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Computer Aided Design Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

VHB

Civil CAD Designer

Tysons Corner, VA · Hybrid

$33.50 - $45/hr

Using CAD techniques, prepares engineering and construction drawings for projects where only minimal information and very rough sketches are provided. * Selects design procedures and prepares ...

VHB

Civil CAD Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$33.50 - $45/hr

Using CAD techniques, prepares engineering and construction drawings for projects where only minimal information and very rough sketches are provided. * Selects design procedures and prepares ...

VHB

Civil CAD Designer

Washington, DC · On-site

$33.50 - $45/hr

Using CAD techniques, prepares engineering and construction drawings for projects where only minimal information and very rough sketches are provided. * Selects design procedures and prepares ...

Tate

CAD Designer/Drafter

Columbia, MD · On-site

$60K/yr

Sales Engineering Location : Columbia, MD About Us At Tate, we are passionate about everything we ... About the Role The CAD Designer/Drafter is responsible for taking inputs provided by sales and R&D ...

VHB

Civil CAD Designer

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$33.50 - $45/hr

Using CAD techniques, prepares engineering and construction drawings for projects where only minimal information and very rough sketches are provided. * Selects design procedures and prepares ...

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All JobsComputer Aided Design Design Engineer JobsComputer Aided Design Design Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Computer Aided Design Design Engineer information

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$83

How much do computer aided design design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for computer aided design design engineer in Washington, DC is $57.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.38 and $69.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer, you need strong technical drawing skills, a solid understanding of engineering principles, and typically a degree in mechanical, civil, or related engineering fields. Expertise in CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA, along with familiarity with relevant industry standards and certifications, is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help ensure design accuracy and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams. These skills are vital for delivering precise, manufacturable designs that meet project requirements and support efficient product development.

What is a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer?

A Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer is a professional who uses specialized software to create detailed technical drawings and 3D models for products, parts, or structures. These engineers collaborate with other engineering teams to turn conceptual ideas into precise digital designs, which are then used for manufacturing or construction. Their work ensures that designs meet the required specifications, safety standards, and functional needs. CAD Design Engineers are crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, architecture, and manufacturing.

How does a Computer Aided Design (CAD) Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

As a CAD Design Engineer, collaboration with other departments—such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management—is an integral part of the job. You’ll frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to ensure that your designs align with manufacturability, cost targets, and regulatory standards. Effective communication is essential, as you’ll often need to translate complex technical drawings into actionable insights for team members with diverse backgrounds. This interdepartmental teamwork not only helps streamline the design-to-production process but also provides valuable learning opportunities for professional growth.

What is the difference between Computer Aided Design Design Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectComputer Aided Design Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in engineering or design, proficiency in CAD softwareRequires engineering degree, often with specialization in mechanical systems
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesManufacturing plants, R&D labs, engineering departments
Industry UsageUsed across various industries including automotive, aerospace, product designPrimarily in mechanical systems, machinery, and equipment design

The Computer Aided Design Design Engineer focuses on creating detailed digital models using CAD software, often working closely with product development teams. Mechanical Design Engineers also use CAD but typically have a broader role in designing mechanical systems and components. While both roles require similar technical skills and work environments, their focus areas differ, with CAD Design Engineers emphasizing digital modeling and Mechanical Design Engineers concentrating on mechanical functionality and system integration.

What are popular job titles related to Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? For Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
Computer Aided Design Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Computer Aided Design Design Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,416 per year, or $57.4 per hour.
Civil CAD Designer

Civil CAD Designer

VHB

Tysons Corner, VA • Hybrid

$33.50 - $45/hr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

ABOUT THE POSITION

VHB's Metro DC offices (Washington, D.C. and Tysons, VA) are seeking a CAD Designer to join our Site Civil/Land Development team to support our land development projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Establishes design criteria for an assigned phase of a project requiring the application of basic engineering principles, material properties, and a familiarity with construction, installation, and maintenance procedures.
  • Using CAD techniques, prepares engineering and construction drawings for projects where only minimal information and very rough sketches are provided.
  • Selects design procedures and prepares preliminary designs for engineers' approval.
  • Performs design tasks that require the application of fundamental engineering concepts and formulas. Assignments may include developing minor design elements that have not been clearly defined in the layouts or sketches.
  • Mentors and provides guidance to junior staff, helping them understand CAD techniques, design principles, and project requirements.
  • Promotes model-based design concepts that are in-line with VHB initiatives, while learning, fully understanding, and applying VHB standards and, when required, client-prescribed CAD standards.
  • Reviews vendor prints for conformance with contract specifications.
  • Coordinates drafting efforts for projects.
  • Performs routine checking and/or verification tasks.
  • May interface with other departments, clients,  and engineers on design projects.
  • Supports project engineers with related design tasks (e.g., writing procedures and specifications, compiling and computing engineering data, estimating).
  • Participates in professional and personal development aligned with career goals.
  • Performs all job functions in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations and company policies and procedures.

Skills and Attributes

  • AutoCAD, Civil 3D, or other CAD platform experience required
  • Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Self-motivated
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to think critically
  • Ability to multitask
  • Excels at working in a team environment

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum of 2+ years of experience in CADD Civil 3D design for private and municipal projects.
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Basic construction practices for civil construction, and ability to generate drawings for engineers, and make suggestions for further development is highly desired
  • Must be proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office programs.
  • Excellent analytical and math skills.
  • Preferred: Experience using model-based design tools and concepts.

Hiring Salary Range - $33.50/hr. - $45.00/hr. However, the final agreed-upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, and experience. In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here.

  

Building what's next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, peopledriven, futureready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

 

When you join VHB, you'll find:

  • Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
  • Support to grow your skills and lead through change
  • Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
  • Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We're growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what's next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

 

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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