Cadd Designer (Entry-Level)

Job Title: CAD Designer / Drafter

Job Description

This role provides hands-on CAD design and drafting support for engineering projects in a highly collaborative office environment. The CAD Designer / Drafter works 100% on site in the Ann Arbor office, primarily performing redline updates and developing detailed drawings under the guidance of professional engineers. The position focuses on using AutoCAD and, where applicable, MicroStation to produce high-quality design deliverables for industrial and utility-related projects, while contributing actively to an engaged, employee-focused culture.

Responsibilities

• Support engineering projects by performing redline updates and revisions to existing drawings with a high level of accuracy.
• Develop and maintain detailed CAD drawings, including P&IDs, general arrangement drawings, plant layouts, piping details, and pipe support details.
• Work closely under the direction of professional engineers and technical staff to translate design concepts into precise CAD deliverables.
• Use AutoCAD as the primary design tool and learn or apply MicroStation as needed to meet project requirements.
• Apply multiple design standards and project-specific guidelines to ensure drawings meet technical and quality expectations.
• Collaborate with engineers during site visits to gather field information and incorporate it into updated drawings and models.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with team members to manage workloads and align on project priorities and deadlines.
• Support at least two engineers at a time and manage work across a minimum of two concurrent projects, with the ability to handle up to three projects simultaneously.
• Maintain organized project files, drawing sets, and documentation using Microsoft Office and other standard tools.
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and good organizational skills to ensure completeness, clarity, and consistency of all deliverables.
• Participate actively in a team-oriented, interactive work environment, including daily team meetings and optional team-building activities.
• Show a willingness to learn new software tools such as Navisworks and Revit, and expand skills in industrial, power generation, oil and gas, or related project types.

Essential Skills

• 0-1 years of experience in CAD design or drafting, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD design software, with the ability to develop complete deliverables using this tool.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation.
• Knowledge and regular use of the Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and related tools.
• Associate degree or technical school degree in a relevant field, or an equivalent combination of education and design or drafting experience.
• Ability to display strong attention to detail and maintain good organizational skills in handling multiple projects and drawing sets.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work productively in a team setting under the direction of engineers.
• Demonstrated attitude and commitment to being an active participant in an employee-owned, collaborative culture.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with both AutoCAD and MicroStation in a professional or academic setting.
• Experience working with multiple design standards across different projects or industries.
• Exposure to or experience in power generation, oil and gas, or industrial projects.
• Familiarity with general arrangement drawings, plant layouts, and P&IDs.
• Experience generating P&IDs, general arrangements, plant arrangements, piping details, and pipe support details.
• Familiarity with additional software tools such as Navisworks and Revit.
• Background or education in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical disciplines.
• More than two years of experience developing deliverables using AutoCAD is considered a strong plus.
• Demonstrated willingness to learn new tools, standards, and project types, and to grow within a large, nationally present organization.

Work Environment

The role is 100% on site in a professional office building in Ann Arbor, working primarily from a dedicated cubicle. The environment is highly interactive, with daily team meetings that foster communication and collaboration among engineers and drafters. Each drafter typically supports two engineers and works on at least two projects at a time, with a maximum of three concurrent projects, which creates a dynamic and engaging workload. The office culture emphasizes teamwork and community, offering optional team-building activities and a monthly office potluck for those who wish to participate. Work may occasionally include site visits with an engineer to gather field data and verify conditions, which are then incorporated into updated drawings. The organization operates at a national scale, providing exposure to a variety of projects and standards, while maintaining a supportive, employee-focused atmosphere. Dress expectations align with a standard professional office setting, with appropriate attire for both office work and occasional site visits.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $27.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ann Arbor,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 6, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.