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Lead Cad Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freese and Nichols Inc

Civil CAD Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

As Civil CAD Designer, you will contribute to the planning and design of complex civil ... Lead CAD activities on assigned projects and support CAD workload coordination across the Dams and ...

Freese and Nichols

Civil CAD Designer

Houston, TX · On-site

As Civil CAD Designer, you will contribute to the planning and design of complex civil ... Lead CAD activities on assigned projects and support CAD workload coordination across the Dams and ...

KINGSLY COMPRESSION INC

CAD Designer

Cambridge, OH · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

CAD Designer Our company is growing quickly and we're hiring! We are currently in need of an experienced and skilled CAD Designer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ...

HFW Companies

CAD Designer

Coppell, TX · On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

Senior CAD Designers: * Lead complex design projects , ensuring high-quality and efficient drafting. * Develop detailed technical drawings, blueprints, and 3D models with precision and accuracy.

Freese Nichols

Civil CAD Designer

Houston, TX · Hybrid

As Civil CAD Designer, you will contribute to the planning and design of complex civil ... Lead CAD activities on assigned projects and support CAD workload coordination across the Dams and ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Lead CAD Technician / Designer

Bethel, NC · On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

This role will lead CAD standards, oversee drawing production, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams. The ideal ...

groteindustries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN

Senior CAD Designer Reports to: Engineering Manager Leadership Scope: Individual Leader Company ... The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for ...

Grote Industries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN · On-site

Senior CAD Designer Reports to: Engineering Manager Leadership Scope: Individual Leader Company ... The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for ...

Grote Industries

Engineering - Lead CAD

Madison, IN · On-site

Senior CAD Designer Reports to: Engineering Manager Leadership Scope: Individual Leader Company ... The Lead CAD Designer will be a critical member of our engineering and design team, responsible for ...

KINGSLY COMPRESSION INC

CAD Designer

Cambridge, OH · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

CAD Designer Our company is growing quickly and we're hiring! We are currently in need of an experienced and skilled CAD Designer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for ...

Arseal Technologies LLC

CAD Designer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$27 - $31/hr

The CAD Designer III plays a critical role in the development and refinement of detailed technical drawings and models that support engineering and manufacturing processes. This position is ...

PIVOT Workforce

CAD Designer

Indianapolis, IN

$60K - $80K/yr

CAD Designer Job Summary: As a CAD Designer, each day brings exhilarating opportunities to shape the future through cutting-edge design innovations. You'll harness the power of CAD software to ...

HFW Companies

CAD Designer

Coppell, TX · On-site

$25 - $34.75/hr

Senior CAD Designers: * Lead complex design projects , ensuring high-quality and efficient drafting. * Develop detailed technical drawings, blueprints, and 3D models with precision and accuracy.

Troy Bankord Design

CAD Designer

Palm Springs, CA

$27.25 - $37.75/hr

CAD Designer Troy Bankord Design is looking for an individual possessing the following ... You will work directly with the lead designer, providing both design solutions and assistance to ...

Alliance Workforce

CAD Designer

Tampa, FL

$23 - $25/hr

We're hiring a CAD Designer for a growing manufacturing company in Tampa. This is a full-time, first-shift opportunity for an experienced CAD professional who is currently working in a CAD design ...

Facility Solutions Group, Inc.

CAD Designer

Round Rock, TX

$25 - $34.50/hr

The CAD Designer is responsible for developing detailed technical designs 2D and 3D models for Smart Buildings, electrical, mechanical, and energy management systems. This role focuses on translating ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Lead CAD Technician / Designer

Bethel, NC · On-site

$25 - $34.25/hr

This role will lead CAD standards, oversee drawing production, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams. The ideal ...

Venture Dynamics Enterprises, Inc.

CAD Designer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$26.25 - $36.25/hr

Venture Dynamics is looking for a CAD Designer with experience in Auto Cad, Solidworks and Nesting. Duties include: * Create and analyze detailed CAD drawings and designs * Develop and maintain CAD ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Lead CAD Technician / Designer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$24.75 - $34.25/hr

This role will lead CAD standards, oversee drawing production, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams. The ideal ...

SunEnergy1LLC

Lead CAD Technician / Designer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$24.75 - $34.25/hr

This role will lead CAD standards, oversee drawing production, mentor junior designers, and collaborate closely with engineering, project management, procurement, and construction teams. The ideal ...

