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Cad Operator Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CAD Designer - Water Resources

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Description The Wooten Company is seeking a CAD Designer to join our Water Resources team in our Raleigh office. This candidate will work on water distribution and wastewater conveyance projects ...

Advance your civil engineering design career where your work supports impactful land development and infrastructure projects across the Southeast. At Thomas & Hutton, you'll work alongside ...

Advance your civil engineering design career where your work supports impactful land development and infrastructure projects across the Southeast. At Thomas & Hutton, you'll work alongside ...

Advance your civil engineering design career where your work supports impactful land development and infrastructure projects across the Southeast. At Thomas & Hutton, you'll work alongside ...

CAD/BIM Designer - HVAC/Plumbing

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$23.75 - $33/hr

Hazen and Sawyer is seeking a CAD/BIM Designer to join Hazen's HVAC/Plumbing group. The candidate will work with project lead engineers to produce BIM (Revit) models, families, and contract drawings ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Raleigh as a Survey CAD Technician I . If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live work and ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Raleigh as a Survey CAD Technician I. If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live work and ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team in Raleigh as a Survey CAD Technician I . If you want to work at a company that will help improve the future of the communities where we live work and ...

Senior VLSI CAD Software Engineer

Durham, NC

$118.40K - $156.10K/yr

NVIDIA is seeking a talented Software Engineer to join our small team building custom, high-impact VLSI CAD software in a technically challenging and highly visible domain. This is a full-cycle role ...

Your future begins here! BGE, Inc is a nationwide civil engineering consulting firm offering diverse career opportunities in a wide range of disciplines for public and private infrastructure projects.

We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our ... Computer Aided Drafting and/or have achieved certification as an NSPS CST Level II preferred * 2-5 ...

SDS/SBS CAD Designer Lead

Raleigh, NC · On-site +1

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Comfortable operating in a growing organization where processes are still being built and ownership ... Equivalent professional experience in substation design with strong SDS/AutoCAD depth will be ...

We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our ... Computer Aided Drafting and/or have achieved certification as an NSPS CST Level II preferred * 2-5 ...

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Cad Operator information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$14

$22

$33

How much do cad operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for cad operator in Raleigh, NC is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $25.00 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, and why are they important?

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 are CAD Operators?

CAD Operators, also known as Computer-Aided Design Operators, are professionals who use specialized software to create technical drawings, blueprints, and plans for a variety of industries, including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. They translate ideas and specifications from engineers or architects into detailed digital designs that guide the construction or manufacturing process. CAD Operators must be skilled in using CAD software and interpreting technical information to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Cad Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Cad Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Cad Operator jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cad Operator jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cad Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Cad Operator job openings in Raleigh, NC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,257 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Civil Design Technician - Land Development

Civil Design Technician - Land Development

Kimley-Horn

Raleigh, NC

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 29 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 349 rated engineering


Job description

Kimley-Horn is looking for an Experienced CAD Operator to join our Land Development team in Raleigh, North Carolina (NC)!


  • This individual will primarily be responsible for: designing and producing sets of plans for commercial, industrial, institutional, and residential Land Development projects; and implementing and managing AutoCAD drafting and plan preparation standards
  • This person will develop technical drawings and plans using CAD software
  • The person in this position will make and quality check drawings and plans of substantial complexity and may perform some multifaceted calculations
  • Requires minimal supervision to perform day to day tasks
  • Has knowledge of engineering principles and suggests design changes
  • Maintains drawing database
  • May supervise and train CAD staff
  • Coordinates work activities to maintain schedules and ensure quality control
  • Develop familiarity with Kimley-Horn’s practices, procedures, and standards

  • High school diploma or equivalent (Associates degree preferred)
  • 3+ years of relevant experience
  • Advanced knowledge and proficiency in Autodesk or Bentley products
  • Detail oriented, professional attitude, good communication, team player, self-starter
  • Strong work ethic, interpersonal communication/writing skills and desire to learn
  • Ability to work independently and with a team

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it— that’s why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn’s placement on the Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work” list for 19 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.

What Kimley-Horn employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom


Kimley-Horn logo

About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967