A CAD Technician is a professional who plays a crucial role in the field of Computer-Aided Design (CAD). They utilize specialized software to create, modify, and optimize digital designs and technical drawings. These technicians are integral members of engineering, architectural, and manufacturing teams, supporting the development and implementation of various projects. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Cad Technicians.

Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.

Main Responsibilities of a CAD Technician

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Cad Technician:

Acquire

Acquire, process and manage survey data associated with Excavations.

Adhere to

• Adhere to project timelines and meet deadlines for deliverables.

• Adhere to strict project budgets and client deliverable dates.

Apply

• Apply CAD expertise and skill in the development of roadway construction plans.

• Apply practical knowledge and experiences to the development and design process.

Assemble

Assemble design drawings and documents and provide or coordinate delivery.

Assist in

• Assist facilities staff in sourcing special parts, supplies, and materials as requested.

• Assist in take-off and quoting for commercial projects as needed.

• Assist in the calculation, analysis and computation of measurements obtained during field surveys.

• Assist in the completion of technical design reports and studies.

• Assist in the development and implementation of CAD standards and best practices.

• Assist in the preparation of as-built, drawings, charts and plans.

• Assist in the preparation of design documentation and technical reports.

• Assist in the preparation of design drawings, details and contract documents using AutoCad.

• Assist the team with drafting updates as required.

• Assist with any CAD related issues when necessary.

• Assist with learning sessions as they relate to system functionality.

• Assist with the identification and resolution of field technical issues.

Attend

• Attend external customer design meetings.

• Attend new works handover meetings with Estimating and Projects.

Check

• Check over cut lists and organize layouts.

• Check own works for errors, omission and legibility.

Collaborate with

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver accurate building measurement studies.

• Collaborate with engineers, architects, and designers to understand project requirements.

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to integrate multiple design components.

• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure smooth production processes.

• Collaborate with others as a part of a team.

• Collaborate with our Team in applying and improving the work process.

Communicate

• Communicate and requests data from engineers and survey field crew.

• Communicate with client directly about details, etc..

Complete

• Complete buried utility outside plant design drawings in accordance with CSA and ESA.

• Complete relevant parts of O& M manuals.

• Complete work in accordance with established CAD and BIM standards.

Conduct

• Conduct construction site survey with 3D point cloud scanner.

• Conduct design reviews and incorporate feedback for continuous improvement.

• Conduct feasibility studies and provide input on design optimization.

• Conduct field review to identify and confirm as-built construction.

• Conduct field surveys to collect accurate measurements and data.

• Conduct quality control checks of design drawings.

• Conduct research and gather data to support design decision-making.

• Conduct simulations and analysis to evaluate design performance.

Contribute to

Contribute to positive culture and a choice to do your best.

Convert

Convert hand-drawn sketches or concepts into digital designs.

Coordinate

• Coordinate, assess, and organize the work of various projects.

• Coordinate building envelope detail drawings with architectural drawings and structural requirements.

• Coordinate design details with other engineering disciplines.

• Coordinate with multiple project design disciplines for interference checking, quality control, etc.

Create

• Create 2D manufacturing specification drawings.

• Create 3D product assemblies.

• Create and submit closeout documentation.

• Create base plans from topographical survey information.

• Create buried and aerial utility plant utility drawings in accordance with CSA and utility standards.

• Create client deliverables.

• Create critical section drawings to support design reviews & phase gate reviews.

• Create models for CNC milling / concept mockups.

• Create precise and accurate technical drawings.

• Create preventative and corrective work orders for assets managed by Facilities Maintenance team.

• Create product specific drawings in CAD.

• Create, revise and maintain Electrical drawings and documentation using AutoCAD / Revit.

• Create sketches and mood board concepts for initial feedback and ideas.

• Create work and fabrication packages for pre-fab and on-site installations.

• Create working drawing package for Palliser Encore projects (space and electrical planning).

Develop

• Develop and manage engineering bills of material.

• Develop CAD documentation compatible with tooling and manufacturing fabrication procedures.

• Develop Class-A CAD surface.

• Develop data files in accordance with company standards and client requirements.

• Develop detailed 2D and 3D models using CAD software.

• Develop digital upholstery patterns.

• Develop grading and servicing models using Civil3D software.

• Develop procedures for future projects.

• Develop product build books for manufacturing.

• Develop proficient use of AutoCAD - MEP / REVIT, CAD and file management.

• Develop strong working relationships outside of immediate work group.

• Develop understanding of the various State and National CODES governing our work.

Digitize

Digitize and edit integrated circuit drawings consisting of components and / or assemblies.

Draft

Draft and design detail packages related to renewal and new construction.

Engage

• Engage as part of large multidisciplinary teams and coordinate design documents for consistency.

• Engage effectively and professionally in verbal and written communications.

Ensure

• Ensure all projects conducted to a high standard which meets or exceeds client requirements.

• Ensure all work undertaken is produced accurately to standards in a timely and efficient manner.

• Ensure CAD standards and guidelines are followed.

• Ensure compliance with relevant codes, regulations, and safety standards.

• Ensure engineering specifications and procedures are used and followed.

