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Freelance Cad Software Developer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Drafters at Qualus partner with engineering teams to support Substation Protection & Control design projects. They assist in creating and modifying drawings using CAD software like AutoCAD, AutoCAD ...

VDC Pipe Designer - CAD

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Responsible for utilizing Computer Aided Design (CAD) and various software to model, coordinate and prepare detailed drawings for mechanical systems. Essential Functions: * Generates mechanical pipe ...

Candidates with experience working in one software must be willing to learn the other software along with additional survey technician software programs. * Daily working CAD drafting skills are ...

ESP Associates, Inc. is seeking a full-time Survey CAD Technician in our Raleigh office ... Associate degree or higher in surveying technology/geomatics, civil engineering, or related field ...

CAD Drafter

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

CAD Drafter Infrastructure Products Group Concord, North Carolina, United States | Fayetteville ... We're a trusted and strategic partner to engineers, contractors, distributors, specifiers ...

CAD Designer - Water Resources

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

The Wooten Company is seeking a CAD Designer to join our Water Resources team in our Raleigh office ... Engineers/ Managers. Essential Functions: * Operates AutoCAD/ Civil 3D software with high level of ...

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation ... software such as AutoCAD, Carlson Survey, and Civil 3D, alongside Microsoft Office Suite. The ...

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation ... software such as AutoCAD, Carlson Survey, and Civil 3D, alongside Microsoft Office Suite. The ...

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Freelance Cad Software Developer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$16

$26

$49

How much do freelance cad software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance cad software developer in Raleigh, NC is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $40.91 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do freelance CAD software developers typically manage project timelines and client communication?

Freelance CAD software developers often juggle multiple projects with varying deadlines, making effective time management and clear client communication essential. Most freelancers use project management tools like Trello or Asana to track progress and set milestones, while regular updates—via email or virtual meetings—help ensure that clients remain informed and involved. Establishing expectations early, providing realistic timelines, and quickly addressing any technical challenges are key practices for maintaining strong client relationships and delivering quality work on schedule.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance CAD Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance CAD Software Developer, you need expertise in CAD software design principles, strong programming skills (often in C++, Python, or Java), and experience with 3D modeling concepts. Familiarity with popular CAD platforms (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit), relevant APIs, and possibly certifications like Autodesk Certified Professional are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and self-motivation help you stand out when collaborating with clients and managing projects independently. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering high-quality, customized CAD solutions that meet diverse client needs and industry standards.

What is the difference between Freelance Cad Software Developer vs CAD Designer?

AspectFreelance Cad Software DeveloperCAD Designer
CredentialsProficiency in CAD software, programming skills, portfolioDesign certifications, technical drawing skills
Work EnvironmentRemote or client-site, project-basedOffice or studio, project-based
Industry UsageSoftware development, engineering, architectureArchitecture, product design, engineering

While both roles work with CAD tools, Freelance Cad Software Developers focus on creating and customizing CAD software solutions, often requiring programming skills. CAD Designers primarily focus on creating detailed technical drawings and designs. The roles overlap in industry and tools but differ in skill sets and responsibilities.

What does a Freelance CAD Software Developer do?

A Freelance CAD Software Developer designs, develops, and customizes computer-aided design (CAD) software solutions for clients across various industries such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing. They may create plugins, automate tasks, or build specialized CAD applications to improve efficiency and meet specific project requirements. Working independently, they collaborate with clients to understand their needs, provide technical support, and deliver tailored software solutions.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cad Software Developer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Cad Software Developer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
Senior CAD Technician, Substation

Senior CAD Technician, Substation

Bowman Consulting Group, Ltd.

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Short Description
Bowman has an opportunity for a Senior CAD Technician, Substation to join our team in North Carolina.
At Bowman, we believe in creating opportunities for aspiring people to thrive and achieve ambitious goals. That's why a career at Bowman is more than a job. It is an opportunity to be part of a diverse and engaged community of professionals, to be treated as a respected and valued member of a motivated team and to be empowered to do exceptional work that advances the best interest of everyone involved. We recognize the importance of creating a work environment that is both rewarding to our employees and supportive of our unwavering commitment to provide unparalleled service to our clients.
Purpose
Provides advanced drafting, design support, and technical expertise for substation engineering projects. This role independently produces, modifies, and reviews complex substation drawings, ensures compliance with company standards, and serves as a technical resource for engineers, designers, and junior CAD staff to support the safe and reliable delivery of substation infrastructure.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Direction
  • Serve as a senior technical resource for substation CAD standards, tools, and best practices.
  • Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical review support to CAD Technicians I-II.
  • Collaborate closely with substation engineers to translate engineering concepts into accurate, constructible drawings.
  • Support continuous improvement of drafting standards, templates, and workflows.

