CAD designers are an integral part of engineering teams in manufacturing, construction, industrial and civil projects. Typically, CAD designers and drafters are responsible for creating the plans that engineers and staff will use to build a project. They are given codes and requirements for the project and they use that information to bring the lead engineer or architect’s project to life.
Designers spend most of their time in a lab or office setting but they may be required to visit job sites from time to time. They need strong mathematical skills, good visualization abilities and impeccable attention to detail.
Required Education and Experience
There are no universal education and experience requirements for CAD designer jobs in the U.S. Employers typically set their own standards based on need, but in general, an associate degree from an accredited program is the minimum requirement for entry-level positions.
There are no licenses or certifications required to enter the field, but many professional CAD designers choose to pursue certifications to prove their skills and make themselves more competitive in the job market.
Job Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national median annual wage for CAD designers in 2016 was $53,480 per year, roughly $25.71 per hour. The salary aggregator at Indeed cites a slightly different figure for Georgia, reporting average salaries for current openings at around $48,000. CAD designers should keep in mind that salary and benefits vary based on company size, location and the experience of the individual drafter.
Current CAD Designer Job Opportunities
Selectek is actively recruiting for CAD designers and drafters for a company in Acworth, Georgia. The chosen candidate will be responsible for all telecom drafting responsibilities for wireless projects, co-locations, rooftop equipment work and some small-cell utility right-of-way designs. Applicants should have the ability to assist in the production and modification of construction drawing and design/drafting for civil site drawings will be considered, as well.
Applicants should have five to eight years of ACAD experience as well as telecom design and drafting experience. Experience in QA/QC of construction drawings, CAD lead experience, right-of-way QA/QC experience, small-cell, wireless tower, co-location experience is preferred. The position pays between $22 and $30 per hour, based on experience. You can learn more and apply for this position here.
If you are an experienced CAD designer in the Southeast looking for exciting new opportunities, we encourage you to reach out to the expert recruiters at Selectek. We are always seeking strong engineering talent to match with some of the most innovative companies in the region. Contact us to learn more or browse our job board to see more opportunities today.
