AutoCAD Designer Job Descriptions for Hiring Managers and HR

What Does an AutoCAD Designer Do?

An AutoCAD designer is a professional who uses AutoCAD software to create, edit, and modify detailed 2D and 3D drawings and designs. The drawings and designs created by AutoCAD designers are used in a variety of industries, such as architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and product design.

AutoCAD designers typically use the software to create detailed technical drawings and plans, such as architectural plans, mechanical schematics, and electrical diagrams. They also use the software to create 3D models of buildings, products, and other objects, and can use these models to create photorealistic visualizations and animations. Designers are responsible for collaborating with other members of the design team, such as architects and engineers, to ensure that the drawings and designs they create meet project requirements.

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National Average Salary

AutoCAD designer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

AutoCAD designer salary data

The average national salary for an AutoCAD Designer is:

$65,230

AutoCAD Designer Job Descriptions

The key to attracting the ideal AutoCAD designer often lies in the job description. To make this task easier, we have curated a selection of examples that can be used as templates, ensuring you set the right foundation for your talent search.

Example 1

We are looking for an AutoCAD designer to join our team! If you have experience in the AutoCAD design field and have experience working closely with an engineer, this position might be for you! [Your Company Name] is looking for a professional, active, and fast AutoCAD designer to assist our engineer in relevant projects. Candidate tasks will include creating occasional, original designs and mocking up 2D sketches provided by the engineer. This position is part-time, but has the potential to become full-time. The candidate should have a good working knowledge of CAD software, engineering, and architecture. If this sounds your dream job, please apply! We would love to have you join our team.

Typical duties and responsibilities

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create drawings and plans
Collaborate with architects and engineers on projects
Determine the proper size and materials for products
Add details to architectural plans

Education and experience

AutoCAD designers need to earn a high school diploma or equivalent, with classes in math, science, design, and computer graphics. Graduates typically continue their education by earning an associate’s degree from a community college or certificate from a technical school. Professional certifications also are available.

Required skills and qualifications

Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills
Expertise in time management and the ability to meet deadlines
Ability to understand technical drawings and plans
Advanced math and computer skills
Creativity and artistic ability
Keen attention to detail

Preferred qualifications

Familiar with AutoCAD software
Ability to self-manage
Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field
4+ years of experience

Example 2

Duties and responsibilities

Develop store designs for new stores and remodels with a creative and problem-solving approach while adhering to brand standards
Work collaboratively with internal management and 3rd party vendors to achieve best practices and standardization across the brands
Manage the company’s corporate prototype designs through the 3rd party architect and engineer ensuring XYZ’s design standards are met with an overall focus on reducing construction costs
Create schematic layouts and elevations in CAD for new store locations and current store remodels and renovations
Work with external partners including but not limited to Architects, Engineers, Sign Manufactures and Installers, Fixture Contractors, and other applicable vendors to bid on projects and assess project costs
Support the Planning team and Project Directors with timelines, scheduling, budgeting, project documentation, and project delivery
Generate reports and checklists as directed
Site visits for as-built measurements and field verification as required

Experience

Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Design, Project/Construction Management, or a related field
Two to three years of related professional experience preferred
Strong ability to work in CAD software required
3-D modeling software and/or Adobe Creative Suite experience a plus
Understanding of construction project management, schedules, project budgeting, and compliance monitoring
Proficiency in Microsoft Office software applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and MS Project
Ability to manage multiple tasks involving complex and varying problems
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proven attention to detail
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Example 3

Responsibilities

Create engineering drawings using AutoCAD for telecommunications new site builds, modification projects, site upgrades, and fiber optic builds
Track assigned tasks and prioritize the completion of tasks accordingly
Maintain ABC Company’s CAD standards and templates
Learn telecommunications equipment and client-specific equipment and their usage
Learn conduit design from client-specific standards
Read and analyze existing blueprints, construction drawings, and plans
Routinely produce accurate drawings promptly and efficiently
Ability to complete CAD drawings independently in a timely manner
Learn construction methods and best practices
Evaluate the design for constructability

Qualifications

Technical degree or appropriate commensurate experience required, B.S. Civil/Structural Engineering, Building Construction preferred
0 to 3 years of experience with the production of engineering drawings
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite
Working knowledge of 3D modeling software such as Autodesk Inventor
Ability to work autonomously without supervision required
Experience with the production of structural and/or civil engineering drawings for telecommunications new site builds, upgrades, and fiber optic networks (or similar site engineering drawings) preferred
Telecommunications and/or utility experience preferred
Ability to review site documentation and gather the necessary information to complete the assignment

Example 4

What you will do on a typical day

To interpret specifications and drawings and take responsibility for all technical aspects of creating complete, functional, and safe mechanical designs from them
To work with the Project Manager to complete drawings and calculations for submittal and manufacturing according to project schedules and budgets
To interact with in a professional manner and supervise all designers, engineers, production personnel, contractors, or customers involved with the same or related projects
To support the design, manufacture, and installation of all projects throughout the complete production process including travel to the work site when required
To become familiar with the documented company processes and standards. Identify non-conformances and initiate Corrective Action Reports as necessary
To contribute to the company infrastructure whenever possible through activities such as the development of new products and processes, as well as maintenance of Standard Product Drawings
Identifying non-conformities and initiating Corrective Action Reports and Supplier Action Reports as needed
Performing work activities that are in line with achieving the company’s Quality Objectives

At a minimum, you’ll need

2-year technical degree
Proficiency in mechanical drawing principles and CAD software
Proficiency in technical math and the principles of machinery design
Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software
The current version of AutoCAD

Candidate Certifications to Look For

Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting. The Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD certificate is an industry-recognized standard for AutoCAD designers. This certificate was created for advanced candidates in order to further their CAD skillsets revolving around AutoCAD and Autodesk. This program is offered by the official Autodesk company.
AutoCAD and Digital Manufacturing. The AutoCAD and Digital Manufacturing certificate is also offered by Autodesk, not only providing industry recognition, but assistance in training and understanding AutoCAD techniques. This certificate also offers digital manufacturing training in order to provide a comprehensive certificate for industry professionals.

How to Hire an AutoCAD Designer

There are a number of initial considerations when hiring an AutoCAD designer:

Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
Management: Do you have the time and expertise to direct the work effort effectively?
Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?

Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. When hiring an AutoCAD designer, we recommend the following options:

1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)

The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.

This is the best route to take when:

You need to fill the position quickly
You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets

Navy 4 Corner Resources banner that says setting the standard for recruiting excellence

2. Advertise your opening on a top job board

Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.

We recommend using a job board when:

Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
You are prepared to respond to all applicants

We recommend using CareerBuilder when hiring an AutoCAD designer:

CareerBuilder

CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.

3. Leverage your internal resources

You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.

A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.

Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.

We recommend these options when:

Your brand has great name recognition
You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
You have an effective employee referral program in place

If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.