CAD Designer Jobs in California
CAD Designer jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in aerospace and defense, architecture and construction, semiconductor manufacturing, and consumer electronics across experience levels from entry-level drafters through senior design engineers. The largest hiring metros are Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and Apple consistently staff cad design teams. The most in-demand specialties right now are mechanical CAD for product development, architectural drafting for commercial construction, and electrical schematic design for hardware companies. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find CAD Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 15+ CAD Designer jobs
INTRODUCTION
Are you a self-motivated individual who is knowledgeable about constructability and construction practices? As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans under the direction of the Construction Engineering Group. Your role will be crucial in transforming project concepts into executable plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the “how” when it comes to constructing the work. This team of specialized engineers has extensive experience in designing and constructing various temporary works.
Apply now and transform your career with us.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works alongside and under the guidance of a Construction Engineer and/or Senior CAD Designer to produce drawings including tolerances, dimensions, materials, and technical project data based on feedback and design specifications
- Prepares preliminary designs in accordance with construction means and methods to be reviewed and calculated by the Construction Engineer team
- Analyzes sketches, notes, and other input materials to determine the best approach to complete drawings using internal software and programs
- Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering
- Evaluates layout drawings at the direction of leadership to ensure drawings comply with engineering requirements, Company standards, and project contract specifications
- Builds detailed drawings to accurately and completely describe construction design intent and critical elements
- Calculates quantities and dimensions within procedural and standard practice limitations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical degree or Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Design, Engineering, or related technical field required
- 4+ years of experience with CAD required, inclusive of proficiency in using CAD software
- 1+ years of experience within the Construction industry required
- Working knowledge of and ability to utilize AutoCAD; AutoCAD certification preferred
- Developing knowledge of and ability to utilize Civil 3D, Revit, and other 3D rendering software
- Knowledge of architectural and mechanical drafting tools
- Understanding of heavy civil temporary works constructability and construction practices
- Knowledge of 2D and 3D presentation of designs
- Self-motivated and able to take direction from leaders to deliver upon objectives
- Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Aptitude for managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines independently
- Proficient in presenting drawings and diagrams to teams and leadership
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are:
* Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program
* Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP
* Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vision and/or Provincial Medical
* Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program
* Tuition Reimbursement Program
We are an EEO/ADA/Veterans employer.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Min: USD $74,000.00/Yr
- Salary Max: USD $76,000.00/Yr
INTRODUCTION
Are you a self-motivated individual who is knowledgeable about constructability and construction practices? As a CAD Designer, you will prepare layout drawings and schematic diagrams of temporary works plans under the direction of the Construction Engineering Group. Your role will be crucial in transforming project concepts into executable plans, ensuring accuracy and compliance with industry standards.
The Construction Engineering Group focuses on the “how” when it comes to constructing the work. This team of specialized engineers has extensive experience in designing and constructing various temporary works.
Apply now and transform your career with us.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Works alongside and under the guidance of a Construction Engineer and/or Senior CAD Designer to produce drawings including tolerances, dimensions, materials, and technical project data based on feedback and design specifications
- Prepares preliminary designs in accordance with construction means and methods to be reviewed and calculated by the Construction Engineer team
- Analyzes sketches, notes, and other input materials to determine the best approach to complete drawings using internal software and programs
- Identifies locations and/or structures that need engineering
- Evaluates layout drawings at the direction of leadership to ensure drawings comply with engineering requirements, Company standards, and project contract specifications
- Builds detailed drawings to accurately and completely describe construction design intent and critical elements
- Calculates quantities and dimensions within procedural and standard practice limitations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical degree or Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Design, Engineering, or related technical field required
- 4+ years of experience with CAD required, inclusive of proficiency in using CAD software
- 1+ years of experience within the Construction industry required
- Working knowledge of and ability to utilize AutoCAD; AutoCAD certification preferred
- Developing knowledge of and ability to utilize Civil 3D, Revit, and other 3D rendering software
- Knowledge of architectural and mechanical drafting tools
- Understanding of heavy civil temporary works constructability and construction practices
- Knowledge of 2D and 3D presentation of designs
- Self-motivated and able to take direction from leaders to deliver upon objectives
- Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Aptitude for managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines independently
- Proficient in presenting drawings and diagrams to teams and leadership
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Some of the benefits you may be eligible for as an employee are:
* Comprehensive compensation package and paid time off program
* Industry leading 401(k)/RRSP
* Medical/Extended Health Care, Dental, Vision and/or Provincial Medical
* Wellness benefits & Employee Assistance Program
* Tuition Reimbursement Program
We are an EEO/ADA/Veterans employer.
COMPENSATION
- Salary Min: USD $74,000.00/Yr
- Salary Max: USD $76,000.00/Yr
See All 15 CAD Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Designer JobsCAD Designer Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Designer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Pse Consulting Engineers4
- FlatironDragados2
- GEI Consultants2
- Brindley Engineering Corporation1
- KPFF Consulting Engineers1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services9
- Construction & Real Estate3
- Education1
- Energy1
- Technology & Software1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD designer jobs across California.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA required for most California postings
- Associate or bachelor's degree in drafting technology, engineering, or a related field preferred
- Experience producing detailed 2D drawings and 3D models to industry and GD&T standards
- Familiarity with California Title 24 building codes for architecture and MEP roles
- Ability to collaborate with engineers, architects, and project managers throughout design cycles
- Portfolio of completed projects or internship experience demonstrating production-ready drafting work
CAD Designer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad designer in California?
The most direct path is completing an associate degree or certificate in drafting technology, CAD design, or engineering technology from a California community college, then building a portfolio of production drawings. California does not require a state license to work as a cad designer, but earning an industry certification such as the Autodesk Certified Professional credential strengthens applications. Many candidates enter through internships or student project work with California manufacturers, architecture firms, or defense contractors.
How much do CAD designers make in California?
CAD designers in California earn a median of about $82,510 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $50,200 for the lowest 10% to over $128,160 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cad designers in California?
Employers hiring cad designers in California right now include Pse Consulting Engineers, FlatironDragados, and GEI Consultants, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's aerospace, defense, and semiconductor industries generate consistent demand, with large employers across Los Angeles, San Diego, and the Bay Area running ongoing hiring for both contract and full-time cad roles.
Which California cities have the most cad designer jobs?
Concord, Irvine, and Rancho Cordova are the California cities with the most cad designer openings. Los Angeles and San Diego are driven by large aerospace and defense contractors headquartered in Southern California, while Bay Area demand reflects the region's concentration of hardware and semiconductor companies. Secondary markets like Sacramento see steady activity tied to state infrastructure and commercial construction projects.
Are there remote cad designer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical roles because cad designers often need to coordinate directly with engineers, review physical prototypes, or access secure design environments on-site. About 13% of cad designer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026. The tasks most suited to remote work are 2D documentation, revision markup, and model clean-up that don't require on-site hardware access.
How can I get hired as a cad designer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for a drafting intern or junior cad technician role while still completing a community college certificate, since California's aerospace and construction industries regularly hire program completers before graduation. Large defense contractors in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas run student co-op and new-grad programs that accept candidates without professional experience. Building a strong portfolio of student projects drawn to GD&T or AIA standards and targeting entry titles like drafting technician or design aide opens doors faster than targeting senior roles.
Where can I find and apply to cad designer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cad designer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across aerospace, architecture, manufacturing, and tech. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 15 CAD Designer Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Designer Jobs