aided drafting work spanning roadway, bridge structural detailing, drainage, aviation, and utilities design. Based within a team environment that includes engineers and junior drafters, this senior role develops project-specific standards and mentors team members, advancing transportation infrastructure delivery across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska agency programs.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Prepare roadway, aviation, traffic, drainage, utilities, survey, and construction drawings to support transit, highway, local agency, and other transportation clients.
• Prepare structural details for bridges and other civil works structures including modifying client standards and creating new custom details.
• Perform various design and quantity calculations.
• Develop concept level design for analysis.
• Redesign, modify, or edit existing design as required.
• Oversee varied and complex computer-aided drafting and design work.
• Develop standards and symbols to meet specialized needs of a particular project.
• Develop and mentor team members.

Experience and Qualifications

• Formal CADD training preferred with a minimum of 5 years of CADD experience.
• Previous experience working on KDOT, MoDOT, and Kansas City Metro Area municipal projects and standards.
• Experience in roadway and highway conceptual design with understanding of AASHTO and Kansas, Missouri, or Nebraska State Agency design guides and standards.
• Experience in modeling in Open Roads, Open Roads Designer, or AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Some experience with Alternative Delivery Design-Build projects preferred.
• Proficiency in ProjectWise, MicroStation, InRoads SS4, Power Civil SS4, Open Roads, Open Roads Designer, or AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to work within a team environment.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States immediately.

As the Electrical BIM - CADD Technician, this role models electrical systems in three dimensions using Autodesk MEP Revit BIM software under the direction of engineers and electrical designers to produce conflict-free construction documents. The engineering team relies on this work to coordinate piping and duct designs across departments, mentor less experienced drafters, and deliver plans, sections, elevations, and schedules that meet client quality standards.

Job Functions

• Model systems in 3 dimensions using BIM software to coordinate and create conflict-free piping and duct designs.
• Set up drawings utilizing office standards and basic design criteria provided by an engineer and prepare and revise drawings accordingly.
• Assist in the production of construction documents utilizing Revit building information software.
• Collaborate with peers and assist in training and direction of less experienced drafters.
• Coordinate production of documents with other departments.
• Produce CADD-based documents or changes to documents and develop details based on redlines from supervisors or senior team members.
• Prepare construction documents including plans, sections, elevations, details, and schedules as directed by engineers, designers, or project managers.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or higher education in computer technology, drafting and design, integrated arts, animation and modeling, or a related program.
• 6 months to 2 years of job-related experience.
• Proficiency in Autodesk MEP Revit, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and Outlook.
• Competent mathematical skills with strong analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

CADD Technician builds detailed layouts, diagrams, and quantity computations for heavy civil highway and bridge construction projects, supporting estimators and engineers throughout the design and bidding process. The work directly supports accurate cost estimation and construction planning by translating sketches and verbal direction into finished drawings that meet drafting standards and project specifications.

What You'll Do

• Support estimators and engineers by preparing routine layouts, detail drawings, and diagrams for heavy civil highway and bridge construction projects.
• Use computer design and drafting software to design and draft plans for estimators and engineers.
• Create and revise drawings, checking dimensions of plan, materials to be used, and relation of various parts to the project.
• Perform quantity computations and cost estimates under the supervision of estimators and engineers.
• Draw finished designs from sketches or verbal instructions.
• Apply drafting methods, standards, and procedures appropriately.
• Maintain and organize plan drawings and update drafting and engineering standards as required.

Background and Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in computer drafting and design preferred, with 2-3 years of experience in heavy civil highway and bridge construction preferred.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in the latest version of CAD software and Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts including geometry, trigonometry, fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions.
• Strong interpersonal and oral and written communication skills with a high degree of detail orientation.
• Ability to solve practical problems and interpret a variety of instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

The CADD Technician produces computer-generated civil engineering drawings and construction plans for commercial development, subdivision, and site planning projects in accordance with established standards, working from sketches, specifications, and verbal direction. Collaborating with a design team that includes engineers and planners, this role develops proficiency in coordinate geometry, earthwork, and hydraulic calculations to support accurate, client-oriented project documentation.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Prepare computer-generated civil engineering drawings and exhibits according to established standards and procedures.
• Complete detailed drawings from sketches, plans, specifications, and written and verbal instructions using computer-aided drafting programs.
• Assist members of the design team with the preparation of construction plans, exhibits, and other graphics and complete simple calculations with specific instructions.
• Follow the company's standard CADD procedures for layering and standard drawing procedures for sheet layout.
• Communicate with other team members regarding project schedules and offer progress reports.
• Develop skills and proficiency in computer-aided design software for basic coordinate geometry, earthwork, hydrologic, and hydraulic calculations.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of high school or technical school training with courses in computer-aided drafting or equivalent experience.
• 3 years or more of experience using AutoCAD, preferably Civil 3D, in an engineering environment.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil 3D software applications.
• Ability to multi-task, appropriately prioritize workflow, and complete tasks while managing time effectively.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a highly client service-oriented, self-starter, and team player mindset.

