CAD Designer

AES Corporation; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 68,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Life insurance

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off including vacation, sick

Parental leave

Job summary

AES Clean Energy is seeking an energetic CAD professional with 2+ years of experience in the renewable industry. You will design and draft solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System projects, focusing on single line diagrams, site plans, and layouts for early-stage designs.

Join a growing team of renewable energy experts; projects include Distributed Generation, Community Solar, and utility-scale greenfield work.

Qualifications

• AAS degree in CAD/Drafting or equivalent.
• 2+ years drafting/design in solar PV or renewables.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Familiarity with solar PV designs and layout considerations.
• Familiarity with civil and grading design.
• Basic understanding of electrical plans, diagrams, and terminology.
• Strong problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Detail oriented with excellent communication.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Development Engineers and Senior Designers to produce preliminary AutoCAD site plans, constraint maps and design packages.
• Work independently and with a team to meet established deadlines.
• Generate drawings that are in line with company drawing standards and templates.
• Follow quality control procedures for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance.
• Proactive communication with the project team.
• Generate Bill of Materials from CAD drawings.
• Provide electrical construction details for PV and BESS systems.

Skills

AutoCAD

Solar PV designs

Civil design

Electrical plans

MS Office

Problem solving

Detail oriented

Willingness to learn

Communication

ArcGIS/QGIS

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Land development

High voltage/substation

Education

2 year AAS degree in CAD/Drafting

Tools

AutoCAD

MS Office

ArcGIS

QGIS

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a company that’s not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries. AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide. We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry. If you're ready to be part of a company that’s not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We’re not just building a more sustainable future, we’re powering it.

AES Clean Energy is seeking an energetic CAD professional with 2+ years of experience in the renewable industry. Join our growing team of renewable energy experts working to expand AES' portfolio of owner-operated commercial, industrial, and utility scale renewable power plants. The successful candidate will work closely with Development Engineers to design and draft solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. Project work will be focused on creating single line diagrams, site plans and layouts for early‑stage designs. PV and BESS projects will be a combination of Distributed Generation and Community Solar sites (2-5 MW), as well as supporting site diligence for utility‑scale greenfield M&A projects.

Preferred AES in‑person locations are Salt Lake City, UT, Louisville, CO, New York City, NY, or Arlington, VA. The role may include up to 10% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Development Engineers and Senior Designers to produce preliminary AutoCAD site plans, constraint maps and design packages
• Work independently and with a team to meet established deadlines
• Generate drawings that are in line with company drawing standards and templates
• Follow quality control procedures for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance
• Proactive communication with the project team
• Generate Bill of Materials from CAD drawings
• Provide electrical construction details for PV and BESS systems

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

• 2 year AAS degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting or equivalent
• 2+ years of drafting/design experience in the solar PV or renewables industry
• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• Familiarity with solar PV designs and layout considerations
• Familiarity with civil and grading design
• Basic understanding of electrical plans, diagrams, and terminology
• Superb problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Willingness to learn and grow technically
• Detail oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office applications

Plus Qualifications

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Proficiency with ArcGIS or QGIS
• Experience in land development and civil site design
• Advanced knowledge of civil and grading design
• High voltage/substation experience

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $68,000 and $81,600/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus.

The benefits offered for this position are:

• medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave).

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The deadline to apply for this role is Accelerating the future of energy, together Our people are our energy and have transformed AES into the type of energy company that the world needs today and in the future. Coming from all walks of life, our people share a passion for improving lives by advancing the energy sector through innovation, collaboration and action. We are working in an industry that requires new thinking and ways of working together to create solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable, not just one or the other. We are looking for passionate people to join us in our mission to accelerate the future of energy. Are you ready to join us? www.aes.com/careers