CAD Designer (Entry-level)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: CAD Designer / CAD Drafter
Job Description

This role focuses on providing detailed CAD design and drafting support for engineering projects, working 100% on site in an office environment in Ann Arbor. The CAD Designer will primarily perform redline work, create and update engineering drawings, and support professional engineers on multiple concurrent projects. The position offers exposure to power generation, oil and gas, and industrial projects, with opportunities to work on general arrangement drawings, plant layouts, and P&IDs while learning additional design tools and standards.

Responsibilities

• Support professional engineers and technical staff by preparing, updating, and revising CAD drawings and design deliverables.
• Perform redline work by incorporating markups and changes into existing drawings with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Develop and maintain general arrangement drawings, plant layouts, piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), piping details, and pipe support details.
• Use AutoCAD as the primary design software and learn and apply MicroStation as needed for project requirements.
• Apply multiple design standards as directed by engineers and project leads to ensure drawings meet project and client requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other team members in a team-oriented environment, participating in daily team meetings and project discussions.
• Organize, manage, and maintain drawing files and documentation in an orderly and accessible manner.
• Work on a minimum of two projects at a time, and up to three, while effectively prioritizing tasks and managing deadlines.
• Participate in site visits with engineers as needed to gather field information and verify existing conditions for use in design and drafting work.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with team members, asking questions and seeking clarification to ensure accurate deliverables.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new software tools, design standards, and industry practices to support evolving project needs.

• 0–1 years of experience in design or drafting, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD design software, with the ability to develop and modify detailed drawings.
• Proficiency with computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Knowledge and practical use of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and related tools.
• Ability to display strong attention to detail and good organizational skills in managing drawings and project documentation.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work productively in a team setting.
• Associate or technical school degree, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Commitment to actively participating in a collaborative, employee-focused culture.
• Ability to support at least two engineers and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation in a professional or academic setting.
• Experience in power generation, oil and gas, or industrial projects.
• Familiarity with general arrangement drawings, plant layouts, and P&IDs.
• Exposure to or experience with additional software such as Navisworks and Revit.
• Experience working with multiple design standards across different projects.
• Associate degree in a technical field, or completion of a technical school program in design or drafting.
• Background or education in electrical, civil, or mechanical disciplines.
• More than two years of experience developing deliverables using AutoCAD is a plus.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new tools, processes, and design methods.

The role is 100% on site in an office building in Ann Arbor, working primarily in a cubicle environment alongside engineers and other drafters. The setting is highly interactive, with daily team meetings and frequent collaboration with engineers, as each drafter supports two engineers and typically works on two to three projects at a time. The work involves a mix of office-based CAD drafting and occasional site visits with an engineer to collect field information and verify existing conditions. The office culture emphasizes teamwork and engagement, offering optional team-building activities and a monthly office potluck. The environment supports continuous learning and collaboration, with access to modern CAD tools such as AutoCAD and MicroStation and standard office software to complete project work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Ann Arbor,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.