CAD Designer - Civil 3D

Cogent Talent Solutions; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401k

Health Savings Account

Job summary

Cogent Talent Solutions is seeking an experienced CAD Designer in Indianapolis, Indiana, to produce high-quality, permit-ready engineering drawings. You will collaborate closely with engineers and surveyors, translating design intent into detailed plans primarily using AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Ideal candidates possess at least 2 years of relevant experience and thrive in a team-focused environment. The position offers competitive pay and a range of benefits, including health, dental, vision, and a 401k plan.

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.

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.
• Prepare permit submittal packages and address municipal redline comments.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Attention to detail

Ability to manage multiple drawings

Education

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related field

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.

$70,000 - $85,000 a year

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

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.