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Cad Operator Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drafter 5

Portland, OR

$23.75 - $32/hr

Summary The CAD Drafter 5 is responsible for performing high level drafting services using CAD software and Civil3D for a variety of civil engineering, permitting, and survey related tasks. The ...

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

Join AZAD Technology Partners as a CAD Technician an d provide quality design, layout, and production of engineering, civil, mechanical, electrical, and fiber optic drawings within the Communications ...

BIM/CAD/Design

Battle Ground, WA · On-site

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Use Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems to prepare drawings. * Create and store drawings electronically. * Prepare appropriate design revisions. * Prepare drawings that detail plans and ...

BIM/CAD/Design

Battle Ground, WA

$28.75 - $39.75/hr

Use Computer Aided Design and Drafting systems to prepare drawings. * Create and store drawings electronically. * Prepare appropriate design revisions. * Prepare drawings that detail plans and ...

CAD Design / Detailer

Sandy, OR · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

General skills needed: * CAD Software experience * Blueprint reading / generation * General computer / technology skills * General math skills * Prior construction / mechanical experience a bonus

CAD Design / Detailer

Sandy, OR · On-site

$26 - $34/hr

General skills needed: * CAD Software experience * Blueprint reading / generation * General computer / technology skills * General math skills * Prior construction / mechanical experience a bonus

FE RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$172K/yr

Description As a Front-End (FE) RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer, you will play a major role in developing and supporting a reliable infrastructure and work environments that design and verification ...

FE RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$172K/yr

Description As a Front-End (FE) RTL Infrastructure - CAD Engineer, you will play a major role in developing and supporting a reliable infrastructure and work environments that design and verification ...

Showing results 21-40

Cad Operator information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$24

$36

How much do cad operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad operator in Portland, OR is $24.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $27.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a CAD operator?

CAD operators use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to create drawings and blueprints for a variety of products and buildings. They usually specialize in a specific field, such as architectural drafting, civil drafting, or mechanical drafting, and work closely with a team of engineers and architects to produce accurate and safe plans for each product. The job is essential in many industries, including architecture, aerospace, construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

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

To thrive as a CAD Operator, you need a solid understanding of drafting principles, technical drawing, and attention to detail, typically supported by a degree or certification in drafting or engineering technology. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MicroStation, along with familiarity with file management systems, is crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, communication, and the ability to collaborate with engineers and architects are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure accurate, efficient creation of technical drawings that support project success in engineering, architecture, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by CAD operators when working on collaborative design projects?

CAD Operators often work closely with architects, engineers, and other design professionals, which can present challenges related to version control, communication, and ensuring design intent is accurately represented. Miscommunication about revisions or project specifications can lead to errors or rework, so attention to detail and clear documentation are crucial. Many teams use shared platforms or project management tools to streamline collaboration, but adapting to different workflows and software standards may also be necessary.

What is the difference between Cad Operator vs Draftsman?

AspectCad OperatorDraftsman
Required CredentialsTypically high school diploma; some roles may require CAD certificationHigh school diploma; often CAD training or certification
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, construction companiesArchitectural, engineering, or manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering, architectureUsed in architecture, engineering, manufacturing

Both Cad Operators and Draftsmen work with CAD software in similar environments, focusing on creating technical drawings. While their roles overlap, Cad Operators often handle more technical tasks and software operation, whereas Draftsmen may focus more on drafting and design details. The choice depends on specific job responsibilities and required certifications.

How much do CAD operators earn?

CAD operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with advanced skills or certifications can earn higher salaries. The role often requires proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks and attention to detail.

Is a CAD operator still a good career?

A CAD operator is a skilled professional who creates technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design software. The role remains in demand in industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially as digital design tools continue to evolve. Strong technical skills and certifications can enhance job prospects and career growth in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Operator jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Cad Operator jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Cad Operator job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 46% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,467 per year, or $24.3 per hour.
DOWL
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services • 201 - 500 employees

$23.75 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued.  We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Transportation Planning and Design

Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers dedicated to creating innovative, practical solutions that improve safety, connectivity, and accessibility. Collaborating closely with our traffic engineers, you'll help develop and implement roadway improvements that solve immediate traffic challenges while supporting long-term community goals. If you're passionate about shaping smarter, safer transportation systems, we’d love you to be a part of our team!

Summary

The CAD Drafter 5 is responsible for performing high level drafting services using CAD software and Civil3D for a variety of civil engineering, permitting, and survey related tasks. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, organizational skills, and judgment. A CAD Drafter 5 should demonstrate advanced level drafting proficiency and be able to mentor other with less experience. A draft-person is expected to work well with others, provide constructive feedback to those with less experience, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software
  • Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Proficient
  • Bluebeam Revu - Advanced Proficiency
  • Revit and/or other BIM software Advanced Proficiency - Preferred
  • OpenRoads Proficiency - Preferred
  • Advanced Proficiency in one or both major civil engineering CAD Platforms (Autodesk and Civil 3D; or Microstation)
Technical Expertise
  • Advanced understanding of technical fundamentals
  • Demonstrates expertise to others within and beyond market sector
  • Leads internal mentoring and training
  • Provides quality control of complex deliverables
Teamwork

Team player and team leader able to follow on large or complex projects. Provides clear communication and direction, sets expectations, and takes responsibility for results of the team. Follows established practice area workflows and create and implement workflow improvements.

Project Delivery
  • Leads the production of and provides quality control for the following:
    • Plan sheets
    • Exhibits
  • Back checks all redlines and instructions have been incorporated
  • Reviews all assigned deliverables for consistency
  • Compiles, updates, and reviews milestone submittal plan sets
Understanding Budget and Schedule

Strong understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Able to predict and deliver individual tasks within a set level of effort. Able to consistently meet budget and schedule expectations on projects. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks. Breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Mentors others on above. Able to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver all assigned projects on time and on budget.

Industry Standards and Regulations
  • Expertly applies the following drafting standards with advanced skill:
    • Drafting fundamentals
    • CAD standards for DOWL and DOWL clients (e.g., Cities, Counties, States, Federal)
    • Accurately interpreting redlines and updating CAD drawings and details
    • Creating new sheets for projects and keeping work product organized in multiple layered files (e.g., xrefs)
  • Actively mentors others on interpreting drafting standards
  • Understands client drafting preferences and requirements
  • Stays current on innovative practices and suggests workflow adjustments to implement positive change
Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications with clients on large/complex projects. Leads technical client project meetings. Understands appropriate messaging and legal risks. Participates in project interviews.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Primarily performs advanced drafting tasks on complex, demanding projects for the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. Mentors others with less experience. May provide design guidance to designers.

Supervisory Duties

No

Education and/or Experience
  • Associate's Degree preferred
  • Years of experience required: 10 years
  • Years of experience required with advanced degree: 9 years
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
  • Autodesk/Bentley certifications preferred
Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to create and interpret graphs and understand statistical analysis.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


DOWL logo

About DOWL

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Professional, scientific, and technical services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Anchorage, AK, US

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