• Ensure that drawings are checked, approved and filed in accordance with company quality system.

Estimate

Estimate and prioritize work to meet project timelines.

Follow

Follow previously defined procedures.

Generate

• Generate bill of materials (BOM) and material take-offs for cost estimation.

• Generate consolidated Excel data sheets from raw laboratory data.

Help

Help develop system designs from customer specifications and fire strategies.

Implement

Implement standard procedures and proposes intermediate level modifications to improve workflow.

Install

Install and support for engineering software.

Interact

Interact and communicates effectively and professionally with other team members.

Interpret

Interpret and enter sketches to be produced by CNC operators.

Learn

• Learn and interpret various building measurement standards.

• Learn the practices of a selected discipline.

Liaise with

• Liaise with builders to understand their requirements and specifications.

• Liaise with clients and stakeholders to clarify design requirements.

Link

Link drawings to appropriate CAFM / IWMS system.

Maintain

• Maintain accurate records.

• Maintain a job log and historical references.

• Maintain an organized library of design files and project documentation.

• Maintain CAD document archive and retrieval for projects.

• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive design information and intellectual property.

• Maintain knowledge of current CNC technology & techniques.

• Maintain project electronic files and archives.

• Maintain quality and accuracy in updating and maintaining drawings and information.

• Maintain the CAD network folder in an organized manner consistent with COLE guidelines.

• Maintain up to date information for team work schedule.

Make

• Make adjustments or changes as desired by the customer or Project Manager.

• Make effective decisions independently.

Manage

Manage drawing updates to existing designs.

Measure

Measure / count building components using various measuring tools in office or on site.

Meet

Meet company standards for attendance and punctuality.

Modify

• Modify existing and create new Bills of Materials for engineering packages and ordering.

• Modify and update existing designs to meet project specifications.

Monitor

Monitor quality control of drawing production in Oxford.

Operate

Operate and maintain system hardware and software.

Participate in

• Participate in client design meetings where required.

• Participate in design review meetings and provide valuable insights.

• Participate in field surveys and operate survey instruments and devices.

Perform

• Perform administrative duties for Facilities Team.

• Perform / assist quantity takeoffs based on drawing information.

• Perform CAD / BIM tasks assigned by CAD / BIM Manager.

• Perform design engineering for manufacturability to achieve and improve best efficiency and quality.

• Perform quality checks on drawings and ensure compliance with industry standards.

• Perform quantity takeoff and areas calculations of plans and elevation drawings.

• Perform technical field support with respect to surveying (topographic, construction and similar).

Post

Post drawings as per client requirements to the appropriate web location.

Prepare

• Prepare and maintain CAD based drawings.

• Prepare and record assembly timings on finished jobs.

• Prepare AutoCAD drawings to assist with quantity survey (take-offs) of various building components.

• Prepare construction specifications, costs, and material estimates.

• Prepare cost estimates, quantities, and tender packages.

• Prepare Cross-Sections for Road Designs.

• Prepare / edit drawings and figures for inclusion in reports / submissions / briefs.

• Prepare final drawings based on prior work examples and other input from designers or engineers.

• Prepare permit drawings, outside plant construction drawings, and final as-built drawings.

• Prepare Plan and Profile Drawings for watermains and sewers.

• Prepare plan, elevations, section and detail drawings.

• Prepare quantity and cost estimates.

• Prepare rebar schedules, Bills of Materials.

• Prepare survey deliverables and right away plans.

• Prepare technical construction specifications.

• Prepare Test fits (to support planning).

Present

Present drawing package to customer for approval.

Prioritize

Prioritize and respond to the needs of designers and engineers.

Process

• Process field data and plan checking.

• Process improvement initiatives.

Produce

• Produce building envelope detail drawings for multiple North American projects.

• Produce detailed technical drawings.

• Produce new CAD drawings for multiple projects.

• Produce shop drawings of product line from architectural . &#.

• Produce shop fabrication drawings.

• Produce site plans and cross-sections from site surveys and field logs.

Propose

Propose and implement basic solutions to routine problems.

Provide

• Provide an accurate accounting of time spent on projects.

• Provide customers with configuration and technical drawings as needed.

• Provide drafting services to internal or external vendors.

• Provide first class support to surveyors and engineers.

• Provide mentorship to less experienced team members.

• Provide one-on-one end-user training as needed.

• Provide support to CAD Managers and rest of CAD team.

• Provide technical support and training to colleagues or junior team members.

• Provide timely updates for drawing completion and workload.

Recommend

• Recommend actions to improve efficiency.

• Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency.

Redirect

Redirect problems to appropriate resource and escalate situations requiring urgent attention.

Refer

Refer atypical or complex problems to others.

Represent

Represent the project and building consultancy department internally and to clients.

Respond to

Respond to customer design inquiries.

Review

• Review all work for completeness and accuracy prior to submitting for engineering review.

• Review and modify designs to reduce production deficiencies.

• Review and validate designs in accordance with CSA standards, municipal and client standards.

Revise

Revise existing drawings, BOM, machine parts lists.

