Associate Computer Aided Design Designer Jobs in Saint Louis, MO

Senior CAD Technician – Heavy Civil Construction

Location: St. Charles, MO
Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Salary: Competitive / Based on Experience
Relocation: Not Available
Start Date: ASAP

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior CAD Technician to support civil and heavy construction projects through detailed drafting, 3D modeling, quantity calculations, and construction documentation.

This position will primarily utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D and Trimble Business Center to develop models and drawings for projects involving roadways, highways, bridges, site development, parking areas, utilities, and grading. The role will work closely with field survey teams, project management, estimating, and construction personnel to ensure accurate project information and resolve design or field-related issues.

The position is primarily office-based but will require occasional travel to active construction sites for project coordination, field verification, and survey-related activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain 2D drawings and 3D models using AutoCAD Civil 3D for heavy civil construction projects.
• Prepare CAD files and construction documents for roadways, bridges, site development, paving, utilities, grading, and related infrastructure.
• Process survey and topographic information provided by field crews.
• Work with survey teams to incorporate field data, elevations, offsets, and GPS information into project models.
• Prepare grading models and assist with calculating earthwork quantities and material volumes.
• Support the estimating team with digital takeoffs, measurements, quantities, and other preconstruction information.
• Prepare and revise construction plans, profiles, details, and plan sets.
• Review drawings and field information to identify discrepancies and recommend practical solutions.
• Assist project teams in resolving drafting, design, and construction-related issues.
• Coordinate CAD information with engineering, surveying, estimating, project management, and construction teams.
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize assignments according to project deadlines.
• Ensure drawings and project documentation are accurate, organized, and completed within required schedules.
• Participate in field visits when necessary to verify existing conditions and support project coordination.
• Perform additional CAD, drafting, estimating, and project-support duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of CAD/drafting experience, preferably within heavy civil construction.
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D – required.
• Experience creating drawings and models for civil construction projects such as:
• • Roadways and highways
  • Bridges and structures
  • Site development
  • Parking lots
  • Utilities
  • Grading and paving
• Ability to read and interpret civil construction plans, elevations, grades, offsets, and specifications.
• Experience working with GPS/survey data.
• Strong understanding of civil construction processes and documentation.
• Ability to work independently while effectively coordinating with project teams.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard computer applications.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with any of the following is a plus:

• Trimble Business Center
• Trimble GPS
• AGTEK
• MicroStation
• GEOPAK
• Field surveying or construction surveying experience
• Certified Survey Technician (CST) Level II or equivalent experience
• Experience working with state, county, and municipal civil construction specifications

Education

• Associate or bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, Surveying, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and hands-on construction/CAD experience may be considered.

Work Environment

This is primarily an office-based position supporting active civil construction projects. Occasional travel to construction sites may be required for field verification, inspections, coordination, and project support.

Construction-site visits may involve exposure to:

• Noise
• Uneven terrain
• Construction equipment
• Dust and other site conditions
• Areas requiring appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

Physical Requirements

The position may require:

• Walking active construction sites.
• Walking on uneven terrain.
• Climbing stairs and ladders when required.
• Performing occasional field inspections or measurements.
• Sitting and working at a computer for extended periods.
• Managing multiple assignments and meeting project deadlines.

Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a hands-on CAD professional with heavy civil construction experience who can take survey and field information and turn it into accurate, usable construction drawings and 3D models.

Someone who understands not only how to draft, but also how the drawings and models are used in the field, will be particularly successful in this position.