Sr. AutoCAD Designer (hybrid)

Job Description

Job Description

Hybrid near Minneapolis, MN or Milwaukee, WI
Salary range - $89,300-118,200/yr depending on experience

As a key technical leader, the Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer helps shape drafting standards, enhance production workflows, support QA/QC processes, and mentor junior designers. This position is ideal for someone with strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive, collaborative approach to delivering high quality civil design work.

In this role you will:

Civil Design & Technical Documentation

• Lead the preparation and development of complex civil engineering drawings, plans, and construction documents for infrastructure and land development projects.
• Produce highly detailed site layouts, grading plans, utility plans, roadway designs, profiles, sections, and related technical documentation.
• Ensure design documents accurately reflect engineering intent, project requirements, constructability considerations, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Coordinate drawing production across multiple project phases, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documentation.

Civil 3D Modeling & Technical Coordination

• Develop, manage, and refine advanced Civil 3D models, including grading, alignments, corridors, surfaces, utility systems, and pipe networks.
• Utilize data shortcuts, reference management, and model coordination workflows to support efficient multidisciplinary project delivery.
• Collaborate closely with civil engineers, architects, planners, landscape architects, and project managers to resolve design conflicts and support integrated project solutions.
• Interpret engineering calculations, sketches, markups, and technical reports to create accurate and constructible design models and documentation.

Quality Assurance & Standards Management

• Perform high-level QA/QC reviews of drawings and models produced by the design team to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal standards and jurisdictional requirements.
• Identify and resolve design conflicts, inconsistencies, and coordination issues proactively throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of CAD standards, templates, libraries, and production workflows.
• Promote consistency and best practices in drafting, file organization, model management, and project documentation.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

• Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior designers and drafting staff, providing guidance on Civil 3D workflows, production standards, and problem-solving approaches.
• Support project managers and engineering teams in establishing production schedules, deliverable expectations, and coordination strategies.
• Participate in project meetings and coordination discussions to support effective communication and project execution.
• Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on quality, accountability, continuous learning, and technical excellence.

You will need to have:

• Associate or bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or a related discipline required.
• Advanced training or certifications in AutoCAD Civil 3D strongly preferred.
• 10 years of progressive experience in AutoCAD and Civil 3D design within civil engineering, infrastructure, or land development environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex drafting and modeling efforts for multidisciplinary projects.
• Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including: surfaces, grading , alignments, corridors, pipe networks , profiles and sections, data shortcuts and reference management.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles, including earthwork modeling, utility coordination, site grading, stormwater systems, and roadway geometry.
• Experience integrating GIS datasets and coordinating models across multiple disciplines preferred.
• Advanced ability to interpret engineering calculations, architectural plans, and technical drawings and translate them into accurate construction documentation.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional project teams.
• Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to provide mentorship and technical guidance to other designers.