CAD Designer

Job Title: CAD Designer

Job Location: Birmingham Metro Area, AL ONSITE

The Position: We are seeking a mid‑level Structural Engineer with strong expertise in BIM‑driven, industrialized construction, specializing in light‑gauge steel (CFS) framing systems. This role plays a critical part in bridging architectural BIM models and fabrication‑ready manufacturing outputs, leveraging Autodesk Revit and Vertex BD to deliver efficient, code‑compliant structural solutions and CVS files for roll form machines.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, detail‑oriented, and comfortable working at the intersection of engineering design, BIM coordination and manufacturing.

Responsibilities:

• BIM Modeling & Documentation
• Develop detailed 3D structural models in Autodesk Revit and Vertex BD by interpreting a wide range of inputs (including preliminary architectural sketches, cost parameters, and project requirements), while actively collaborating with diverse stakeholders such as architects, manufacturers, installers, business and finance teams, and clients.
• Translate Revit models into fabrication‑ready Vertex BD models, ensuring constructability and accuracy.
• Produce coordinated structural drawings, shop drawings, and BIM deliverables.
• Automated Framing Design
• Utilize Vertex BD to automatically generate wall, floor, and roof framing layouts for CFS or timber systems.
• Create detailed panelization and fabrication drawings optimized for industrialized construction workflows.

• Structural Analysis & Engineering
• Perform structural calculations for gravity, lateral, and serviceability loads.
• Use integrated tools such as Vertex Engineering to analyze CFS wall frames, trusses, and framing systems.
• Support design optimization while maintaining safety, efficiency, and code compliance.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination
• Work collaboratively with architects, manufacturers, installers, business and finance teams, and customers to drive cross-disciplinary coordination and iterative development, ensuring delivery of the highest-quality and most cost-effective product.
• Coordinate structural models with architectural and MEP BIM models to identify and resolve clashes.
• Participate in BIM coordination meetings and collaborate closely with architects, MEP engineers, and project managers.

• Manufacturing & Digital Fabrication Output
• Generate CVS files directly from Vertex BD or Revit for automated roll‑forming and fabrication machinery.
• Produce accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and fabrication data to support procurement and production teams.
• Act as a technical liaison between engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Assist with roll forming production as needed (Hands On).

• Compliance & Quality Control
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable building codes and standards.
• Maintain internal BIM content standards, naming conventions, and quality control procedures.
• Conduct model, CSVs and drawing reviews to ensure accuracy, completeness, and constructability.

Candidate Qualifications:

• Strong technical background in BIMdriven structural design for industrialized and modern construction systems.
• Demonstrated experience contributing to innovation-focused projects, including development of new products, systems, workflows, or construction methodologies.
• Proven ability to generate and implement innovative ideas, improving design efficiency, constructability, automation, or manufacturing integration.
• Background working in new project development, pilot programs, or early stage project environments where requirements evolve rapidly.
• Comfortable operating in a startup-like or entrepreneurial environment, characterized by fast decision-making, limited precedent, and high ownership.
• Ability to bridge architectural BIM models and fabrication-ready manufacturing outputs, aligning engineering rigor with speed and flexibility.
• Strong collaborator with the ability to communicate and work with cross-functional disciplines, including Engineering, BIM, Business, Finance, Architectural, Manufacturing, and Innovation.
• High attention to detail, balanced with a solution-oriented and forward-thinking mindset.
• Effective communicator capable of translating technical concepts into actionable inputs for fabrication, automation, and production teams.
• Self-starter, hands-on and collaborative in achieving results
• Able to distill, package, and present complex information in a clear, concise, and compelling manner
• Process and goal-oriented while comfortable with complexity and ambiguity

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Structural, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering with 1-3 years experience.
• OR
• 3-year degree for CAD Design with 5-7 years of experience
• Advanced degree desirable, but not required.

Key Required Competencies and Experience:

• Typically 3–7 years of professional experience in structural engineering with a strong BIM focus.
• Hands-on experience with light gauge steel (CFS) framing systems.
• Proficient in Vertex BD and/or Revit, familiarity with Sketchup or Framebuilder is also advantageous.
• Direct involvement in innovation-driven projects, such as:
• New system or product development
• Digital transformation or automation initiatives
• Pilot or proof of concept construction projects
• Experience working in startup, scaleup, or innovation-led environments, including exposure to:
• Ambiguous or evolving project requirements
• Rapid iteration and design optimization
• Cross-functional collaboration beyond traditional engineering roles
• Exposure to industrialized, modular, panelized, or offsite construction methods.
• Experience supporting projects from conceptual design through fabrication and manufacturing.
• Prior involvement in multidisciplinary project teams, collaborating with architects, MEP engineers, and fabrication partners.
• Excellent spoken and written communication skills