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Entry Level Cad Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

NxT Level

CAD Designer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

A proficient CAD Designer is sought for a dynamic role focusing on the design of commercial kitchens and their associated buildings/structures. This position requires a blend of engineering ...

NxT Level

CAD Designer II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$26 - $36/hr

A proficient CAD Designer is sought for a dynamic role focusing on the design of commercial kitchens and their associated buildings/structures. This position requires a blend of engineering ...

L B Foster Company

CAD Designer I

Loudon, TN · On-site

$23.75 - $32.75/hr

As a CAD Designer I, you will be responsible for CAD design and drafting of precast concrete vault buildings and precast utility products using CAD software. Provide basic knowledge on general ...

LB Foster

CAD Designer I

Loudon, TN · On-site

$23.75 - $32.75/hr

As a CAD Designer I, you will be responsible for CAD design and drafting of precast concrete vault buildings and precast utility products using CAD software. Provide basic knowledge on general ...

franke

CAD Designer I

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$25.25 - $34.75/hr

About the job CAD Designer I creates and provides detailed commercial kitchen drawings, plans, schematics, and/or models based on customer expectations, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ ...

Creative Staffing Inc.

CAD Designer

Portland, TN · Hybrid

$47K - $50K/yr

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL Minimum 2 years of CAD design experience, preferably in manufacturing * Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written skills * Ability to work in a team as well as work ...

Creative Staffing Inc.

CAD Designer

Portland, TN · Hybrid

$47K - $50K/yr

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL Minimum 2 years of CAD design experience, preferably in manufacturing * Strong communicator with excellent verbal and written skills * Ability to work in a team as well as work ...

Kolpak

Associate CAD Designer (50246)

Parsons, TN

$21.75 - $30/hr

As an Associate CAD Designer, you will be responsible for completing basic level Design/Drafting assignments by following prescribed procedures and standards. Prepares design layouts and product ...

Summertown Metals, LLC

CAD Drafter

Summertown, TN · On-site

$18.75 - $25/hr

Working with engineers and outsourced CAD designers * Assisting with website building for STM media needs * Revising schedules * Reviewing and updating processes when necessary

Merritt Precision

CAD Technician I

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

This entry-level position works closely with the Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor to support ... tooling designs. • Help develop standardized work instructions and documentation. Continuous ...

Merritt Precision LLC

CAD Technician I

Sweetwater, TN · On-site

This entry-level position works closely with the Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor to support ... tooling designs. · Help develop standardized work instructions and documentation. Continuous ...

TAIT

CAD Drafter II

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Collaborate with designers, project managers, fabricators, and production personnel to create ... Proficiency with CAD software required. * Experience with Vectorworks strongly preferred.

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Entry Level Cad Designer information

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$14

$28

$38

How much do entry level cad designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cad designer in Tennessee is $28.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level CAD designer?

Entry Level CAD Designers are professionals who use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and plans for products, buildings, or structures. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or engineers, translating concepts and specifications into detailed blueprints. This role is ideal for individuals who are new to the field and have recently completed relevant education or training. Entry Level CAD Designers often assist with revising designs, preparing documentation, and collaborating with other team members to ensure projects meet standards and deadlines.

What does an entry level CAD designer do?

As an entry-level CAD designer, you perform many of the same duties and responsibilities as CAD designers with more experience, but you learn some duties during on-the-job training. As an entry-level CAD designer, you apply computer-aided drafting skills while learning more about drafting tools like NX, Inventor, and Solidworks. You prepare figures and construction drawings and take blueprints from engineers to reformat them digitally using CAD software. You are also in charge of inspecting designs to make sure that they meet safety specifications. If you notice errors in the design that may compromise quality or safety, you need to make appropriate changes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level CAD designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level CAD Designer, you need a foundational understanding of drafting principles, spatial reasoning, and a relevant associate degree or technical certification. Proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit is typically expected, along with familiarity with industry-specific standards. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate design work, efficient collaboration with engineering teams, and successful project outcomes.

