Designer

Actalent; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Career development

Hands-on projects

Industry exposure

Job summary

Actalent in Richmond, VA is seeking a CAD Designer to support utility infrastructure projects that improve electric grid reliability and modernize power systems. This role focuses on creating and updating drawings with AutoCAD and collaborating with engineers, designers, and field teams.

You will participate in planning, permitting, and construction, gain hands-on project experience, and benefit from a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote) and career development opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience using AutoCAD to create or modify technical drawings.
• Experience in drafting, design, engineering technology, surveying, utilities, telecommunications, civil design, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to interpret plans, maps, sketches, and technical documents.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and update technical drawings, exhibits, and design documents using AutoCAD.
• Support utility infrastructure projects by preparing documentation used for engineering, permitting, and construction activities.
• Review project plans and design requirements to develop accurate and detailed drawings.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, right-of-way, and field teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Verify drawing details, property information, dimensions, and project data.
• Conduct quality checks and revisions to ensure drawing accuracy.
• Utilize GIS and other mapping tools to support project development.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation.
• Participate in occasional field visits to verify existing conditions and gather project information.

Skills

AutoCAD

Drafting

Engineering tech

Surveying

Civil design

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree or CAD coursework

Tools

AutoCAD (software)

GIS software

Job description

CAD DESIGNER Utility Infrastructure

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN THE GROWING UTILITY INDUSTRY

We are seeking a CAD Designer to support utility infrastructure projects that help improve electric grid reliability and modernize critical power systems.

CAD DESIGNER Utility Infrastructure

LAUNCH YOUR CAREER IN THE GROWING UTILITY INDUSTRY

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with AutoCAD experience in civil, utility, electrical, telecommunications, fiber, surveying, or infrastructure design who wants to build a long-term career in the utility and energy industry. In this role, you'll work alongside engineers, designers, and field teams to create drawings that support the planning, permitting, and construction of underground and overhead utility projects. Your work will directly contribute to infrastructure improvements that impact communities and customers every day. Whether you're an early-career designer looking to grow or an experienced designer seeking exposure to utility projects, this role offers training, career development, and hands‑on project experience.

What You’ll Do

• Create and update technical drawings, exhibits, and design documents using AutoCAD.
• Support utility infrastructure projects by preparing documentation used for engineering, permitting, and construction activities.
• Review project plans and design requirements to develop accurate and detailed drawings.
• Collaborate with engineering, design, right-of-way, and field teams throughout the project lifecycle.
• Verify drawing details, property information, dimensions, and project data.
• Conduct quality checks and revisions to ensure drawing accuracy.
• Utilize GIS and other mapping tools to support project development.
• Maintain organized project files and documentation.
• Participate in occasional field visits to verify existing conditions and gather project information. Support multiple projects while meeting deadlines and quality expectations
• Support multiple projects while meeting deadlines and quality expectations

Required Qualifications

• Experience using AutoCAD to create or modify technical drawings.
• Experience in drafting, design, engineering technology, surveying, utilities, telecommunications, civil design, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate work.
• Ability to interpret plans, maps, sketches, and technical documents.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree, certificate, or coursework in CAD, Drafting, Engineering Technology, Design, GIS, Surveying, or a related discipline.
• Experience with utility, electrical, telecom, fiber, civil, or infrastructure projects.
• Familiarity with GIS, mapping software, or utility design tools.
• Knowledge of easements, plats, right-of-way documentation, or land records.
• Interest in utility design, engineering, project management, or infrastructure development.

Why this opportunity?

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote)
• Gain experience supporting major infrastructure and utility projects
• Work alongside experienced engineers and designers
• Learn utility design, GIS, construction, and industry standards
• Stable industry with long-term project demand
• Opportunity to make a direct impact on infrastructure improvements and electric grid modernization

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Richmond, VA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $26.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Richmond,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.