Senior Civil CAD Designer

Thompson Engineering; Mobile (AL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Thompson Engineering is seeking a Senior Civil CAD Designer to lead design production for complex civil projects. This role serves as a key technical resource, mentoring junior designers and promoting CAD best practices across the firm.

You will oversee grading, drainage, utilities, roadway, and site development plans, manage Civil 3D surfaces and alignments, and collaborate with engineers to ensure accurate construction documents and compliant designs.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in CAD, Drafting, or related field.
• 6–10+ years of progressive experience in civil CAD design.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D required.
• Experience with land development, transportation, drainage and utility design.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design standards, permitting requirements, and construction documentation.
• Proven ability to interpret engineering designs and provide independent design solutions.
• Experience mentoring junior designers or drafters.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complex civil drawings and plan sets using AutoCAD and Civil 3D.
• Develop designs for grading, drainage, utilities, roadway and site development.
• Independently manage surfaces, alignments, profiles, and corridor models in Civil 3D.
• Translate concepts into construction-ready documents with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers on design development and constructability.
• Review and QA/QC drawings from junior staff for accuracy and standards compliance.
• Establish CAD standards, templates, and workflows to improve efficiency.
• Coordinate across disciplines to integrate project components.

Skills

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Drafting

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Mentoring

Education

Associate's degree or technical certification in CAD/Drafting

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

OpenRoads

GIS tools

Job description

Position Summary

Thompson Engineering is seeking a highly skilled Senior Civil CAD Designer with advanced AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience to lead design production efforts and support complex civil engineering projects. This role will serve as a key technical resource, partnering closely with engineers and project managers to develop detailed construction documents while mentoring junior designers and helping establish CAD best practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complex civil engineering drawings and plan sets using AutoCAD and Civil 3D
• Develop and oversee design of grading, drainage, utilities, roadway, and site development plans
• Independently create and manage surfaces, alignments, profiles, and corridor models in Civil 3D
• Translate conceptual designs into high-quality, construction-ready documents with minimal supervision
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers on design development, constructability, and project execution
• Review and QA/QC drawings produced by junior CAD staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards
• Establish and maintain CAD standards, templates, and workflows to improve efficiency and consistency
• Coordinate across disciplines (survey, environmental, geotechnical, structural) to integrate project components

Docusign Envelope ID: 29ED9348-1802-86F7-81AE-221544FDA970

• Assist with project scheduling, workload planning, and meeting critical deadlines
• Support client deliverables and respond to review comments from regulatory agencies or stakeholders

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in CAD, Drafting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 6–10+ years of progressive experience in civil CAD design
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D required
• Demonstrated experience with land development, transportation, drainage, and utility design
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design standards, permitting requirements, and construction documentation
• Proven ability to interpret engineering designs and produce independent design solutions
• Experience reviewing and mentoring junior designers or drafters
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a multi-discipline engineering firm
• Familiarity with local, state, and DOT standards across the Gulf Coast region
• Experience with MicroStation, OpenRoads, or GIS tools
• Exposure to project coordination or task leadership responsibilities

Why Join Thompson Engineering?

• Employee-owned company (ESOP) - your work directly contributes to shared success
• Opportunity to play a leadership role in project delivery and CAD standards
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on growth and development
• Diverse and impactful projects across the Gulf Coast

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits as needed
• Ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer

About Thompson Engineering

Founded in 1953, Thompson Engineering provides quality assurance and professional services for construction projects supporting industrial, infrastructure, and community development.

Our services include drilling, materials testing, construction inspection, chemistry laboratory services, engineering design, environmental assessments, surveying, geotechnical studies, and construction management. Today, Thompson Engineering is recognized for leadership on projects that define skylines, coastlines, and transportation networks across the Southeast.

From project planning and design through construction and completion, we deliver innovative solutions to complex infrastructure and building challenges for industrial, commercial, transportation, federal, and municipal clients.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.