Computer Aided Design Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The University of Southern California (USC) department of Facilities Planning & Management (FPM) is seeking a CAD Project Specialist to join its team.

About USC FPM

FPM (formerly named Capital Construction & Development / Facilities Management Services) is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining the breadth of the facilities at USC, and is also dedicated to creating a safe environment for our USC community. Woven into every service, safety is of upmost importance. As FPM, this group of innovative and talented professionals provide high quality facilities construction, operations and maintenance services at USC and serve as dedicated stewards of USC and FPM core values. FPM values employee recognition, accountability, collaboration, respect, and trust.

Come and join the FPM team - a team that works as trusted partners shaping an environment of innovation and excellence. Apply today!

The CAD Project Specialist:

Support the coordination and maintenance of CAD activities for Facilities Management Services (FMS) to ensure accurate and current documentation of the University's building portfolio. Perform field verification of campus facilities as part of a team, measuring and validating interior spaces and updating digital floorplans and maps to reflect existing conditions. Lead and guide student assistants in conducting field surveys and revising drawings. Maintain and manage CAD files and related space data systems, while supporting limited integration with BIM and GIS platforms (e.g., Revit and ArcGIS) and facilities management systems to ensure consistent, reliable space and building information. Contribute to the development and adherence to CAD standards, data management procedures, and documentation workflows in support of Facilities Management and Design & Construction operations.

Job Accountabilities:

• Develops and maintains electronic databases and/or other records for reporting purposes. Enters and/or verifies database transactions as necessary. Provides technical support and design enhancements.

• CAD File & Data Management. Assist in the organization, maintenance, and quality control of CAD drawings, space data, and related digital files for the University's building portfolio. Ensure proper file structure, version control, archival practices, and adherence to established drafting and documentation standards. Support document management processes within Meridian to maintain accurate and accessible record drawings.

• CAD Coordination & Project Support. Support coordination of Facilities Management CAD activities across units and projects, including updating floorplans based on field verification and renovation changes. Prepare and revise drawings to support space planning, capital projects, and facilities operations. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate documentation.

• Systems & Technology Support (CAD, BIM, GIS & Space Management). Assist in maintaining and coordinating CAD-related hardware and software systems. Support the use of Revit for 3D modeling (BIM) where applicable, ArcGIS for campus GIS mapping and spatial data integration, and Archibus for space management data accuracy. Contribute to maintaining consistency and data alignment across CAD, BIM, GIS, and facilities management platforms to ensure reliable building and space information.

• Assists in the administration and coordination of a variety of research and/or administrative projects and provides quality control. Assists in developing and implementing project goals and strategies. Assists with short- and long-term planning and design of project direction and objectives. Provides assistance to management with administrative functions such as planning, organizing, coordinating, scheduling and implementing project activities to meet objectives. Participates in writing reports or other documentation of project status and/or administrative activities or project results. Oversees administrative project staff as assigned.

• Assists in the planning of data collection. Recommends methods and procedures for data acquisition, management and quality control. Recommends statistical techniques for data analysis as needed. Generates graphs, charts, or tables to present analysis results and provides interpretation. Prepares reports, correspondence, other materials and analysis according to project schedules or on an ad hoc basis, or instructs others to do so.

• Creates status reports on project plans, progress and results of activities. Coordinates publication production and/or dissemination in order to meet deadlines.

• Researches, gathers, organizes and summarizes data for project and/or administrative reports and/or activities. Analyzes data, presents results and makes recommendations on presentations of project and/or administrative reports.

• Assists in developing and updating department policies and procedures and/or project procedures and coordinating implementation. Communicates and/or documents. Develops forms, flow charts and system requirements.

• Provides leadership, guidance and supervision to staff, student workers, volunteers and/or graduate assistants. Leads others in the planning and delivery of project activities. Trains project or administrative personnel and assesses proficiency or readiness of trainees.

• Evaluates effectiveness of project direction, schedules, activities, etc. Recommends and implements project activities and/or modifications of project activities and/or schedules as necessary to ensure achievement of project goals and objectives.

• Conducts quality assurance reviews of assigned projects. Instructs project personnel on quality assurance procedures and answers questions regarding data collection, management and analysis methods. Monitors problem areas and submits regular reports with recommendations. Takes necessary steps to address issues and resolve problems.

• Interfaces with faculty and/or staff and external contacts necessary to complete project assignments or for information exchange. Resolves problems or questions referred by project staff or administrators.

• Participates in development and administration of project or department budgets. Provides pertinent data and projections for use in developing project or department budgets. Authorizes expenditures within established limits. Tracks and monitors budget activity and analyzes variances. Produces interim financial reports.

• Arranges and attends meetings, seminars, symposia and other events related to project efforts. Makes presentations, as needed. Establishes and maintains an active network of professional contacts.

• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

The University reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Drafting & Design Technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible CAD drafting experience. Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in CAD drafting and drawing management, preferably in facilities management, design, construction, or institutional environments. Demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD for production drafting and updating of building floorplans and construction documents.

• Working knowledge of Revit (BIM) for basic model navigation and limited 3D coordination. Familiarity with ArcGIS for viewing and supporting spatial data integration.

• Experience using facilities-related systems such as Archibus (space management), Meridian (document management), and e-Builder (project documentation) or comparable platforms is preferred.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, and site drawings and translate field-verified information into accurate digital documentation. Strong understanding of drafting standards, file organization, and version control. Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate and reliable facilities data. Effective communication skills and ability to work in a service-oriented, team-based environment.

• Ability to understand data quality and have a deep commitment to ensuring data is accurate and reliable. High level of attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Excellent organizational skills.

• Valid CA driver's license required with a minimum of 2 years' driving experience. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit thepolicy website.

• Directly related project or administrative experience.

Benefits

• USC's Commitment to You: We offer an excellent package of benefits and programs including, but not limited to:

  • Tuition assistance for you and your family

  • Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance options

  • 403b retirement account with matching 5% contribution by USC

  • 50% subsidy off Metro, LADOT, and Metrolink passes

Hourly Range:

The hourly range for this position is $30.14/hr. - $33.33/hr. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
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Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Drafting & Design Technology, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible CAD drafting experience. Minimum of 4-6 years of experience in CAD drafting and drawing management, preferably in facilities management, design, construction, or institutional environments. Demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD for production drafting and updating of building floorplans and construction documents.
Working knowledge of Revit (BIM) for basic model navigation and limited 3D coordination. Familiarity with ArcGIS for viewing and supporting spatial data integration.
Experience using facilities-related systems such as Archibus (space management), Meridian (document management), and e-Builder (project documentation) or comparable platforms is preferred.
Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, and site drawings and translate field-verified information into accurate digital documentation. Strong understanding of drafting standards, file organization, and version control. Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate and reliable facilities data. Effective communication skills and ability to work in a service-oriented, team-based environment.
Ability to understand data quality and have a deep commitment to ensuring data is accurate and reliable. High level of attention to detail.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Excellent organizational skills.
Valid CA driver's license required with a minimum of 2 years' driving experience. Position will participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice System. A copy of DMV record will be required as a final condition of employment. For more information, please visit thepolicy website.
Directly related project or administrative experience.

USC 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, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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