Associate Designer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is looking to add CAD Designers to our Western New York offices.
If you enjoy bringing civil designs to life using AutoCAD Civil 3D, collaborating with engineers and project managers, and seeing your work directly impact infrastructure projects in local communities, we'd love to meet you.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world's most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential - join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
As a CAD Designer, you'll play a key role in transforming engineering concepts into buildable, high-quality plans. You'll support the design and documentation of civil infrastructure projects, including landfill, and renewable energy, working alongside engineers and project managers to deliver accurate, detailed drawings that align with both client and Tetra Tech standards.
This position offers exposure to a variety of project types - from pipelines and site grading to drainage and roadway improvements - giving you the opportunity to apply your technical skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D while contributing to impactful community projects.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineers to set up, prepare, and manage construction drawings.

• Prepare dimensional drawings and modify base files using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Revise and update existing drawings to reflect design changes.
• Create and maintain electronic file structures and naming conventions in accordance with company standards.
• Manage file organization, XREFs, and data shortcuts in accordance with best practices
• Develop 3D models of project features using CAD software
• Work collaboratively on drawings that meet and exceed client requirements during bid and submittal phases.
• Prepare project documents from start to finish with professional-quality output.
• Manage multiple active projects and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Adhere to CAD standards (Tetra Tech or client-specific).

Required Qualifications:
Associate degree in CAD Drafting or a related field, or completion of a certified Autodesk Civil 3D training program, plus at least 5 or more relevant work experience.

• Strong working knowledge of Civil 3D modules, including:
  • Survey, Points, Surfaces
  • Alignments, Profiles, Corridors
  • Sections, Pipe Networks
  • Volume calculations, labeling, and analysis
• Experience with:
  • Grading plan preparation and revisions
  • Cut/fill calculations and balancing quantities
  • Survey files, coordinate systems, and data shortcuts
• Ability to manage XREFs, file organization, and plotting standards (CTB/STB/PC3)
• Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and QA/QC procedures
• Ability to visualize designs in 3D
• Excellent communication skills - interpersonal, listening, oral, and written.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and general PC usage.
• Knowledge of standard drafting practices and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage time effectively.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Skills & Competencies:

• Knowledge of civil engineering and land development principles
• Familiarity with renewable energy project design (solar preferred)
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and resolve technical design issues
• Strong multi-tasking and time management skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Project)
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods
• Ability to review detailed drawings and technical documents
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Office-based work environment with potential hybrid flexibility
• Occasional coordination with field teams or site visits as needed
Additional Information:
• Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs