Designer III

McAdams; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

McAdams, a leading firm in North Carolina, is seeking a Designer III to lead design efforts in a collaborative team environment. The Designer III will oversee all design tasks for projects, utilizing their civil engineering expertise to deliver high-quality plans under tight deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and 2-5 years of relevant experience, along with strong skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D. McAdams promotes a supportive work environment that values mentorship and professional growth.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years' experience in civil engineering or a related field.
• Strong team collaboration and communication skills are essential.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and project delivery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of preliminary design plans, utility plans, and grading plans.
• Maintain McAdams' CAD and design standards for production quality.
• Collaborate on conceptual designs and develop detailed site layout plans.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Collaborative work

Critical thinking

Creativity in design

Task management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

McAdams is a full-service land planning, landscape architecture, civil engineering, transportation, and geomatics firm located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. We seek to partner with our clients to create meaningful experiences through inspired design. Our employees are what make McAdams different. We bring experiences to the forefront of everything we do, and to do that takes special people.

Position Overview

A Designer III (DIII) plays a key role in leading and coordinating design efforts within a collaborative team environment to produce high-quality, accurate plans under tight deadlines. As the lead designer on most projects, the DIII oversees and executes the full spectrum of design tasks necessary for successful project delivery, from permitting through construction. They are skilled at delegating tasks and engaging additional team members to support project goals effectively. Additionally, the DIII is encouraged to mentor and train newer staff, providing guidance through one‑on‑one sessions and group training to foster professional development and strengthen team capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of preliminary design plans including site plans, utility plans and grading plans for initial project feasibility analysis by clients and setting up the base design of the project for inclusion of others in future design phases
• Uphold McAdams' CAD and design standards to ensure consistency and quality in plan production
• Set up comprehensive sheet packages for construction drawing plan sets, accurately incorporate internal and external redlines, and maintain precise documentation
• Compile detailed plan sheets, including standard notes, construction sequences, and relevant technical specifications to support project completeness
• Collaborate on conceptual designs and develop detailed site layout plans using due diligence documents to guide design accuracy and regulatory compliance
• Contribute to the development of both preliminary and final utility layouts, focusing on efficient water distribution and sanitary sewer infrastructure
• Assist in the creation of preliminary and final grading plans, generate 3D surface models, and conduct thorough earthwork volume analysis to ensure cost‑effective project execution
• Utilize Civil 3D software proficiently to create and modify complex alignments, profiles, surfaces, and comprehensive pipe network designs
• Support storm drainage system planning and sediment/erosion control design efforts to align with environmental and project‑specific requirements
• Act as a liaison by effectively communicating and coordinating tasks with various internal project teams to foster integrated project delivery
• Coordinate with regulatory review agencies to quickly and efficiently address comments following a review cycle
• Work collaboratively with the project team, following company standards from initial concept design through construction administration to achieve successful project outcomes
• Play an active role in maintaining the project schedule by understanding the time required to complete design tasks
• Actively participate in team discussions, share insights, and contribute to a collaborative work environment that enhances the overall McAdams experience and promotes professional growth across departments
• Provide guidance and mentorship to new team members, facilitating their integration into the McAdams team
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills + Experience

• Four‑year bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field required
• 2 – 5 years of experience in civil engineering or related field required
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D preferred
• EI on path to PE preferred
• Strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, ability to work collaboratively, and willingness to learn
• Demonstrated ability to think critically and contribute to creative solutions for design challenges
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment

Work Environment + Physical Demands

• The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the company), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions
• Work will primarily be in an office setting with limited opportunities to be exposed to adverse environmental conditions
• Work will be primarily working with fingers by picking, pinching, typing, and grasping often with repetitive motion
• Must have visual acuity for viewing a computer screen, the ability to talk, hear and sit for extended periods of time
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 5 pounds frequently and up to 30 pounds occasionally
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary

McAdams is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, religion, gender (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or any other legally protected status.