CAD Technician - Transportation

LJA; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO & holidays

Health & dental benefits

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer days

Industry memberships

Internal mobility

Fun culture

Job summary

LJA Transportation in Houston, TX is seeking an entry-level CAD Technician I to support engineering teams with basic 2D/3D drafting using AutoCAD and Civil3D under close supervision. This role focuses on developing drafting skills while contributing to project data collection and coordination.

As an employee-owned firm, LJA offers hands-on training, collaboration with experienced engineers, and opportunities to grow within a broad client base across transportation projects.

Qualifications

• 0–3 years experience in AutoCAD
• AutoCAD Civil3D Experience is a Preferred Qualification
• Effective interpersonal skills with coworkers
• Must be flexible to changes in work assignments on short notice and/or on a daily basis as changes occur in project needs

Responsibilities

• Perform basic to routine, discipline-specific drafting assignments using 2D/3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD and/or MicroStation).
• Prepare drawings, layouts, sketches, and models under direct supervision of engineers, or other technical professionals.
• Support preliminary and detailed engineering design efforts by applying standardized drafting techniques, design criteria, CAD standards, and applicable regulations, while maintaining quality, efficiency, and adherence to project scope and budget.
• Work closely with engineers and project teams to coordinate designs, resolve routine drafting issues, and make judgment-based recommendations in accordance with established procedures and company policies.
• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork by contributing innovative, client-focused solutions, building strong working relationships, meeting project deadlines, and performing other duties as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Flexibility

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or technical certificate with CAD courses

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil3D

Job description

LJA is offering an exciting opportunity that will allow you to reach your full career potential. The structure of our organization is designed to amplify your capabilities while gaining the benefits of being an employee-owner. What truly sets this opportunity apart is the chance to collaborate every day with dedicated, skilled, and supportive leaders. Whether you are in the office, in the field, or behind the scenes, working at LJA gives you the chance to grow through hands‑on experience and exposure to a broad range of clients and services.

WHAT MAKES LJA DIFFERENT

At LJA, our employee-owners take pride in their work and their workplace. We’re guided by leaders who foster a culture of respect, collaboration and a shared vision of success. Our difference is evident in the experiences and opportunities we provide:

• Employee-owned. Client-focused
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Consistently ranked as a Top Workplace
• Internal recruitment team, in-house training, and a marketing department specific to our industry
• We celebrate flexibility, allowing every team and office to lead with their proven approach
• Our culture champions continuous learning and personal growth
• We believe success comes through constant evolution and communication
• We are passionate about having fun and making money, all while creating impact

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As an CAD Technician I at LJA Transportation, is an entry‑level role that uses basic CAD skills to perform routine drafting tasks under close supervision. Employees in this position support engineering teams and project groups by preparing CAD designs, collecting and organizing data, and assisting with project coordination. They contribute to key projects while developing their abilities to apply both creative and analytical thinking.

A TYPICAL DAY MIGHT INCLUDE:

• Perform basic to routine, discipline‑specific drafting assignments using 2D/3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD and/or MicroStation).
• Prepare drawings, layouts, sketches, and models under direct supervision of engineers, or other technical professionals.
• Support preliminary and detailed engineering design efforts by applying standardized drafting techniques, design criteria, CAD standards, and applicable regulations, while maintaining quality, efficiency, and adherence to project scope and budget.
• Work closely with engineers and project teams to coordinate designs, resolve routine drafting issues, and make judgment‑based recommendations in accordance with established procedures and company policies.
• Demonstrate initiative and teamwork by contributing innovative, client‑focused solutions, building strong working relationships, meeting project deadlines, and performing other duties as needed.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of high school or technical school training with courses in computer-aided drafting or equivalent experience

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 0 – 3 years experience in AutoCAD
• AutoCAD Civil3D Experience is a Preferred Qualification
• Effective interpersonal skills with coworkers
• Must be flexible to changes in work assignments on short notice and/or on a daily basis as changes occur in project needs

LEVEL UP WITH LJA

At LJA, we’re 100% employee-owned. This drives results, rewards ambition and supports long‑term success for every team member. With almost 100 locations and 3,000+ employee-owners (and growing), we’re building something big! We want you to be part of it. Your future grows here.

• Generous Time Off: PTO, paid holidays, and a full office closure between Christmas and New Year’s.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple plan options for health, dental, and pets. Along with mental health support.
• Family Support: Paid maternity and parental leave to help you focus on what matters most.
• Education Support: Tuition reimbursement and in‑house courses provided by our Learning and Development team.
• Referral Bonuses: Know great talent? Get rewarded for helping us grow.
• Community Impact: Company-sponsored volunteer days and philanthropic initiatives.
• Professional Development: Memberships to industry organizations to keep you connected and growing.
• Career Growth: Great internal mobility opportunities to advance your career.
• Fun Culture: LJA social events, employee sports teams, bring your kid to work day, etc.

To Executive Search Firms & Staffing Agencies: LJA, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered LJA's property. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting LJA's Human Resources Talent Department.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.