Schedule

Schedule assembly time in schedular software.

Stay updated with

Stay updated with industry trends and advancements in CAD technology.

Supervise

Supervise the preparation and checking of 2D / 3D drawings.

Support

• Support and troubleshoot client technical issues.

• Support the implementation of design changes during the construction phase.

• Support the surveyors and engineers in technical aspects of projects.

Take

• Take direction from engineers and senior CAD designers as required.

• Take initiative on tasks and in coordinating with other members of the team.

• Take red line corrections from local municipalities and converts them to 2d plans.

Track

Track and record all tasks and bill hours on a daily basis.

Transpose

Transpose system designs into CAD drawings.

Troubleshoot

Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to CAD software and hardware.

Understand

• Understand project schedules and budgets.

• Understand use of city / county / NGS control monuments.

Update

Update drawings with as-build data.

Upgrade

Upgrade and replace hardware where appropriate.

Use

• Use CAD equipment and software.

• Use Civil CAD for drafting.

• Use client management systems for documents and drawings.

• Use computer-aided drafting (CAD) and related software to produce construction documents.

• Use other electronic pdf document review programs like Bluebeam to markup and edit drawings.

• Use other software such as Bluebeam to markup and edit drawings.

Utilize

Utilize established CAD / BIM drafting standards, file management & techniques to prepare drawings.

Visit

Visit project site to audit and survey existing electrical systems.

Work with

• Work closely with architects, engineers and shop mechanics.

• Work closely with other designer / drafters and engineers to ensure coordinated design.

• Work with a team to layout new residential fiberoptic line in new residential neighborhoods.

• Work with AutoCAD to maintain models and produce accurate object placements.

• Work within drawing and change management system.

• Work with site and consultant supports to create efficient mechanical / electrical systems.

• Work with site and consultant supports to create efficient mechanical systems.

• Work with suppliers to package purchased components.

• Work with team members to estimate product requirements and provide quotes.

• Work with vector and raster drawing files in AutoCAD.

Write

Write up designs into Design Specifications.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a CAD Technician:

1. Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit).

2. Strong knowledge of technical drawing standards and practices.

3. Experience in 2D and 3D modeling techniques.

4. Familiarity with parametric modeling and design automation.

5. Ability to interpret and apply engineering and architectural concepts.

6. Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.

7. Proficiency in geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

8. Understanding of electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering principles.

9. Skill in creating complex assemblies and detailed part drawings.

10. Knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM) principles.

11. Proficiency in drafting and annotation tools within CAD software.

12. Ability to generate accurate bills of materials (BOMs) and quantity take-offs.

13. Familiarity with computer-aided engineering (CAE) software for analysis.

14. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot CAD issues.

15. Knowledge of rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing techniques.

16. Understanding of data management and version control systems.

17. Proficiency in visualizing and presenting design concepts.

18. Skill in importing and exporting files between different CAD software.

19. Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.

20. Familiarity with industry-specific standards and regulations.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a CAD Technician:

1. Attention to Detail: CAD Technicians need to have a keen eye for detail to ensure the accuracy and precision of their designs. They should be able to spot and rectify any errors or inconsistencies in the drawings.

2. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for CAD Technicians as they collaborate with various stakeholders, including engineers, architects, and clients. They must be able to understand and convey design requirements, as well as listen actively to feedback and incorporate it into their work.

3. Problem-solving Abilities: CAD Technicians often encounter technical challenges and design complexities. They need to possess strong problem-solving skills to analyze issues, propose solutions, and implement them effectively.

4. Time Management: Meeting project deadlines is crucial in the field of CAD. CAD Technicians should be able to manage their time efficiently, prioritize tasks, and work under pressure to ensure timely completion of projects.

5. Teamwork and Collaboration: CAD Technicians work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, architects, and designers. They should be able to collaborate effectively, contribute their expertise, and adapt to the team dynamics to achieve project goals.

6. Adaptability: The CAD industry is constantly evolving, with new software and technologies being introduced. CAD Technicians need to be adaptable and open to learning new tools and techniques to stay current and meet the demands of the industry.

7. Analytical Thinking: CAD Technicians must have strong analytical skills to interpret design specifications, assess feasibility, and identify potential issues. They should be able to analyze complex data and make informed decisions to optimize designs.

8. Creativity: While CAD Technicians work with technical specifications, creativity plays a crucial role in producing innovative and visually appealing designs. They should be able to think outside the box and offer creative solutions to design challenges.

9. Organizational Skills: With multiple projects and a significant amount of design documentation, CAD Technicians need to be highly organized. They should maintain a systematic approach to file management, document control, and versioning to ensure efficient workflows.

10. Continuous Learning: CAD technology and industry standards evolve rapidly. CAD Technicians should have a passion for continuous learning and professional development, keeping themselves updated with the latest advancements and trends in CAD.

Conclusion

In this blog post, we've outlined the main responsibilities of a Cad Designer, which encompass everything from creating and modifying CAD models to conducting design analysis and collaborating with stakeholders. Additionally, we've listed the most in-demand hard skills, highlighting the technical expertise required to navigate various CAD software and tools effectively.