CAD Engineer Principal

Job Qualifications

Autodesk AutoCAD, Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Installation Design, Site Installation, Site Surveying

CAD ENGINEER PRINCIPAL. Make meaningful contributions that fuel critical outcomes for some of the most complex government and defense projects. Join GDIT as a Principal CAD Engineer for a career where your growth is just as important as the mission you support.

In this hybrid role, you will act as the crucial bridge between our engineering design and field installation teams. Supporting a program dedicated to the deployment of networks for classified and unclassified DoD facilities worldwide, you will ensure that network infrastructure is meticulously planned in the drafting room and flawlessly executed in the field. By speaking the language of both the CAD engineers and the field technicians, you will reduce deployment friction, solve complex site challenges on the fly, and ensure our global installations strictly adhere to design standards.

• Design & Drafting:
  Create detailed 2D production drawings and 3D models (as required) of mechanical, electrical, and network systems to support global deployments. Proficiency in Autodesk Inventor, or similar, and AutoCAD is highly preferred.
• Equipment Installation:
  Actively participate in and support the physical on‑site installation of network hardware, equipment, and cabling at DoD facilities globally.
• Site Surveys & Verification:
  Conduct extensive site surveys at DoD facilities, Navy vessels, and/or remote facilities to gather data and verify existing configurations prior to deployment. Must have the physical ability to access confined spaces and climb ladders.
• Technical Writing & Documentation:
  Provide input into the technical writing program by developing technical data packages, writing BESEPs, Site Survey Reports, and SOVTs in accordance with the Shore Installation Process Handbook, DoD/Navy specifications, and training support personnel.
• Configuration Management:
  Manage the impact of design changes across installation design packages, bills of materials (BOM), and documentation to maintain strict configuration control throughout the installation lifecycle.
• Collaboration & Leadership:
  Collaborate directly with customers, engineers, and production personnel to optimize designs for field deployment. Conduct risk assessments, participate in design reviews, and mentor junior drafters/installers to ensure standards are met.

Bring your CAD expertise, hands‑on installation experience, and drive for innovation to GDIT. To succeed in this role, you must have:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor of Science, Associate's Degree, or equivalent work experience.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years of related experience blending CAD/drafting with field technical support.
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proven ability to execute 2D drafting and manage BOMs, combined with hands‑on hardware installation and technical writing capabilities. Familiarity with the Shore Installation Process Handbook (SIPH), System Operating Verification Testing Preparation Execution Guide (SPEG), military specifications (MIL‑SPECS) and NAVSEA standards is a plus.
• Role Requirements:
  
  This role requires a minimum of 10% global travel to classified and unclassified DoD facilities.
• Security clearance level:
  Secret.
• U.S. citizenship required.

• Growth: AI‑powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities.
• Support:
  An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals.
• Rewards:
  Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off.
• Community:
  Award‑winning culture of innovation and a military‑friendly workplace.

Our benefits package for all U.S.

-based employees includes a variety of medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts, dental plan options, a vision plan, and a 401(k) plan offering the ability to contribute both pre and post‑tax dollars up to the IRS annual limits and receive a company match. To encourage work‑life balance, GDIT offers employees full flex work weeks where possible and a variety of…