CAD Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
CAD Engineer jobs in Minnesota concentrate in precision manufacturing, medical devices, and aerospace and defense, with steady hiring at every level from entry-level drafters to senior design engineers. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro anchors the market, while Rochester and the Twin Cities suburbs around Medtronic's campus and Coon Rapids generate consistent openings. Established employers like Medtronic, 3M, and Graco have long relied on cad engineers across product development and tooling disciplines, with the strongest demand in SolidWorks mechanical design, sheet metal fabrication layouts, and industrial automation. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Description The Senior Applications Specialist for Geospatial, CAD Engineering and Construction Workflows will lead project delivery teams to develop, standardize and advance software technology and tools across the Environmental Services (ENS) Global Practice including partnering with the Water (WTR) and Transportation (TRN) on projects. This position will lead the development and implementation of enterprise GIS, CAD, AI and digital delivery initiatives aligned with key technology and data initiatives.
ENS business lines share a need for standardized enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, hardware and software vendor relationships, asset management and field data collection. This role will define and drive those standards while preparing our GIS and CAD workforce for a new era in data management, software development, construction project use, project management, and built-in AI in enterprise platforms such as Esri, open source geospatial, Autodesk and Bentley, supporting modern digital delivery offerings that differentiate us in the marketplace.
What you will do
Enterprise Standardization and Strategy
- Lead development of standards, reference architectures and roadmaps for enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, and supporting hardware and software.
- Coordinate between disciplines, business lines and Global Practices to develop software and technology that optimize business processes and deliverables, provide seamless integration, and improve data management.
- Serve as the technical lead for enterprise platform strategy, licensing models and governance, balancing standardization with the needs of individual business lines and projects.
- Review research on new software, platforms and emerging technology; evaluate and recommend adoption in support of corporate project delivery and data management initiatives.
Vendor and Partner Relationships
- Manage strategic relationships with software and hardware vendors (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, and field data collection and positioning hardware providers), including enterprise agreements, licensing optimization, support escalation and roadmap engagement.
- Lead technical evaluations, pilots and proofs of concept for vendor products and recommend standard configurations.
Enterprise GIS, CAD and Data Management
- Lead design, implementation and administration of enterprise GIS (for example ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online and Portal), enterprise open source geospatial and CAD/BIM environments (for example Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud), including content, security and user management.
- Design geospatial data architectures and pipelines that connect GIS, CAD, asset, project and business systems, with attention to data quality, schema design, coordinate reference systems, and cloud-native and open formats (for example GeoParquet, COG and PMTiles) alongside legacy formats.
- Develop and promote spatial SQL, ETL and automation practices (for example Python, ArcPy, FME or equivalent, GDAL/OGR) to improve repeatability and scale.
- Establish data governance, versioning, metadata and QA/QC standards for spatial and engineering data.
Asset Management and Field Data Collection
- Lead standard approaches for asset inventory, condition assessment and asset management including integration with client asset management systems.
- Develop and support field data collection solutions (for example ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, mobile and high-accuracy GNSS, drone/UAS and reality capture) with standard workflows from field to enterprise database.
Construction and Digital Delivery Workflows
- Develop and implement workflows that use GIS, CAD and BIM data in construction projects, including model-based coordination, quantities, progress tracking, inspection, as-built capture and handover to client asset systems.
- Support the development of digital delivery offerings, such as dashboards, web maps, digital twins and data-rich deliverables, that differentiate ENS in the marketplace.
AI, Automation and Application Development
- Lead adoption of built-in AI capabilities in enterprise applications (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley and Microsoft platforms) and of GeoAI methods such as feature extraction, classification and imagery and point cloud analysis.
- Establish guidance for responsible, secure and effective AI use, including AI-assisted code generation, prompt practices, validation of AI output, and data privacy and client confidentiality requirements.
- Lead and develop solutions for applications, reports and dashboards for internal and external clients, including model-driven, canvas and portal apps, using platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform, specifically Power BI, and Esri ArcGIS tools.
- Lead implementation of security and automation flow routines within applications.
- Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects and find or develop non-standard technology solutions.
Workforce Enablement
- Prepare the GIS and CAD workforce for new ways of working by developing training, certification pathways, communities of practice, documentation and mentoring in data management, scripting and development, AI-enabled workflows and construction use of data.
- Provide expert-level support and mentoring to staff and project teams, and serve as an escalation point for complex technical issues.
Project Delivery and Client Engagement
- Lead project delivery teams; prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates; report project performance.
- Build effective relationships with existing clients and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in engineering, computer science, geospatial science or related degree and 8 years relevant experience.
