AutoCad Designer / Drafter

Davis Utility Consulting is seeking a detail-oriented CAD Designer to develop accurate, submittal-ready drawings for dry utility infrastructure supporting residential, commercial, mixed-use, and municipal projects. Working under the Manager of the CAD Division, you’ll translate civil site plans, engineering drawings, project manager markups, and utility provider requirements into coordinated utility plans that support successful project execution.

This role is ideal for a CAD professional with 3+ years of experience who enjoys solving technical challenges, managing multiple projects, and collaborating with project teams to deliver high-quality drawings. Experience in dry utility design, land development, or civil engineering is preferred, along with the initiative to work independently, identify potential conflicts, and keep projects moving toward critical deadlines.

What You Will Be Doing

• Developing composite dry utility plans for electric power, telecommunications, fiber, and natural gas using civil site plans and engineering drawings.

• Designing and drafting conduit systems and duct banks, including manhole blowouts, trench details, and cross sections.

• Preparing road crossing plans and streetlight layouts in accordance with utility provider and municipal standards.

• Drafting utility relocation and service drawings for overhead and underground relocations, temporary services, and disconnects.

• Preparing easement plats and coordination exhibits to support utility deeds, encroachment permits, and related approvals.

• Incorporating design revisions based on feedback from project managers, clients, and utility companies.

• Identifying potential utility conflicts with stormwater systems, sanitary sewer, grading, and other site features before submitting drawings for review.

• Reviewing drawings for accuracy and completeness to ensure compliance with project requirements, utility standards, and submission guidelines.

• Maintaining organized CAD files and drawing logs to support client, utility provider, and county submissions.

• Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to clarify requirements, resolve design questions, and maintain project alignment.

• Managing multiple active projects while meeting submission deadlines and communicating progress, risks, and potential delays.

• Contributing to team success by taking initiative, sharing information, and maintaining a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach.

What You Need

• 3+ years of professional CAD design or drafting experience, preferably in land development, utilities, or civil engineering.

• Strong proficiency in AutoCAD, including the ability to develop, modify, and review technical drawings.

• Ability to interpret civil site plans, plats, and engineering drawings and translate technical information into accurate utility layouts.

• Working knowledge of technical math used in layouts, distances, dimensions, and quantities.

• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to identify discrepancies and verify drawing accuracy before submission.

• Effective communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with project managers, clients, utility providers, and project partners.

• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize assignments, manage competing deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.

• Proactive ownership and initiative, including anticipating potential issues, asking questions when needed, and following assignments through to completion.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

If You Have This, It’s a Plus

• Experience designing dry utility infrastructure for electric power, telecommunications, fiber, or natural gas.

• Familiarity with utility provider requirements and design standards for Dominion Energy, NOVEC, Washington Gas, Verizon, or Comcast.

• Experience working with land development projects involving residential communities, commercial developments, mixed-use properties, or municipal infrastructure.

• Proficiency in Civil 3D and Bluebeam.

• An associate degree in drafting and design, civil engineering technology, or a related discipline.

• Experience preparing duct bank details, manhole layouts, road crossings, streetlight plans, utility easements, or relocation drawings.

What’s In It for You

• Meaningful technical work: Contributing to the utility infrastructure that supports new developments and communities.

• Variety of projects: Working across residential, commercial, mixed-use, and municipal projects with diverse utility coordination needs.

• Technical growth: Expanding your knowledge of utility design standards, civil plans, and infrastructure coordination.

• Professional ownership: Managing assignments, solving design challenges, and seeing your work progress toward project approvals and construction.

• Collaborative environment: Partnering with project managers, clients, and utility providers to deliver coordinated, high-quality results.

About the Company

Davis Utility Consulting supports the coordination and design of dry utility infrastructure for residential, commercial, mixed-use, and municipal developments. The team works across electric power, telecommunications, and natural gas requirements, helping coordinate utility plans with civil engineering designs, utility provider standards, and project submission requirements.

The company values accuracy, accountability, clear communication, and professionals who take initiative to solve problems and keep projects moving forward.

Work Schedule & Location

• Location: Fairfax, Virginia — on-site

• Schedule: Monday through Friday, with one of the following options:

  • 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

  • 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

  • 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

• Additional hours: Occasional evening or weekend work may be required based on project needs.

If you’re an experienced CAD professional who enjoys technical problem-solving, coordinating utility infrastructure, and taking ownership of high-quality project deliverables, we encourage you to apply.