CADD Designer

This role offers an opportunity for an entry-level CAD Designer to work 100% on site in an Ann Arbor office, providing drafting and design support for electric utility projects. You will focus primarily on redline updates and detailed CAD work while collaborating closely with professional engineers and project staff. The position is ideal for candidates with foundational CAD skills who want to grow their expertise in high-voltage substation and utility-related design within a supportive, team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Support electric utility projects by implementing redline updates to CAD drawings, ensuring accuracy and adherence to design standards.
• Use AutoCAD and/or MicroStation design software to produce and revise drawings under the direction of professional engineers and technical staff.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and project managers to complete substation design packages, including One Line Diagrams, Conduit Plans, Grounding Plans, Foundation Plans, Wiring Diagrams, and Structural Yard Designs.
• Apply attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage drawing files, maintain version control, and document design changes clearly.
• Assist with indoor and outdoor high-voltage substation designs, including protection, control, and physical layout aspects, as directed by engineering staff.
• Coordinate with multiple departments to ensure design deliverables meet project requirements, schedules, and quality expectations.
• Support multiple projects simultaneously, typically working with and supporting two engineers and managing a minimum of two projects at a time, with a maximum of three.
• Participate in daily team meetings to review project status, clarify design requirements, and align on priorities.
• Incorporate multiple design standards into drawings as needed, ensuring compliance with applicable guidelines and client specifications.
• Communicate effectively in a team setting, asking questions, sharing updates, and contributing to a collaborative work environment.
• Participate in site visits with engineers when needed to gather field information and better understand existing conditions that impact design.
• Demonstrate an active, engaged attitude toward contributing to an employee-owned style culture, including taking ownership of your work and supporting team success.

• 0–1 years of experience in design or drafting, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design software, specifically AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Knowledge and proficient use of Microsoft Office (MS Office Suite).
• Associate or technical school degree in a relevant field, or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Ability to display strong attention to detail and good organizational skills in managing drawings and project tasks.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Willingness and ability to work 100% on site in the Ann Arbor office.
• Commitment to being an active participant in an employee-owned style culture, taking responsibility for quality and collaboration.

• Associate degree is preferred, particularly in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with both MicroStation and AutoCAD is a plus.
• Experience working with electric utility type drawings, especially high-voltage substation designs, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with multiple design standards and the ability to apply them across different projects.
• Experience drafting or designing in engineering, architectural, environmental, or construction settings.
• Exposure to indoor and outdoor high-voltage substation design, including protection, control, and physical layout aspects.
• Interest in working within a large organization with a national presence and participating in team-building and collaborative activities.

The role is based 100% on site in an Ann Arbor office, where you will work primarily at a cubicle within a collaborative and interactive team environment. You will participate in daily team meetings and may join optional team-building activities, such as monthly office potlucks and other events, fostering a supportive and engaging culture. Each drafter typically supports two engineers and works on a minimum of two projects at a time, with a maximum of three, providing a steady variety of work. The office environment emphasizes communication, collaboration, and shared ownership of project outcomes. Occasional site visits with engineers are part of the role, giving you the opportunity to see field conditions and better understand how your designs are applied in real-world settings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Ann Arbor,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 23, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.

Salary : $23 - $27