Sr AutoCAD Designer

Overview:

Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer - Minneapolis, MN or Milwaukee, WI

We are seeking a Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer to lead the development of detailed civil engineering drawings, advanced Civil 3D models, and fully coordinated construction documentation for a wide range of infrastructure and land development projects. In this senior technical role, you will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, architects, planners, and cross‑disciplinary teams to transform engineering concepts into accurate, buildable design solutions.

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,…