CAD Systems Engineer - Airport Security Systems

Position Summary

PACE Systems is seeking a CAD Systems Engineer to support the creation, management, and lifecycle maintenance of AutoCAD drawings for access control, video surveillance, and related security systems at O’Hare and Midway International Airports in Chicago. This is a full-time, on-site position with travel between airport locations as needed.

This is a hands-on CAD role focused on drawing management, as-built documentation, field verification, and change control. The ideal candidate will have experience working with security or access control infrastructure and be comfortable coordinating with field technicians, engineers, project teams, and customer stakeholders in active operational environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain AutoCAD drawings for campus-scale access control and security systems, including device layouts, wiring diagrams, and system schematics.
• Create and update accurate as-built drawings reflecting field changes to panels, controllers, readers, cameras, and related security infrastructure.
• Collaborate with field technicians, engineers, and project teams to verify drawing accuracy and support commissioning and project closeout activities.
• Maintain CAD drawing standards, layer conventions, document libraries, revision history, and version control.
• Support system upgrades and modifications by updating affected drawings through controlled change-management processes.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, CAD standards, and drawing procedures.
• Produce space plans, architectural base plans, square-footage calculations, and construction drawings using 2D/3D BIM/CAD software.
• Conduct field verifications to confirm existing and as-built conditions.
• Review specifications, sketches, drawings, and supporting data to evaluate building conditions and security device placement.
• Assist with GIS data maintenance related to facility and security infrastructure.
• Provide basic desktop support for Windows-based end users, including hardware, software, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Support system cutovers and testing during scheduled after-hours maintenance windows as needed.
• Interface directly with customers and project stakeholders to resolve issues efficiently and professionally.
• Participate in on-call support for airport operations at O’Hare and Midway.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Architectural Drafting, CAD, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1 years of experience in planning, design, field verification, or related technical drafting work.
• Proven experience creating and maintaining AutoCAD drawings for enterprise- or campus-level security or access control systems.
• Strong hands-on proficiency with AutoCAD 2019 or later, with 2D architectural and infrastructure drafting experience required; 3D experience is a plus.
• Experience working with building floor plans, IT systems, IT devices, architectural drawings, and related terminology.
• Ability to read, interpret, redline, and update security system drawings and specifications.
• Basic desktop support experience for Windows-based systems, including hardware, software, and connectivity troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with engineering, field, service, and project teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and web-based applications.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to work effectively in active operational environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CAD Design, Drafting, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Experience supporting airport, critical infrastructure, government, healthcare, higher education, or other regulated/high-availability environments.
• Familiarity with Revit, BIM 360, or similar CAD/BIM platforms.
• Knowledge of Esri products and GIS data management.
• Working knowledge of physical security system components, including:
• • Access control panels, controllers, and readers
  • CCTV/video surveillance devices and layouts
  • Low-voltage cabling and security device symbol libraries
• AutoCAD certification or formal CAD training.
• Experience working within formal change-management and security-compliance processes.

Work Environment & Additional Requirements

• Must be able to qualify for and maintain required airport badging and CBP access.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must be available for periodic on-call rotations and overnight system-maintenance activities.
• Ability to travel locally between O’Hare and Midway airports as needed

Pace Systems provides comprehensive IT, Security, Audio Visual, and Software Solutions to medium and enterprise-level organizations, including those in healthcare, higher education, and commercial real estate. Our company has been providing technology solutions since 1983 and we pride ourselves on implementing true end-to-end solutions all under one roof - from design and implementation to on-going service and support.

Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities consistent with the Illinois Human Rights Act and applicable federal law. We do not discriminate or retaliate based on protected characteristics, including race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age (40 ), disability, marital status, military status, unfavorable military discharge, order-of-protection status, citizenship or work-authorization status, arrest record, conviction record, family responsibilities, or reproductive health decisions.