- Consulting experience in the architectural, engineering and/or construction industries preferred, ideally in environmental, water and/or transportation infrastructure.
- Software development and programming experience required (for example Python, SQL, JavaScript or similar).
- Demonstrated experience administering and deploying enterprise GIS and/or CAD platforms (Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, open source geospatial or equivalent).
- Extensive experience with spatial databases and spatial SQL (for example PostGIS or enterprise geodatabases), data integration/ETL and cloud platforms.
- Experience with field data collection, asset management, and/or construction technology workflows preferred.
- Experience applying AI tools to technical workflows, and an understanding of their limits, preferred.
- Experience managing vendor relationships, licensing and technology procurement preferred.
- Understanding of software and hardware system architecture.
- Relevant certifications (for example FME, Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, PMP) are a plus but not required.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
Compensation
$125,000.00-195,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Programming
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-CO-Denver, US-GA-Atlanta, US-TX-Houston, US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 265300
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS
Description The Senior Applications Specialist for Geospatial, CAD Engineering and Construction Workflows will lead project delivery teams to develop, standardize and advance software technology and tools across the Environmental Services (ENS) Global Practice including partnering with the Water (WTR) and Transportation (TRN) on projects. This position will lead the development and implementation of enterprise GIS, CAD, AI and digital delivery initiatives aligned with key technology and data initiatives.
ENS business lines share a need for standardized enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, hardware and software vendor relationships, asset management and field data collection. This role will define and drive those standards while preparing our GIS and CAD workforce for a new era in data management, software development, construction project use, project management, and built-in AI in enterprise platforms such as Esri, open source geospatial, Autodesk and Bentley, supporting modern digital delivery offerings that differentiate us in the marketplace.
What you will do
Enterprise Standardization and Strategy
- Lead development of standards, reference architectures and roadmaps for enterprise GIS, CAD, AI, and supporting hardware and software.
- Coordinate between disciplines, business lines and Global Practices to develop software and technology that optimize business processes and deliverables, provide seamless integration, and improve data management.
- Serve as the technical lead for enterprise platform strategy, licensing models and governance, balancing standardization with the needs of individual business lines and projects.
- Review research on new software, platforms and emerging technology; evaluate and recommend adoption in support of corporate project delivery and data management initiatives.
Vendor and Partner Relationships
- Manage strategic relationships with software and hardware vendors (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, and field data collection and positioning hardware providers), including enterprise agreements, licensing optimization, support escalation and roadmap engagement.
- Lead technical evaluations, pilots and proofs of concept for vendor products and recommend standard configurations.
Enterprise GIS, CAD and Data Management
- Lead design, implementation and administration of enterprise GIS (for example ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Online and Portal), enterprise open source geospatial and CAD/BIM environments (for example Civil 3D, Autodesk Construction Cloud), including content, security and user management.
- Design geospatial data architectures and pipelines that connect GIS, CAD, asset, project and business systems, with attention to data quality, schema design, coordinate reference systems, and cloud-native and open formats (for example GeoParquet, COG and PMTiles) alongside legacy formats.
- Develop and promote spatial SQL, ETL and automation practices (for example Python, ArcPy, FME or equivalent, GDAL/OGR) to improve repeatability and scale.
- Establish data governance, versioning, metadata and QA/QC standards for spatial and engineering data.
Asset Management and Field Data Collection
- Lead standard approaches for asset inventory, condition assessment and asset management including integration with client asset management systems.
- Develop and support field data collection solutions (for example ArcGIS Field Maps, Survey123, mobile and high-accuracy GNSS, drone/UAS and reality capture) with standard workflows from field to enterprise database.
Construction and Digital Delivery Workflows
- Develop and implement workflows that use GIS, CAD and BIM data in construction projects, including model-based coordination, quantities, progress tracking, inspection, as-built capture and handover to client asset systems.
- Support the development of digital delivery offerings, such as dashboards, web maps, digital twins and data-rich deliverables, that differentiate ENS in the marketplace.
AI, Automation and Application Development
- Lead adoption of built-in AI capabilities in enterprise applications (for example Esri, Autodesk, Bentley and Microsoft platforms) and of GeoAI methods such as feature extraction, classification and imagery and point cloud analysis.
- Establish guidance for responsible, secure and effective AI use, including AI-assisted code generation, prompt practices, validation of AI output, and data privacy and client confidentiality requirements.
- Lead and develop solutions for applications, reports and dashboards for internal and external clients, including model-driven, canvas and portal apps, using platforms such as Microsoft Power Platform, specifically Power BI, and Esri ArcGIS tools.
