Early Career CAD Specialist

SMEUSA; Plymouth (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Yearly profit sharing

Tuition Reimbursement

Competitive Paid Time Off

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Michigan is seeking an Early Career CAD Specialist for the Building Materials Group. The role involves preparing construction documents and conducting field assessments to support various projects. Candidates should have a degree in Architecture or a related field, and experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D. This position offers medical benefits, performance bonuses, and opportunities for continuous learning.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience with the latest version of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Portfolio of prior CAD work demonstrating drafting quality and level of detail.
• Ability to navigate active job sites, including climbing ladders and stairs.

Responsibilities

• Prepare construction documents including plans, elevations, sections, details, and notes.
• Conduct field assessments to gather on-site measurements.
• Collaborate with project team members to coordinate design solutions.

Skills

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Field assessments

Organizational skills

Architectural standards

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Plymouth Oaks Blvd, Plymouth, MI 48170, USA
Plymouth, MI 48170, USA

As an Early Career CAD Specialist in the Building Materials Group, you will create repair/restoration drawings that address issues in façades, roofs, and structural systems. Your work supports architects, engineers and consultants by translating field assessments into actionable design details that guide contractors during the construction process.

Responsibilities

• Prepare complete, accurate, and well-organized construction documents including plans, elevations, sections, details, and notes using AutoCAD Civil 3D, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Develop drawing sets using information from existing drawings, field assessment data, and rough sketches or markups provided by team members.
• Conduct field assessments to gather on-site measurements, verify existing conditions, and create field sketches as needed.
• Interpret project‑specific specifications, work plans, and reference documents to incorporate correct products, assemblies, and design requirements.
• Collaborate with internal clients and project team members to coordinate design solutions, applying established drafting principles and architectural standards.
• Incorporate client and stakeholder feedback into drawing revisions while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• Manage deadlines effectively and deliver high quality drawings that meet project requirements and organizational standards.
• Prepare addenda, bulletins, and drawing updates throughout project phases.
• Follow, maintain, and contribute to the development of group CAD and drafting standards including layer conventions, line styles, drafting symbols, sheet naming, and file structure.
• Provide CAD support to other internal groups as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering Technology, Drafting, or related field.
• A minimum of three‑years’ experience with the latest version of AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Experience in architectural/structural building components layout and detailing from foundation to roof (preferred).
• Portfolio of prior CAD work demonstrating drafting quality and level of detail.
• Willingness and ability to perform field assessments, including measuring existing conditions and documenting data required to produce architectural construction documents for building materials and systems (e.g., concrete, masonry, steel, wood, and enclosure components).
• Ability to navigate active job sites, including climbing ladders and stairs, working at heights, entering confined spaces, and accessing various building areas under construction or renovation.
• Ability to work in outdoor and indoor environments, sometimes in inclement weather, during field assessments.
• Strong aptitude for learning new concepts, tools, and workflows, and adapting to evolving project challenges.
• Ability to work efficiently, stay organized, and complete tasks independently or in collaboration with team members.
• Willingness to work overtime, including occasional weekends, on an as‑needed basis.
• Commitment to continuous learning, quality improvement, and contributing positively to team processes and standards.

SME's Core Values

• Honesty and Integrity
• Respect
• Selfless Service
• Teamwork
• Practical Solutions

Benefits

• SME provides Medical, Dental, and Vision after 30 days of employment.
• SME covers the premium cost of medical insurance so that you and your families never have to worry about the costs of healthcare.
• Yearly profit sharing that goes directly into your 401(k).
• Yearly performance bonuses.
• Yearly wage evaluations.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Competitive Paid Time Off.

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.