What are some typical projects and collaborative tasks an entry level CAD designer can expect to work on?

As an Entry Level CAD Designer, you will likely be involved in creating and modifying technical drawings and blueprints under the guidance of senior designers or engineers. Your daily tasks might include updating existing designs, preparing layouts, and ensuring that drawings meet project specifications and industry standards. Collaboration is key—you'll often work closely with engineers, architects, and other CAD professionals to incorporate feedback and ensure accuracy. This team-based environment helps develop your technical skills while also building strong communication and problem-solving abilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cad Designer vs Junior CAD Technician?

AspectEntry Level Cad DesignerJunior CAD Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or technical certification in CAD or draftingHigh school diploma; technical training often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, architecture firmsConstruction sites, engineering firms, architectural offices
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used in architecture, engineering, product designUsed in construction, civil engineering, infrastructure projects

Both roles involve CAD software use, but Entry Level Cad Designers focus more on creating detailed designs and drawings, while Junior CAD Technicians often assist with drafting and technical support. The roles are similar in industry and credentials but differ slightly in responsibilities and work settings.

How to become an entry level CAD designer with no experience?

To become an entry-level CAD designer with no experience, focus on learning CAD software such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks through online tutorials or courses, and build a portfolio of simple projects to demonstrate your skills. Gaining foundational knowledge in drafting, engineering principles, and technical drawing can improve your employability, and obtaining relevant certifications can also enhance your prospects.

Is there a demand for entry level CAD designers?

There is steady demand for entry-level CAD designers across industries such as architecture, engineering, and manufacturing, especially as companies seek new talent familiar with CAD software like AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Employers often look for candidates with basic technical skills, a relevant portfolio, and the ability to learn quickly, making entry-level positions accessible for recent graduates or those with limited experience.
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Entry Level Cad Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cad Designer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,896 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

CAD Designer II

NxT Level

Nashville, TN • On-site

$26 - $36/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

A proficient CAD Designer is sought for a dynamic role focusing on the design of commercial kitchens and their associated buildings/structures. This position requires a blend of engineering, operational, ergonomic, and architectural expertise to create functional and aesthetically pleasing kitchen spaces. The successful candidate will be involved in a wide range of activities from design to project coordination, ensuring compliance with local codes and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Designing operational layouts, selecting equipment, and creating rough-in design, specification drawings, existing condition drawings, and related details.
  • Providing guidance and technical support to junior designers, drafters, and other team members.
  • Staying current with various concepts, practices, and procedures in CAD design.
  • Preparing proposal drawings, documentation, 3D models, and 2D plans for new constructions and remodels for customer review.
  • Generating as-built drawings and documentation using advanced site capturing methods, including laser scanning and point clouds.
  • Creating detailed equipment specification drawings for operational, engineering, and manufacturing approval.
  • Plotting drawings for project consultants, team members, owners, and stakeholders.
  • Ensuring adherence to strict CAD drawing standards and maintaining accurate logs and database entries.
  • Participating in team discussions for alignment on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and work instructions (WIs).
  • Coordinating kitchen layouts with external consultants and specialists.
  • Working with local authorities to ensure compliance with local building codes.
  • Managing project timelines in coordination with sales teams and customers.
  • Building and maintaining relationships with customers, consultants, contractors, and authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
  • Serving as a technical liaison for equipment, layouts, and operations.
  • Developing and maintaining symbol libraries and drawing templates.
  • Conducting quality control reviews of contracts, quotations, and drawings.
  • Assisting in the creation of design media, visualizations, and documentation.
  • Creating and defining rendering materials for visualizations.
  • Assisting in developing and maintaining department SOPs and WIs.
  • Managing workload priorities and project deadlines for self and team.
  • Mentoring, coaching, and leading team members as required.

Qualifications:
  • Proven experience in CAD design, preferably in commercial kitchen design or a related field.
  • Strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and external parties.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Familiarity with local building codes and industry standards.

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