- Lead implementation of security and automation flow routines within applications.
- Apply knowledge and experience to complex projects and find or develop non-standard technology solutions.
Workforce Enablement
- Prepare the GIS and CAD workforce for new ways of working by developing training, certification pathways, communities of practice, documentation and mentoring in data management, scripting and development, AI-enabled workflows and construction use of data.
- Provide expert-level support and mentoring to staff and project teams, and serve as an escalation point for complex technical issues.
Project Delivery and Client Engagement
- Lead project delivery teams; prepare and present project budgets and cost estimates; report project performance.
- Build effective relationships with existing clients and develop new business opportunities. Responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction goals and expectations are met.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in engineering, computer science, geospatial science or related degree and 8 years relevant experience.
- Consulting experience in the architectural, engineering and/or construction industries preferred, ideally in environmental, water and/or transportation infrastructure.
- Software development and programming experience required (for example Python, SQL, JavaScript or similar).
- Demonstrated experience administering and deploying enterprise GIS and/or CAD platforms (Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, open source geospatial or equivalent).
- Extensive experience with spatial databases and spatial SQL (for example PostGIS or enterprise geodatabases), data integration/ETL and cloud platforms.
- Experience with field data collection, asset management, and/or construction technology workflows preferred.
- Experience applying AI tools to technical workflows, and an understanding of their limits, preferred.
- Experience managing vendor relationships, licensing and technology procurement preferred.
- Understanding of software and hardware system architecture.
- Relevant certifications (for example FME, Esri, Autodesk, Bentley, Microsoft, PMP) are a plus but not required.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills; strong interpersonal skills; and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, ability to work methodically and analytically in a quantitative problem-solving environment.
- Strong attention to detail, facilitation, team building, collaboration, organization and problem-solving skills.
Compensation
$125,000.00-195,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Programming
Primary Location US-MO-Kansas City
Other Locations US-CO-Denver, US-GA-Atlanta, US-TX-Houston, US-MN-Minneapolis/St Paul, US-IL-Chicago
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 265300
Job Hire Type Experienced #LI-GS #ENS
See All 12 CAD Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Engineer JobsCAD Engineer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Engineer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD engineer jobs across Minnesota.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA required by most Minnesota employers
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field
- Experience creating detailed engineering drawings to ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards
- Ability to collaborate with manufacturing and production teams on design intent
- Familiarity with PDM or PLM systems such as Vault or Teamcenter
- Strong attention to dimensional tolerancing and revision control processes
CAD Engineer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad engineer in Minnesota?
Most Minnesota employers hire cad engineers with an associate degree in drafting or mechanical engineering technology, or a bachelor's in mechanical or industrial engineering. No state-issued license is required specifically for the cad engineer title in Minnesota. Employers throughout the Twin Cities manufacturing and medical device corridors typically expect demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks or AutoCAD, a portfolio of completed drawings, and working knowledge of ASME GD&T standards before extending an offer.
How much do CAD engineers make in Minnesota?
CAD engineers in Minnesota earn a median of about $108,850 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $73,790 for the lowest 10% to over $167,120 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire cad engineers in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring cad engineers in Minnesota include Burns & McDonnell, nVent, and Abbott, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Minnesota's deep medical device and precision manufacturing base means cad engineer demand stays broad, with established industrial employers and specialty fabricators posting regularly throughout the year.
Which Minnesota cities have the most cad engineer jobs?
Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Anoka, and Bemidji lead Minnesota for cad engineer openings. The Twin Cities concentration reflects the region's large medical device manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, and industrial equipment companies headquartered there, while Rochester's openings are driven by medical technology and healthcare equipment firms clustered around that city's research and manufacturing corridor.
Are there remote cad engineer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of cad engineer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than most desk-based roles because cad engineers frequently need on-site collaboration with machinists, tooling teams, and physical prototypes. The portions of the role most likely to be remote include design review, drawing revisions, and documentation work.
How can I get hired as a cad engineer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing an associate degree in mechanical or manufacturing engineering technology at a Minnesota institution such as Hennepin Technical College or Dunwoody College of Technology, which maintain connections with Twin Cities manufacturers. Target entry-level titles like drafting technician, design intern, or CAD technician, which large Minnesota employers and contract manufacturers use as on-ramps. Building a portfolio of SolidWorks models and dimensioned drawings gives candidates a concrete advantage even before a first full-time role.
Where can I find and apply to cad engineer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to cad engineer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 CAD Engineer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Engineer Jobs