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Cad Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-disciplined consulting services with over ... M&J is seeking a CAD Operator to provide drafting, design, and technical drawing support for WMATA ...

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA · On-site

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-disciplined consulting services ... M&J is seeking a CAD Operator to provide drafting, design, and technical drawing support for WMATA ...

CAD Operator

Arlington, VA

$22.25 - $30.50/hr

Overview M&J Engineering, D.P.C. is a quality provider of multi-disciplined consulting services ... M&J is seeking a CAD Operator to provide drafting, design, and technical drawing support for WMATA ...

CAD Specialist II

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Job Type Full-time Description The CAD Specialist II supports architectural, engineering, and facility design projects by creating, modifying, converting, and standardizing CAD drawings using ...

CAD Specialist

Annapolis Junction, MD · On-site

$88K - $154K/yr

Coordinates work with engineering and construction teams to ensure project data is of the quality require to support the Master Drawings files. * Perform CAD projects and other responsibilities ...

Cad Designer

Arlington, VA

$31 - $43/hr

Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and complete manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks and related CAD tools. * Perform design analyses, material selection, and design-for ...

Cad Designer

Arlington, VA

$31 - $43/hr

Create 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and complete manufacturing documentation using SolidWorks and related CAD tools. * Perform design analyses, material selection, and design-for ...

Coordinate with IT and engineering teams on deployments, license management, and system compliance. * Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and CAD leads to streamline production workflows ...

CAD Designer/Drafter

Columbia, MD · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Iterating previous CAD models and adapting current ones to match the requested changes/improvements ... Collaborates directly with engineers to arrive at designs/solutions. * Reviews drawings for ...

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Cad Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$49.8K

$105.4K

$171K

How much do cad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for cad engineer in Washington, DC is $105,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,300.00 and $135,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAD engineer?

A CAD engineer is a highly skilled technician that works with computer-aided design (CAD) computer software. In this career, you specialize in designing complex buildings, machinery, and even automobiles using programs like AutoCAD. You may work with both two dimensional and three-dimensional designs. 2D modeling is referred to as surface modeling, as opposed to solid modeling, which is the 3D approach. Your job duties include creating detailed designs on your computer, translating design requirements into a finalized design specification, and presenting your designs to customers and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CAD engineer?

To thrive as a CAD Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in drafting and design, and typically a degree in mechanical, civil, or related engineering fields. Expertise in CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, and familiarity with industry standards are essential, with certifications in these tools often preferred. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and translate concepts into precise technical drawings. These competencies ensure the accurate and efficient development of design projects, reducing errors and streamlining product development.

What is the difference between Cad Engineer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectCad EngineerMechanical Drafter
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering or related field, CAD certificationsAssociate's or diploma in drafting, CAD training
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesArchitectural and engineering drafting departments
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, product design, constructionArchitectural, mechanical, and manufacturing industries

Cad Engineers and Mechanical Drafters both work with CAD software, but Cad Engineers focus on designing and analyzing engineering projects, while Mechanical Drafters create detailed technical drawings. Cad Engineers typically have a broader role involving engineering principles, whereas Mechanical Drafters specialize in drafting detailed mechanical components.

Are CAD engineers paid well?

CAD engineers typically earn competitive salaries that vary based on experience, location, and industry. Skilled CAD engineers proficient in software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and holding relevant certifications tend to have higher earning potential. Overall, the role offers good compensation relative to technical design positions.

How much do CAD engineers earn?

CAD engineers typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. Salaries also vary based on the complexity of projects and the use of advanced CAD software tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Cad Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Cad Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Cad Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Cad Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,440 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Specialist

West Mclean, VA • Hybrid

SMS Data Products Group, Inc.
IT Services • 501 - 1,000 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

SMS is hiring a CAD Specialist to support our Base Infrastructure (BIM) contract. This position will create and maintain Computer-Aided Design (CAD) drawings, network topology diagrams, and technical
illustrations supporting network design, documentation, and operational requirements. This position is a hybrid position with work being remote, on base for surveys or at our office in McLean, VA as needed for meetings, work sessions, etc.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit www.sms.com.

Submit your resume today!

Job Responsibilities

  • Create and maintain Computer-Aided Design drawings, network topology diagrams, and technical illustrations supporting network design, documentation, and operational requirements
  • Develop detailed CAD drawings for Outside Plant fiber optic infrastructure, Inside Plant structured cabling, and network equipment layouts
  • Create network topology diagrams in DoDAF format including OV-1, OV-2, SV-1, and SV-2 viewpoints
  • Prepare as-built documentation incorporating redline changes from installations
  • Develop facility layout drawings showing Communications Equipment Location configurations
  • Create technical illustrations for proposals, documentation, and presentations
  • Maintain drawing libraries and version control
  • Coordinate with engineers and technical personnel gathering information for drawing development
  • Ensure drawings comply with technical standards and Government requirements
  • Utilize AutoCAD, Microsoft Visio, and other CAD/diagramming tools
  • Update drawings reflecting network changes and modifications

Required Qualifications

  • Possesses Associate's degree in drafting, CAD technology, or related field
  • Minimum 4 years of CAD technician experience.
  • Proficiency with AutoCAD, Visio, and network diagramming tools required.
  • Some travel may be required for his position (5% or less)
  • DoD Secret security clearance required or the ability to successfully pass a background check and obtain an interim Secret clearance.

SMS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Req # 2026-5410