The Survey CADD Technician delivers drafted land survey plats, ALTA surveys, topographic maps, and Digital Terrain Models under limited supervision, supporting a survey team with field note interpretation, public records research, and right-of-way parcel definition. Working closely with survey team leaders and project staff, this role follows department quality control plans to produce accurate survey documentation that serves internal and external stakeholders on matters of moderate importance.

Scope of Work

• Interpret field notes and sketches.
• Perform feature code editing and processing.
• Generate and edit Digital Terrain Models.
• Conduct public records research and right-of-way acquisition parcel definition.
• Draft land survey plats, ALTA surveys, and topographic maps.
• Follow department quality processes and project quality control plans.
• Work as a team player and contribute to an exceptional culture under limited supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with a Bachelor's or Associate's degree in an applicable field preferred.
• Land Surveyor Intern or Certified Survey Technician certification preferred.
• 1 year or more of CADD experience with MicroStation or related software.
• 1 year or more of field survey experience and experience as a survey technician.
• Minimum 4-5 years of CADD drafting or design experience using AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation InRoads, or Trimble Business Center preferred.
• Georgia Department of Transportation Plan Presentation Guide experience preferred.
• Good social and communication skills with ability to pass drug screen and background checks.

Embedded within a survey and utility services group, the CADD Technician refines field crew data into state DOT mapping, test-hole reports, and quality-assured utility deliverables while verifying existing utilities through direct site visits. Working closely with project managers and engineers, this role gathers utility records and coordinates quality control activities that ensure accurate and reliable infrastructure documentation.

Operational Focus

• Process field crew data and prepare state DOT mapping.
• Prepare test-hole reports.
• Gather utility records from utility companies.
• Visit project sites to verify existing utilities.
• Provide quality control and quality assurance on utility services deliverables.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• High school diploma required, with an Associate's degree preferred.
• 2 years or more of previous survey or utility services related work experience.
• Valid driver's license required or ability to obtain one prior to employment.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and MicroStation.
• Intermediate level proficiency in Microsoft Office.

As the CADD Technician, this role oversees AutoCAD take-offs, panel layout drawings, as-built drawings, and bid form reviews to assist the project management and estimating department across geosynthetic and civil construction projects. The estimating team relies on this work to track proposals, obtain material pricing from vendors, and maintain organized job files that support timely and accurate project bidding outcomes.

Areas of Ownership

• Handle all support aspects to assist the project management and estimating department.
• Read engineering drawings and use AutoCAD to perform take-offs, draft panel layout drawings, details, and as-built drawings.
• Review project bid forms, specifications, geosynthetic material requirements, and safety requirements.
• Work with vendors to obtain material pricing.
• Type, email, track proposals, and maintain job files.
• Manage multiple tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

Professional Experience

• 1-2 years of experience preferred.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD and ability to read technical drawings.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent telephone manner with good typing skills.
• Detail-oriented and results-driven with strong organizational skills and ability to work well in a group setting.

Senior Survey CADD Technician manages boundary analysis support, COGO calculations, legal description preparation, and survey report production in assistance to the Professional Surveyor and Mapper across land development, ALTA, and topographic survey projects. Success in the position means delivering precise deed sketches and field-ready research packages that enable survey team leaders, project managers, and field crews to execute accurate and compliant land survey programs.

Accountabilities

• Organize research for field operations.
• Reduce field observations and prepare data for drafting.
• Prepare legal descriptions and deed sketches.
• Assist the PSM by preparing survey reports and COGO calculations.
• Assist the PSM with boundary analysis.

Background and Experience

• 5 years or more of experience as a survey technician in land development, boundary surveys, topographic surveys, ALTA land title surveys, and route design surveys.
• CST certification preferred.
• Previous field experience as a surveyor is a plus.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center.
• Ability to work well with survey team leaders, project managers, and field crews.
• Excellent research, analytical, problem-solving, writing, and communication skills with ability to work independently.