Entry Level CAD Designer Jobs
New grad cad designer jobs open doors for recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work often carries more weight than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Consulting & Professional Services, Staffing & Recruiting, and Construction & Real Estate, with employers like Ardurra, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and CPH hiring at this level now.
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Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
- Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
- Long-term disability
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Bonus program
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Wellness program
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team.
The Helena office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States. Our drafting needs span the following three disciplines:
- Civil Design – 3D site grading and earthwork, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
- Structural Design – Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
- Mechanical Design – Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design
Job Responsibilities:
- Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
- Prepare 3D models for displaying complex features or structures.
- Maintain drawing files, CAD standards and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
- Prepare graphics for engineering reports, professional papers and presentations.
- Maintain printers for efficient use by the office.
- Participate in professional trainings to develop and implement new skills related to the various disciplines of work.
- Perform training of other technical staff on drafting standards, requirements and procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing drawing sets and figures from base data (i.e. survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches, etc.) and based on engineering input and guidance.
- Experience in other software is preferable, including Autodesk Revit and Solidworks.
- A minimum of 2 years of drafting/design experience at a consulting engineering firm or production design organization.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on existing data and engineering sketches.
- Ability to create and use sheetsets in AutoCAD.
- Knowledge and experience in data linking AutoCAD Civil 3D smart features.
- Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Associates degree or certification in Drafting and Design or equivalent practical experience.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
The compensation range for a CAD Designer is between $25/hr to $32/hr. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 32 offices throughout the United States.
Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm.
Benefit options include:
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending accounts
- Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
- Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
- Long-term disability
- Supplemental life insurance
- 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
- Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
- Bonus program
- Paid time off
- 9 Paid Holidays
- Wellness program
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
Job Description:
Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. The Helena, Montana office is seeking an entry level CAD Designer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team.
The Helena office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of dams, structures and facilities within our dam engineering group. Example projects include the evaluation and design of dams, fish hatcheries, surface water intakes, pump stations, outlet works, pipelines, and fabricated gates and valves for projects located across the United States. Our drafting needs span the following three disciplines:
- Civil Design – 3D site grading and earthwork, intakes, pipelines/penstocks, fish hatcheries, and hydroelectric facilities
- Structural Design – Precast and cast-in-place concrete structures, fabricated steel structures, wood and metal frame buildings, and bridges
- Mechanical Design – Pumps stations, large diameter pipe fittings and valves, and machine design
Job Responsibilities:
- Prepare 2D CAD drawings (plans, profiles, sections and details) for contract documents based on input and guidance from design staff and in accordance with internal drafting standards.
- Prepare 3D models for displaying complex features or structures.
- Maintain drawing files, CAD standards and other digital files in accordance with internal procedures.
- Prepare graphics for engineering reports, professional papers and presentations.
- Maintain printers for efficient use by the office.
- Participate in professional trainings to develop and implement new skills related to the various disciplines of work.
- Perform training of other technical staff on drafting standards, requirements and procedures.
Required Skills/Experience:
- Proficiency with the latest version of AutoCAD and AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience in developing drawing sets and figures from base data (i.e. survey, GIS, point cloud, engineering sketches, etc.) and based on engineering input and guidance.
- Experience in other software is preferable, including Autodesk Revit and Solidworks.
- A minimum of 2 years of drafting/design experience at a consulting engineering firm or production design organization.
- Strong interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to develop large, multifaceted drawing sets based on existing data and engineering sketches.
- Ability to create and use sheetsets in AutoCAD.
- Knowledge and experience in data linking AutoCAD Civil 3D smart features.
- Positive attitude and ability to work well in a team environment.
- Associates degree or certification in Drafting and Design or equivalent practical experience.
Other Requirements:
- Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record, and credit check.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
The compensation range for a CAD Designer is between $25/hr to $32/hr. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
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Entry Level CAD Designer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level cad designer job?
Build a portfolio of CAD drawings from coursework, personal projects, or internships, because hiring managers at this level prioritize demonstrated software proficiency over years on the job. Fluency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or a similar platform is the baseline expectation. Applying to roles that explicitly welcome new graduates, associate degree holders, or candidates with intern experience gives you the strongest starting ground.
Which companies hire entry level cad designers?
Companies hiring entry level cad designers right now include Ardurra, Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, and CPH, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Hiring at this level covers engineering and manufacturing firms, architecture and construction companies, and product design studios that maintain steady junior pipelines to support senior drafting teams.
Are there remote entry level cad designer jobs?
Yes, though on-site roles still dominate at the entry level. About 15% of entry level cad designer openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting employers who are willing to onboard junior candidates outside a traditional office setting. Searching by location flexibility on Migrate Mate lets you filter to those options directly.
Are these new grad cad designer jobs?
Yes, the listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior cad designer roles alongside other entry level postings. A new-grad-friendly posting typically welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or co-op work toward the requirement, and treats a strong portfolio as a substitute for an extensive work history. Look for language like "new grads encouraged" or "entry level considered" in the job description.
Which industries hire the most entry level cad designers?
Entry Level cad designer roles concentrate in Consulting & Professional Services, Staffing & Recruiting, and Construction & Real Estate, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors drive consistent hiring at the junior level because their project volumes require large drafting teams, and they typically develop new talent in-house rather than requiring candidates to arrive with extensive professional experience.