Entry Level Cad Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Location: Construction Innovations Corporate - Mather, CA 95655
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $37.62 - $58.77 per hour
Travel Percentage: None
Shift: Day

At Construction Innovations, we’re all about good energy — we create solutions that make electrical installations faster, safer, and cost‑effective. Our products energize hundreds of projects across the U.S. in a variety of markets including solar, battery storage, substation, and transmission and distribution. Our commitment to simplifying traditional installation methods drives us to deliver all‑in‑one product kits that can be installed by anyone, in a fraction of the time. Our philosophy is at the core of everything we do: Innovate to Simplify®.

The Senior CAD Specialist is responsible for creating construction and/or manufacturing design drawing sets, complete preparation and setup of new project job files, complete drafting of electrical plans, and complete electrical panel schedules. This position is responsible for assisting team members with escalated issues or questions and conducting peer reviews of the work output. The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, the ability to provide mentorship to others, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment.

• Utilize CAD software to develop precise 2D and 3D models, layouts, and technical drawings according to project specifications and requirements, such as photovoltaic electrical design, equipment panels/enclosures, and substation steel layouts/weldments.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and other stakeholders to translate concepts, sketches, and design briefs into detailed CAD models and drawings.
• Provide support to the product development team by creating prototypes, mock‑ups, and renderings based on CAD designs.
• Provide technical mentorship to less experienced team members on an as‑needed basis.
• Participate in design reviews, offering insights and recommendations for improving product design, manufacturability, functionality, and ease of installation in the field.
• Identify opportunities for process optimization, standardization, and automation within the design workflow.
• Participate in the creation and maintenance of design tasks and schedules on a regular basis.
• Work within established company standards to maintain consistency and processes.
• Complete as‑built plans from field mark‐ups, including hand drafting.
• Estimate hours needed to complete projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and AutoCAD trade school diploma.
• Minimum 8 years of recent experience with AutoCAD or AutoCAD Electrical.
• Preferred basic knowledge of SolidWorks, Inventor, or other 3D modeling software.
• Advanced level of knowledge in at least one of the following applications: electrical panel schedules, utility‑scale photovoltaic site design, or electrical/general construction design.
• Advanced knowledge of electrical drafting symbols.
• Intermediate level of skill with MS Excel.
• Ability to accept and apply guidance and direction to support department standards and quality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to understand instructions in written, oral, and diagram formats.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

• Regularly sit, stand, and walk for long and short distances.
• Required to hear with or without correction to be able to interpret and receive information and directions.
• Regularly required to communicate verbally and in writing, in order to describe and explain detailed, important, and accurate instructions.
• Occasionally lift and/or move material up to 35 lbs.
• Occasionally stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Noise level is usually moderate.

The Senior CAD Specialist spends most of their time in an office environment, but may occasionally spend time at the company’s manufacturing plant or at a project site. The office is an open and collaborative space where work is performed both independently and with the team. When at the plant, work is performed in a more traditional manufacturing environment, with higher noise levels and frequent movement of people and equipment as well as exposure to varying environmental conditions, including heat, cold, and humidity. When on a project site, the environment is that of a construction job site, which may be in fairly remote rural locations, and where extreme weather conditions may be encountered.

This position reports directly to the Design Manager.

Career advancement at Construction Innovations is possible with all positions, but is not guaranteed. Advancement could be within the current department or to other departments within the company.

Construction Innovations facilities and offices are located in Sacramento, CA, and Mather, CA.

A reasonable estimate of the current hourly range for this position is $37.62 - $58.77 per hour. The actual amount offered within this range will depend on a variety of factors, including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience, and other relevant job‑related factors. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

EOE