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Civil 3D CAD Designer

Cogent Talent Solutions · Multiple locations ·

Pay:
$70,000-$85,000/yr
Job type:
Full Time

CAD Designer – Civil Engineering & Surveying

Our client, a growing civil engineering and surveying team is seeking a skilled CAD Designer to produce accurate, production-ready drawings for land development, site design, and survey projects. This role is highly collaborative, working directly with licensed engineers and surveyors to translate field data, design intent, and engineering calculations into complete, permit-ready plan sets using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly proficient with Civil 3D, and comfortable managing multiple active drawings in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
$70,000 - $85,000 a year
Key Responsibilities
Produce civil engineering plan sets including grading, drainage, utilities, and site layout using AutoCAD Civil 3D
Incorporate survey field data into base drawings and existing-conditions plans
Draft plats, easements, legal descriptions, and survey exhibits
Apply and maintain CAD standards, templates, layering conventions, and LISP routines
Coordinate with engineers and surveyors to resolve design details and ensure drawing accuracy
Prepare permit submittal packages and address municipal redline comments
Manage drawing revisions and maintain organized project file structures
Assist with quantity take-offs and construction detail preparation
Must-Have Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of hands-on AutoCAD Civil 3D production experience
Experience producing civil site plan sets from concept through permit-ready drawings
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, surveys, and legal descriptions
Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
Ability to manage multiple active drawings simultaneously
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with land development, subdivision, or site design projects
Familiarity with AutoLISP routines and workflow automation
Exposure to survey data processing (point files, surfaces, boundary drafting)
Experience with municipal submittal standards and permitting processes
Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related field
What Makes an Ideal Fit
Reliable self-starter who takes ownership of their drawings
Comfortable working in a small, high-output team environment
Communicates proactively when issues arise
Strong organizational habits and ability to prioritize deadlines
Asks clarifying questions early to avoid rework
Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
Dependable, consistent, and prepared for each day's workload
Standout Candidate Qualities
Deep Civil 3D expertise: surfaces, corridors, pipe networks, sheet set management
Experience at a small civil/survey firm with full plan-set production exposure
Familiarity with state-specific design standards and drainage requirements
Proven ability to work from minimal direction and produce clean, permit-ready drawings on the first pass
Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, HSA
Why This Role Stands Out
This position offers real ownership over your work — not anonymous drafting in a large production queue. You'll see your drawings progress from initial concept to permitted project, with direct collaboration across engineering and surveying disciplines. The team is lean, the work is varied, and strong performance is rewarded through a project-based incentive structure. For a CAD Designer who wants to grow quickly, contribute meaningfully, and be recognized for their skill, this environment offers a clear advantage over large corporate firms.