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Lead Cad Designer information

See salary details

$42K

$91.2K

$157K

How much do lead cad designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead cad designer in the United States is $91,161.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead CAD designer?

Lead CAD Designers are professionals who oversee and coordinate the creation of technical drawings and plans using computer-aided design (CAD) software. They lead a team of CAD designers or drafters, ensuring that all designs meet project specifications, industry standards, and client requirements. Their responsibilities often include reviewing and approving drawings, collaborating with engineers and architects, and managing project timelines. Strong technical skills, leadership abilities, and attention to detail are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead CAD designer?

To excel as a Lead CAD Designer, you need advanced proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD), a solid understanding of engineering or architectural principles, and typically a relevant degree or certification. Mastery of industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit, along with experience managing design documentation and workflows, is crucial. Strong leadership, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help coordinate teams and ensure project accuracy. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering high-quality designs, meeting project deadlines, and leading successful design teams.

What are some common challenges lead CAD designers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Lead CAD Designers often juggle multiple projects at once, which can present challenges such as balancing competing deadlines, ensuring design consistency, and coordinating with cross-functional teams. Prioritizing tasks and maintaining clear communication with engineers, architects, and junior designers are crucial to avoid bottlenecks and errors. Utilizing project management tools and setting regular review checkpoints help Lead CAD Designers keep projects on track and maintain high-quality standards.

What is the difference between Lead Cad Designer vs CAD Designer?

AspectLead Cad DesignerCAD Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design projects, manages CAD team, ensures standardsCreates detailed CAD drawings based on specifications
Experience & SkillsAdvanced CAD skills, leadership, project managementProficient in CAD software, technical drawing skills
Work EnvironmentTeam leadership, project coordinationDesign development, drafting tasks
CertificationsOften requires CAD certifications, leadership trainingCAD software certifications, technical training

The main difference between a Lead Cad Designer and a CAD Designer lies in their responsibilities and experience. The Lead Cad Designer manages projects and teams, while the CAD Designer focuses on creating detailed drawings. Both roles require strong CAD skills and certifications, but the Lead Cad Designer typically has more leadership and project management experience.

Is there a demand for Lead CAD Designers?

Lead CAD Designers are in steady demand across industries such as engineering, architecture, and manufacturing due to the need for skilled professionals to oversee design projects and utilize CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Employers seek candidates with strong technical skills, experience in project management, and relevant certifications, making this a viable career path with consistent opportunities.

What is the salary of a Lead CAD Designer?

The salary of a Lead CAD Designer typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior roles often include additional benefits such as bonuses and health insurance, and proficiency in CAD software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks is usually required.
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What states have the most Lead Cad Designer jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Lead Cad Designer jobs look for?

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Lead Cad Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cad Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,161 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Civil CAD Designer

Freese and Nichols Inc

Houston, TX • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Freese and Nichols is seeking an experienced Civil CAD Designer experienced in AutoCAD Civil 3D to join our Dams and Levees Team in our Houston, Texas office. As Civil CAD Designer, you will contribute to the planning and design of complex civil infrastructure projects including dams, spillways, outlet works, levees, floodwalls, gates, and related water resource structures.
This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with engineers, designers, and project managers across disciplines while taking an active role in producing high-quality design drawings and 3D models.
What You'll Do
  • Develop 3D models, drawings, and details for dam, levee, and related water resource projects
  • Use and interpret survey data to build accurate 3D surfaces, cross-sections, grading, alignments, and profiles for existing and proposed conditions
  • Translate sketches, markups, and redlines from design engineers into precise CAD deliverables
  • Collaborate with engineers to produce construction plans, conceptual figures, and technical drawings
  • Apply company CAD standards and help update templates, styles, blocks, and processes to support team needs
  • Conduct quality control reviews on models, drawings, and survey data to support accuracy and compliance with project requirements
  • Train and mentor CAD staff and engineers in drawing production and CAD best practices
  • Lead CAD activities on assigned projects and support CAD workload coordination across the Dams and Levees team and related water resources projects

Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience using Autodesk Civil 3D, with a broad base in engineering design and technical support of engineering.
  • Advanced expertise in computer operation and CAD software.
  • Proven ability to learn, adapt, and problem solve to produce accurate and quality deliverables.
  • Ability to work with all levels of personnel.
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Software, especially Excel and Word

Preferred:
  • Associate degree in CAD
  • Drafting and design certificate or Autodesk professional
  • Familiarity with Revit or MicroStation

About Freese and Nichols
At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.
We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.
Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.
Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.
Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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