CAD Designer

Cogent Analytics; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health

Dental

Vision

401k

HSA

Job summary

Cogent Analytics seeks a skilled CAD Designer in Indianapolis to produce precise, permit-ready civil drawings for land development and site design using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proficient in Civil 3D, and capable of managing multiple drawings in a fast-paced environment. You’ll collaborate with engineers and surveyors to translate field data into production-ready plans.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on AutoCAD Civil 3D production experience.
• Experience producing civil site plan sets from concept through permit-ready drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, surveys, and legal descriptions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple active drawings simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Produce civil engineering plan sets including grading, drainage, utilities, and site layout using AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Incorporate survey field data into base drawings and existing-conditions plans
• Draft plats, easements, legal descriptions, and survey exhibits
• Apply and maintain CAD standards, templates, layering conventions, and LISP routines
• Coordinate with engineers and surveyors to resolve design details and ensure drawing accuracy
• Prepare permit submittal packages and address municipal redline comments
• Manage drawing revisions and maintain organized project file structures
• Assist with quantity take-offs and construction detail preparation

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Civil site plans

Survey data interpretation

Drafting accuracy

Multi-draw management

Coordination with engineers

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering Tech/Drafting

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

AutoLISP

Job description

CAD Designer - Civil Engineering & Surveying

Our client, a growing civil engineering and surveying team is seeking a skilled CAD Designer to produce accurate, production-ready drawings for land development, site design, and survey projects. This role is highly collaborative, working directly with licensed engineers and surveyors to translate field data, design intent, and engineering calculations into complete, permit-ready plan sets using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, highly proficient with Civil 3D, and comfortable managing multiple active drawings in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, HSA

Why This Role Stands Out

This position offers real ownership over your work - not anonymous drafting in a large production queue. You’ll see your drawings progress from initial concept to permitted project, with direct collaboration across engineering and surveying disciplines. The team is lean, the work is varied, and strong performance is rewarded through a project-based incentive structure. For a CAD Designer who wants to grow quickly, contribute meaningfully, and be recognized for their skill, this environment offers a clear advantage over large corporate firms.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce civil engineering plan sets including grading, drainage, utilities, and site layout using AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Incorporate survey field data into base drawings and existing-conditions plans
• Draft plats, easements, legal descriptions, and survey exhibits
• Apply and maintain CAD standards, templates, layering conventions, and LISP routines
• Coordinate with engineers and surveyors to resolve design details and ensure drawing accuracy
• Prepare permit submittal packages and address municipal redline comments
• Manage drawing revisions and maintain organized project file structures
• Assist with quantity take-offs and construction detail preparation

Must-Have Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hands-on AutoCAD Civil 3D production experience
• Experience producing civil site plan sets from concept through permit-ready drawings
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, surveys, and legal descriptions
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to manage multiple active drawings simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with land development, subdivision, or site design projects
• Familiarity with AutoLISP routines and workflow automation
• Exposure to survey data processing (point files, surfaces, boundary drafting)
• Experience with municipal submittal standards and permitting processes
• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related field

What Makes an Ideal Fit

• Reliable self-starter who takes ownership of their drawings
• Comfortable working in a small, high-output team environment
• Communicates proactively when issues arise
• Strong organizational habits and ability to prioritize deadlines
• Asks clarifying questions early to avoid rework
• Receptive to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
• Dependable, consistent, and prepared for each day’s workload

Standout Candidate Qualities

• Deep Civil 3D expertise: surfaces, corridors, pipe networks, sheet set management
• Experience at a small civil/survey firm with full plan-set production exposure
• Familiarity with state-specific design standards and drainage requirements
• Proven ability to work from minimal direction and produce clean, permit-ready drawings on the first pass