Computer Aided Design Associate Jobs in Sterling, VA

CAD/BIM Technician

At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.

Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.

We are seeking a CAD/BIM Technician who can produce accurate, coordinated design drawings and models in support of complex, multidisciplinary federal facility programs. We are currently working on projects and have openings available to support the modernization of Department of Energy and National Nuclear Security Administration facilities contributing to the mission of defending the United States and supporting the nation's nuclear security enterprise. If this type of patriotic work motivates you, please fill out an application and send in a resume.

Job Summary:

The CAD/BIM Technician supports multidisciplinary design teams by producing conceptual sketches, coordinated drawings, and building information models across all phases of design development, from early concept exhibits through construction-ready design documentation. The position's responsibilities primarily focus on translating engineering and architectural direction into accurate, standards-compliant drawings and models within the project's shared BIM environment, supporting disciplines including architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, civil, process, and security systems.

This role requires close, day-to-day coordination with discipline engineers and the BIM Manager to ensure model content and drawing production meet the requirements of each progressive design milestone (concept, 15%, 35%, 65%, 95%, final), and to support redline incorporation, comment resolution, and final deliverable formatting under established modeling standards. Qualified candidates will work directly with discipline leads to translate design intent into model geometry and drawing sheets efficiently and accurately, and will support field survey documentation, site comparison layouts, and conceptual modification sketches as needed. The project clientele includes Federal Government (DOE/NNSA), Department of Defense, national laboratory-adjacent programs, and other complex institutional and industrial facilities.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Produce conceptual sketches, layout exhibits, drawings, and renderings to support design development across all disciplines.
• Develop and maintain building information models in accordance with the project's BIM execution plan, modeling standards, and level-of-development requirements.
• Support existing-condition base plan setup and field survey documentation, including reference layout capture and comparison layouts for facility assessment tasks.
• Produce utility/interface sketches, HVAC/ventilation conceptual diagrams, and minor modification sketches as directed by discipline engineers.
• Incorporate redlines and design changes accurately and promptly following design reviews and comment-resolution cycles.
• Support model federation and coordination activities under the direction of the BIM Manager, flagging potential cross-disciplinary conflicts identified during modeling.
• Prepare final deliverable formatting for drawing packages, exhibits, and design submittals at each progressive design milestone.
• Maintain drawing and model version control in accordance with project document control procedures.
• Support production of material handling, layout comparison, and space allocation diagrams for facility programming activities.
• Collaborate with discipline engineers and senior CAD/BIM technicians to ensure drawing accuracy and adherence to project standards.
• Support field coordination and on-site documentation activities as needed during construction-phase model updates.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Associate's Degree or technical certification in CAD, BIM, drafting, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• A minimum of 3–5 years of experience producing CAD/BIM drawings and models in a multidisciplinary design environment.
• Experience supporting design development across architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, or civil disciplines.
• Familiarity with federal, institutional, or industrial facility design projects.
• Experience incorporating redlines, managing revisions, and preparing final deliverable packages under deadline pressure.
• MUST BE A US CITIZEN 

Skills/Abilities:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in drawing and model production.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to interpret engineer and architect direction and translate it into accurate model geometry and drawings.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent drawing/modeling tasks across different disciplines and design phases.
• Proficiency in Revit and AutoCAD; familiarity with Navisworks or comparable coordination software a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Ability to work effectively within established modeling standards and document control procedures.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any security clearance required by assigned programs.
• Ability to travel occasionally for field survey or site documentation support.

Location:  Baltimore MD or Washington, DC

Type:  Full-Time

Travel:  10%

Compensation:

The expected base salary range for this role is $70,000-$95,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on a number of factors including skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
• Professional development support

For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.

About Us:

Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.

We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.

Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
 Equal Opportunity Employment Statement

Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.

 Third-Party Agency Notice 
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.