1

Cad Designer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

Civil CAD Designer Role Description: Senior civil designer will utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D to design public works and development projects including water systems, sanitary sewer systems, roads and ...

Civil CAD Designer Role Description: Senior civil designer will utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D to design public works and development projects including water systems, sanitary sewer systems, roads and ...

Description Civil CAD Designer Role Description: Senior civil designer will utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D to design public works and development projects including water systems, sanitary sewer systems ...

Present designs to clients. Collaborate and Integrate: Work closely with clients and team members, including CAD Designers, Product Design Engineers, and R&D Mechanical Engineers, to integrate ...

Present designs to clients. Collaborate and Integrate: Work closely with clients and team members, including CAD Designers, Product Design Engineers, and R&D Mechanical Engineers, to integrate ...

Present designs to clients. Collaborate and Integrate: Work closely with clients and team members, including CAD Designers, Product Design Engineers, and R&D Mechanical Engineers, to integrate ...

Present designs to clients. * Collaborate and Integrate: Work closely with clients and team members, including CAD Designers, Product Design Engineers, and R&D Mechanical Engineers, to integrate ...

Job/Position Summary The CAD Engineer is responsible for creating, managing, and modifying complex CAD and drafting designs. Works closely with engineers and project managers to develop innovative ...

Job/Position Summary The CAD Engineer is responsible for creating, managing, and modifying complex CAD and drafting designs. Works closely with engineers and project managers to develop innovative ...

Job/Position Summary The CAD Engineer is responsible for creating, managing, and modifying complex CAD and drafting designs. Works closely with engineers and project managers to develop innovative ...

The Survey CAD Technician will work collectively with the Survey Team Leader, Phase Manager, and cross-functional internal departments. This individual will create, collect, analyze and validate ...

CAD Technician

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$31.63 - $42/hr

The Survey CAD Technician will work collectively with the Survey Team Leader, Phase Manager, and cross-functional internal departments. This individual will create, collect, analyze and validate ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cad Designer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$14

$28

$38

How much do cad designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad designer in Rio Rancho, NM is $28.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.41 and $32.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAD Designer?

A CAD Designer is a professional who uses computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed technical drawings and plans for products, buildings, machinery, or other structures. They work closely with engineers, architects, and other professionals to translate ideas and specifications into precise digital models. CAD Designers play a crucial role in the design and manufacturing process, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the creation of blueprints and prototypes. Their work is essential in various industries, including architecture, engineering, automotive, and manufacturing.

What Is a CAD Designer?

A CAD (computer-aided design) designer, or drafter, is responsible for generating technical drawings via software that will aid in the building or manufacturing of things. As a CAD designer, you may work with architects or civil engineers to design blueprints for things like buildings or bridges. You may work with manufacturers to create precise technical drawings of items to be produced. You may also visit job sites or factories to see how the project is going and make updates as needed. Overall, you help the concepts of your clients become a reality through your digital images and prints.

What are some common challenges CAD Designers face when working on collaborative projects?

CAD Designers often work as part of multidisciplinary teams, which means they must coordinate closely with engineers, architects, and project managers. A common challenge is ensuring that design files remain compatible and up-to-date across different software platforms and team members. Clear communication and version control are essential to avoid errors or duplicated work. Additionally, balancing creative input with technical specifications and project constraints can be demanding, but it also provides opportunities to learn from colleagues in related fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CAD Designer, you need a solid background in drafting principles, geometry, and design, often supported by a degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, and relevant certifications, are typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure precise project drawings, efficient collaboration, and successful translation of concepts into manufacturable designs.

How much do CAD designers earn?

CAD designers typically earn between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced designers with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in specialized fields like engineering or architecture.

What is the difference between Cad Designer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectCad DesignerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's in CAD, Engineering, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical diploma in drafting or engineering technology
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesEngineering departments, manufacturing plants, architectural firms
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including architecture, engineering, manufacturingPrimarily in mechanical engineering and manufacturing sectors
Job FocusCreating detailed CAD models and designs based on specificationsPreparing technical drawings and schematics for mechanical components

While both Cad Designers and Mechanical Drafters work with CAD software, Cad Designers focus on creating detailed models and innovative designs, often involved in the conceptual phase. Mechanical Drafters primarily prepare technical drawings and schematics for manufacturing and assembly. The roles overlap in skills and tools but differ in scope and focus within the engineering and manufacturing industries.

