Senior CAD Designer

AES Corporation; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off

Job summary

AES Clean Energy is seeking a CAD professional with 5+ years of experience in the renewable industry to design and draft solar PV and battery storage layouts. You will develop site plans, layouts for early-stage designs, and single-line diagrams, collaborating with Development Engineers.

The role supports remote or flexible work locations with potential in-person offices and up to 10% travel. Strong AutoCAD and Civil 3D skills are required.

Qualifications

• 2 year AAS degree in CAD or equivalent required.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D essential.
• 5+ years of drafting/design in solar PV or renewable industry.
• Experience with solar PV site designs and layouts recommended.
• Basic understanding of electrical plans and diagrams helpful.
• Detail oriented with strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Development Engineers and Engineering Managers to produce preliminary Autocad site plans and layouts.
• Generate drawings aligned with company standards and templates.
• Create Bill of Materials from CAD drawings.
• Provide civil and electrical construction details for PV and BESS.
• Follow quality control procedures for accuracy and code compliance.

Skills

AutoCAD

Drafting

Solar drafting

Civil 3D

MS Office

Shapefiles

Education

AAS in CAD or equivalent

2-year degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Shapefiles

MS Office

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a company that’s not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company with a team of 8,300 employees across 12 countries. AES has been ranked #1 by BloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricity for millions of people worldwide. We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work™ rankings across the markets where we operate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices. Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute’s Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoring global leadership in advancing the electric power industry. If you’re ready to be part of a company that’s not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We’re not just building a more sustainable future, we’re powering it.

AES Clean Energy is seeking a CAD professional with 5+ years of experience in the renewable industry to join our growing team of renewable energy experts working to expand AES’ portfolio of owner‑operated commercial, industrial, and utility‑scale renewable power plants. The successful candidate will work closely with Development Engineers to design and draft solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) project layouts. Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early‑stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a remote or flexible work location with the potential for in‑person office locations. The role may include up to 10% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Development Engineers and Engineering Managers to produce preliminary Autocad site plans, layouts and design packages
• Work independently and with a team to meet established deadlines
• Integrate and analyze field survey data with assistance from SMEs
• Generate drawings that are in line with company drawing standards and templates
• Follow quality control procedures for completeness, accuracy, and code compliance
• Be proactive when communicating with the team
• Generate Bill of Materials from CAD drawings
• Provide Civil and Electrical construction details for PV and BESS

Primary Qualifications

• 2 year AAS degree in Computer Aided Design and Drafting or equivalent
• Proficiency in AutoCAD
• 5+ years of drafting/design experience in the solar PV or renewable industry
• Familiarity with solar PV designs, site designs and layout considerations
• Basic understanding of electrical plans, diagrams, and terminology
• Superb problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Willingness to learn and grow technically
• Detail oriented with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office applications
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Proficiency working with shapefiles

Plus Qualifications

• Familiarity with civil and grading design
• High voltage/substation experience
• Familiarity with regional civil constraints of the Eastern United States, including wetland and floodplain impacts and Karst topography

Equal Opportunity Employer

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long‑term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I‑9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $83,000 and $99,450/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision coverage
• life insurance
• 401(k) eligibility
• paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave)

Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment.

If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

The deadline to apply for this role is 09/30/2026

Accelerating the future of energy, together

Our people are our energy and have transformed AES into the type of energy company that the world needs today and in the future. Coming from all walks of life, our people share a passion for improving lives by advancing the energy sector through innovation, collaboration and action. We are working in an industry that requires new thinking and ways of working together to create solutions that are both economically and environmentally viable, not just one or the other. We are looking for passionate people to join us in our mission to accelerate the future of energy. Are you ready to join us?

www.aes.com/careers