Geostructural CAD Technician

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is seeking a Geostructural CAD Technician to support the geostructural team in preparing high-quality construction drawings and design documents. This role focuses on foundations, earth retention, ground improvement, and excavation support, translating engineering concepts into precise CAD drawings.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of CAD experience in geotechnical/civil engineering, strong attention to detail, and solid communication skills.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a CAD technician or designer in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (Civil 3D or similar is a plus)
• Understanding of geostructural systems and construction sequencing
• Ability to read and interpret engineering sketches and construction documents
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for geostructural and geotechnical projects
• Develop plans, sections, profiles, and details for foundations, earth retention, ground improvement, and excavation support
• Revise drawings based on markups and design changes
• Coordinate drawings with structural, civil, and geotechnical disciplines
• Maintain CAD standards, layering conventions, and file organization
• Assist in preparation of construction documents, permit submissions, and bid sets
• Support quality control by checking drawings for completeness and accuracy
• Participate in project coordination meetings as needed

Skills

CAD drafting

AutoCAD

Geotechnical knowledge

Reading drawings

Communication

Education

Associate's degree or CAD certification

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Revit

3D modeling tools

Job description

Hillis-Carnes Engineering Associates (HCEA) is an ENR Top 500, regional, multi-disciplined engineering firm with advanced capabilities in geotechnical and geostructural engineering, environmental consulting, specialty construction, construction materials engineering and testing, and third-party inspections.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Geostructural CAD Technician to support our Geostructural engineering team in the preparation of high-quality construction drawings and design documents. This role is integral to the successful delivery of complex geotechnical and structural projects, including foundations, earth retention systems, ground improvement, and excavation support. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, collaborative, and experienced in translating engineering concepts into clear, accurate CAD drawings.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for geostructural and geotechnical engineering projects
• Develop plans, sections, profiles, and details for:
  • Deep and shallow foundations
  • Earth retention systems (e.g., soldier pile and lagging, sheet pile, secant pile walls)
  • Ground improvement systems
  • Excavation support and shoring systems
• Revise drawings based on engineering markups and design changes
• Coordinate drawings with structural, civil, and geotechnical disciplines to ensure accuracy and consistency
• Maintain CAD standards, layering conventions, and file organization in accordance with company guidelines
• Assist in the preparation of construction documents, permit submissions, and bid sets
• Support quality control efforts by checking drawings for completeness, constructability, and accuracy
• Participate in project coordination meetings as needed

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a CAD technician or designer in geotechnical, structural, or civil engineering
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (experience with Civil 3D or similar software is a plus)
• Understanding of geostructural systems, construction sequencing, and typical field practices
• Ability to read and interpret engineering sketches, calculations, and construction documents
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in Drafting, CAD Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field
• Experience working on civil, structural, or geotechnical projects
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines (e.g., construction tolerances, typical details)
• Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, or 3D modeling tools
• Experience supporting design-build or fast-paced construction projects
• GPR, drone, or survey experience will be considered a plus*
• Extra bonus if they have GPR, drone, or survey experience!

Salary: $50000 - $70000 per year