At the Operational and Company Level
  • Produce and maintain detailed substation drawings for new construction, expansions, and retrofit projects.
  • Ensure drawing packages comply with company drafting standards, engineering requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
  • Coordinate drawing deliverables with engineering, protection & control, civil/structural, and construction teams.
  • Support project schedules by managing multiple deliverables and prioritizing work effectively.
  • Participate in design reviews and incorporate comments accurately and efficiently.
  • Maintain drawing revisions, document control, and version tracking within designated systems.

Do the Work
  • Develop, revise, and finalize complex substation drawings, which may include:
    • General arrangement and layout drawings
    • Sections, elevations, and details
    • Conduit and cable plans
    • Grounding layouts
    • Structural and foundation details
  • Apply redlines and engineering markups with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Create and maintain CAD blocks, cell libraries, and standard details.
  • Perform quality checks to ensure drawings are complete, consistent, and constructible.
  • Support field changes by updating as-built drawings accurately and timely.
  • Use advanced CAD features to improve efficiency and drawing quality.

Success Metrics and Competencies
  • Ability to work both independently and within a team environment.
  • Highly motivated and problem-solving attitude.
  • Strong sense of urgency in responding to constituents.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong work ethic and commitment to quality.
  • Self-reliance and ability to operate independently with limited direction.
  • Effective working relationship with internal leaders and peers, as well as external clients.
  • Ability to effectively manage multiple time-sensitive tasks.
  • Data analysis and interpretation skills.
  • Drawing packages are accurate, complete, and issued on schedule.
  • Minimal rework required due to drafting errors or standard non-compliance.
  • Engineers and project teams rely on the role for technical CAD expertise.
  • Effective mentoring improves overall team drafting quality and consistency.
  • Advanced CAD proficiency (substation focus).
  • Strong attention to detail and document accuracy.
  • Technical understanding of substation layouts and construction practices.
  • Time management and multitasking.
  • Clear written and verbal communication.
  • Collaboration and customer focus.
  • Commitment to safety and quality.

Qualifications
  • Associate degree in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Typically 5-8 years of progressive CAD/drafting experience, with significant substation or utility experience.
  • Expert proficiency in AutoCAD, MicroStation, or equivalent CAD platforms.
  • Working knowledge of substation equipment, layouts, grounding, and construction methods.
  • Experience with utility drafting standards and document control systems.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

About Bowman
Are you ready to build a career that makes a lasting impact? At Bowman, our people are at the center of everything we do. We're committed to creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally, while helping to shape the infrastructure of tomorrow.
A career at Bowman means being part of a collaborative, forward-thinking organization where innovation, inclusion, and growth are encouraged at every level. We offer competitive compensation, a supportive work environment, and benefits designed to help our employees succeed.
Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
  • Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match
  • Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
  • Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
  • Discretionary bonuses and other performance-based incentives
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP), wellness initiatives, and employee discounts

Eligibility for certain benefits may vary based on position, location, and employment status.
Physical Demands and Working Environment
  • Primarily indoor professional office environment which may include bright/dim light, noise, fumes, odors, and traffic.
  • Mobility around an office environment.
  • Frequent and prolonged use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
  • Partially outdoor work environment which may include adverse weather conditions, varying temperatures, excessive noise, and/or potential hazards.
  • Mobility around a job/construction site to include walking, bending, crawling, climbing, squatting, or kneeling and wearing of required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Primarily local travel during the business day, although some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be required according to the needs of the business.
  • Occasional lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional pushing or pulling up to 20 pounds.
  • Occasional reaching outward or above shoulder.

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Job Description Disclaimer
Note: While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, it is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary at any time with or without notice.
Bowman is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
Bowman has an obligation to provide and maintain a safe, healthy, and productive environment for its employees and clients. We are committed to maintaining a drug and alcohol-free workplace.
If you have any questions about the application process, please email recruiting@bowman.com.