What are popular job titles related to Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Cad Designer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Cad Designer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Cad Designer job openings:
Infographic showing various Cad Designer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,525 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Civil CAD Designer

Civil CAD Designer

Huitt-Zollars, Inc

Rio Rancho, NM • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Civil CAD Designer
Role Description: Senior civil designer will utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D to design public works and development projects including water systems, sanitary sewer systems, roads and transportation projects, utility projects, development and site grading. The candidate must be able to work independently, as well as part of a team, and possess excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Location: Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Reports to: Senior Project Managers
Employment type: 40 FT Hours
Education: Associates Degree in CAD/Drafting
Duties:
  • Design and plan production.
  • Prepare drawings for roadway and development projects, including site grading and drainage, roadway design, and plan production/drafting.
  • Prepare drawings for wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, and water plants, including onsite utilities, paving, and drainage, as well as elevation views and cross-sections of plant facilities.
  • Prepare plan and profile drawings for water transmission lines and sanitary sewer gravity and force main projects.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Understands, follows, and enforces Huitt-Zollars' business process.
  • Productively collaborates with others and leads or encourages teams to achieve success and camaraderie amongst each other.
  • Understands and follows HZ QMS and Quality initiatives. Ensures quality control measures are being adhered to on projects and daily operations.
  • Understands duties and responsibilities, possesses necessary job knowledge and technical skills, maintains job knowledge current.
  • Assist with appropriate administrative and project support tasks supporting the needs of the project team and office.
  • Complete assignments on-time, within budget, and with highest level of quality.
  • Routinely proposes and produces more effective ways to accomplish assignments.

Qualifications:
  • The successful candidate will have an Associate's degree in CAD/Drafting, or comparable experience working for a Civil Engineering firm.
  • At least 5 years of experience with AutoCAD version 2020 or newer and 6 months experience with any type of civil drafting work
  • Previous experience with water/wastewater facility projects.
  • Knowledge of Civil 3D, AutoCAD P&ID, Carlson, and/or other AutoCAD add-on platforms is a plus.

This position is also required to adhere to Huitt-Zollars' Core Value Competencies
About Huitt-Zollars:
  • Huitt-Zollars, Inc. is a privately held, 100% employee-owned leading Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firm since being established in 1975. Since then, our firm has been providing innovative planning, engineering, architectural and interior design, construction and program management, and design-build services to our clients.
  • Located in more than 20 locations throughout 10 different US states, Huitt-Zollars holds a vision to improve the environment in which we live, work, and play. Employees/co-owners can expect to collaborate with their team, listen to client and community needs, and deliver world-class professional services. Learn more about a career with #teamHZ by viewing our LinkedIN Life page .

Benefits & Perks:
  • Health insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Dental insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • Vision insurance (BCBS TX BlueChoice PPO)
  • MDLive Telehealth
  • Employer-Paid Short- & Long-Term disability
  • 8 Paid Holidays
  • Employee Morale/Teambuilding events and activities
  • Paid Vacation/Annual Leave
  • Paid Sick Leave
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Commuter Benefits
  • Professional Societies and Registrations Fee Reimbursements
  • Term Life / AD&D insurance
  • Cancer and Specified Disease insurance
  • Two retirement plans: 401(k) and an ESOP

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer, type/key-in data
  • May lift and carry up to 50 pounds, hike up and down steep slopes carrying up to 50 pounds of survey equipment
  • The employee must be able to concentrate on details, work under deadline pressures, apply sound logic and judgment, and prioritize tasks and responsibilities
  • Employee may be asked to walk on uneven terrain
  • May work in extreme weather conditions
  • Bend, squat, dig monument holes, pound in stakes and rebar monuments
  • Carry and use brush cutting equipment
  • May drive survey vehicle

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Huitt-Zollars in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Currently, Huitt-Zollars does not sponsor H1-B or any other work visa petitions.
Huitt-Zollars does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters without a previously signed third-party agreement. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to any Huitt-Zollars hiring manager or employee will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency submitting the unsolicited resume. Huitt-Zollars will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Human Resources team and without an active, fully executed service agreement.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Huitt-Zollars is a federal contractor and subcontractor and abides by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-741.5(a), which prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on protected veteran status or disability and require affirmative action to employ and advance qualified protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.