Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technician

Position Information

Title: CAD Technician

Level: 1–2 years experience — Production-focused drafting role for someone fast and accurate in AutoCAD who wants to grow within a stable, in-house engineering team.

Reports to: Lead CAD Technician / CAD Manager / Director of Engineering

Work Type: Full-Time

Salary Range: $40,000 – $50,000 annually (based on experience)

Billable Target: Competitive utilization aligned with team standards (discussed during interview)

Position Overview

Earth Retention is seeking a CAD Technician to support our engineering team by producing technical drawings and submittal packages that are precise, buildable, and aligned with project and client requirements. You'll work directly with engineers and project teams to translate design requirements into accurate shop drawings using AutoCAD and Earth Retention templates.

This is a production-focused drafting role. You'll manage multiple concurrent projects, maintain internal CAD standards, and ensure deliverables are consistent across all markets. If you're detail-oriented, fast with AutoCAD, and comfortable working at pace — this role is built for you.

Team Overview

The CAD team supports Earth Retention's engineering services by producing technical drawings and submittal packages for retaining wall projects across 40 states. CAD staff collaborate daily with engineers and project teams to ensure deliverables are accurate, buildable, and consistent across all markets.

Role Summary

The CAD Technician is responsible for producing shop drawings and design documentation using AutoCAD and Earth Retention templates. This role ensures that project-specific submittals reflect internal engineering standards and support buildable solutions in the field. Accuracy, speed, and collaboration with engineers are the keys to success in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Drafting & Production

• Create detailed CAD drawings for MSE walls, soil nail walls, block walls, and related retaining wall structures
• Translate engineering designs into clear, buildable shop drawings and submittals
• Revise drawings based on redlines and engineer feedback
• Prepare submittal documentation (shop drawings and details)

Standards & Quality

• Follow and maintain Earth Retention CAD standards, templates, and naming conventions
• Ensure drawings are compliant with internal standards, project specifications, and local regulatory agencies
• Participate in internal QA/QC processes to ensure drawing accuracy and consistency

Coordination & Communication

• Collaborate with engineers and design staff to ensure drawing accuracy and consistency
• Communicate potential design issues to engineers and designers
• Organize and submit drawing sets per project milestones and timelines

Documentation & File Management

• Maintain project drawing files and associated records
• Support digital document management and version control

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school, OR equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1–2 years of experience in CAD drafting (civil, structural, or MSE-related preferred)
• Military veterans with technical backgrounds (Combat Engineers, Seabees, Survey, Geospatial, Construction) are encouraged to apply
• Minimum 2 positive professional references required

Technical Skills

• Proficient in AutoCAD (Civil 3D a plus)
• Strong file management and version-control habits
• Familiarity with wall layout tools or civil site plans preferred
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)

Core Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, clean drawings under deadline
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Professional demeanor and team-first approach

Career Path

The CAD Technician role is a solid foundation for a long-term drafting career at Earth Retention. With experience, strong performers may grow into Lead CAD Technician or CAD Manager roles, or move laterally into the Design Technician track for those interested in engineering work. We invest in people who want to grow — and we promote from within when we can.

What We Offer

Competitive salary: $40,000 – $50,000 annually (based on experience)

Comprehensive benefits:

• Health insurance (three medical plan options through UHC; Earth Retention pays 70% of the selected plan premium)
• Dental insurance (Guardian) and vision insurance (VSP)
• Company-paid insurance: Life, AD&D, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (MetLife)
• 401(k) plan: 4% company match
• Paid time off: 12 days PTO in year one (increases with tenure: 15 days at 5 years, 18 days at 10 years, 20 days at 15 years)
• Company-paid holiday closure: 7 days during Christmas/New Year period
• Holidays: 5 paid holidays (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving)
• Total: 24 paid days off in year one

Professional development:

• Training on Earth Retention CAD standards and workflows
• Continuing education support
• Mentorship from senior CAD and engineering staff

Career growth:

• Path to Lead CAD Technician and CAD Manager
• Opportunity to move into the Design Technician track
• Performance-based advancement and compensation

Culture:

• Collaborative, supportive team environment
• Engineering excellence and quality focus
• Growing company with expanding opportunities

How to Apply

To apply, please send your resume to HR@earthretention.com

Our hiring process includes:

1. Initial resume review
2. Virtual screening interview
3. CAD skills assessment
4. In-person interview with engineering leadership
5. Background check and contact of provided references (2 minimum)

This position is full-time and in-office. Standard schedule is Monday through Friday.