CAD Technician Jobs in California
CAD Technician jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, civil and structural engineering, and advanced manufacturing across a workforce that ranges from entry-level drafters to senior design technicians. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area generate the largest share of openings, with established employers like Northrop Grumman, Jacobs Engineering, and AECOM consistently hiring for California-based projects. The most in-demand specialties are 3D mechanical modeling, civil infrastructure drafting, and BIM coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
Moffatt & Nichol specializes in large complex waterfront infrastructure projects and is recognized as one of the worldwide leaders in this field. We are actively searching for a Mid-level CAD Technician to join our Oakland office. As the successful new hire, you will draft and revise detail drawings using AutoCAD for use in planning, permitting, reports, and various construction documents. Projects range from structural infrastructure in the areas of ports and harbors, coastal, environmental, water resources, urban waterfronts and marinas to transportation bridges, rail and buildings.
About Moffatt & Nichol:
Moffatt & Nichol is a leading U.S.-based global infrastructure advisor specializing in the planning and design of facilities that shape and serve our coastlines, harbors and rivers, as well as an innovator in transportation. For the 4th year in a row, Moffatt & Nichol is Ranked #1 in Engineering News-Record for Marine & Port Facilities in the U.S. Additionally, our firm consistently ranks in the Top 100 Pure Designers in the US and the Top 50 Designers in International Markets.
Moffatt & Nichol's professional staff includes engineers, planners, scientists and architects who serve our global client base from offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim. The firm provides clients worldwide with customized service and a level of excellence that have become the firm’s hallmark in several primary practice areas – ports and harbors; coastal, environmental and water resources; urban waterfronts and marinas; transportation, bridges and rail; inspection and rehabilitation; and energy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.
- Interpret sketches, mark-ups and written/verbal instructions and create workable drawings that adhere to CAD standards and other project requirements
- Draft detail drawings of structures and installations such as cargo terminals, marinas, wharfs, bulkhead walls and coastal structures (beaches, revetments, breakwaters and jetties)
- Develop detail drawings for grading, site development, utilities layouts, structural details, dredging layouts, and earthworks
- Compute excavation and fill volumes for dredging and earthmoving projects
- Assist the project team with preparation of engineering drawing packages
- Oversee work of junior CAD technicians
- Provide advanced technical drawing support and streamline CAD processes
Other duties:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Requirements and Qualifications:
- Technical or associate’s degree from an accredited college in a related discipline; required
- Bachelor’s degree; preferred
- Minimum 6 years of drafting experience in a relevant discipline; required
- Knowledge of civil site development, structural detailing, engineering principles, and CAD standards; preferred
- AutoCAD experience; required
- AutoCAD Civil 3D; preferred
- Microstation experience; preferred
- Knowledge of material properties
- Understanding and application of CAD standards and drafting practices
- Good numeracy, geometry and computer skills
- Understands construction methods and materials properties
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to review work performed by junior CAD Technicians and provide constructive feedback/markups
- All new hires will be required to successfully complete and pass a pre-employment (post offer) background check in compliance with NIST 800-171
- Moffatt & Nichol uses E-Verify and employment is contingent upon the legal ability to obtain employment in the U.S. and to present the required documentation at hire
Physical Requirements:
Ability to use standard office equipment. Sits at workstation for prolonged periods.
Travel Requirements:
On occasion, travel may be required to a project site or other office.
Moffatt & Nichol’s Employment Benefits:
At Moffatt & Nichol, we genuinely care about our team and strive to create a warm, welcoming environment. We’re excited to offer a range of great benefits and cover many costs to support you. Here are some highlights:
- Enjoy low-cost employee healthcare with our company-paid high-deductible medical, dental, and vision plans
- Family coverage is available
- Low-deductible plan available
- Generous HSA match to help manage healthcare expenses
- Stay energized with our amazing Wellness Program (with financial incentives) to keep you healthy and fit
- Features include: monthly one-on-one sessions with nutritionists, access to a Healthwise Pharmacist, mindfulness apps like The Calm and BetterHelp, and more
- Free and confidential Employee Assistance Programs for counseling and support
- Generous Paid time off (15 to 25 days based on experience level), Paid Holidays (7), and a floating holiday
- 401(k) match to help you reach your financial goals
- Excellent Life Insurance coverage, fully paid by the company
- You may also have the option to further your education with our comprehensive Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Plus, there are plenty of training opportunities, a Leadership Development Program, a formal Mentoring program, an active YP (Young Professionals) group, and so much more
- And because we care about all members of your family, we offer Pet Insurance to look after your furry friends
Moffatt & Nichol’s EEO Statement:
As a global business, Moffatt & Nichol relies on diversity of culture and thought to deliver on our goal of Creative People, Practical Solutions® serving our client needs, and ensures nondiscrimination in all activities in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. We draw from the world’s best and brightest, regardless of geographic, cultural, or institutional background. This approach enables us to better understand and serve our clients, foster innovation, and create a rich, collaborative work environment. Moffatt & Nichol is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Federal Contractor desiring priority referrals of all protected veterans for job openings.
EEO is the LAW
If you need more information or require special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, please contact Human Resources at (562) 590-6500 or TTY/TDD users please call 711.
See All 21 CAD Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Technician JobsCAD Technician Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Technician Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- BKF Engineers12

- ByteDance1

- Ca-One Tech Cloud1

- Congruex1

- EFCO1

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services3
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Manufacturing2
- Technology & Software2
- Construction & Real Estate1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD technician jobs across California.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD and at least one of Revit, SolidWorks, or Civil 3D
- Associate degree or certificate in drafting technology, CAD design, or engineering technology
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
- Experience supporting multidisciplinary teams in aerospace, civil, or mechanical engineering environments
- Familiarity with California building codes, title sheet standards, or industry-specific drawing conventions
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple drawing revisions under project deadlines
CAD Technician Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad technician in California?
Most California employers hire cad technicians who hold an associate degree or vocational certificate in drafting technology, CAD design, or engineering technology from a California community college. Programs at schools like Los Angeles Trade-Technical College and San Diego Mesa College provide direct pathways. California does not require a state-issued license for drafting roles, but certifications from the American Design Drafting Association are recognized by many local employers and can strengthen your application.
How much do CAD technicians make in California?
CAD technicians 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 technicians in California?
Employers hiring cad technicians in California right now include BKF Engineers, ByteDance, and Ca-One Tech Cloud, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's dense concentration of aerospace primes, civil engineering consultancies, and public infrastructure agencies means demand is spread across both large firms and specialized regional contractors.
Which California cities have the most cad technician jobs?
Oakland, Brentwood, and Clayton have the most cad technician openings in California. Los Angeles leads because of its aerospace and defense industry anchored by major primes along the South Bay corridor, while San Diego draws consistent demand from defense contractors and civil engineering firms, and the Bay Area generates openings through large-scale infrastructure and technology-driven construction projects.
Are there remote cad technician jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical fields because cad technicians often need to coordinate directly with engineers, review physical site conditions, or access proprietary CAD systems on-site. About 0% of cad technician openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with the remote share concentrated in documentation-heavy or BIM coordination roles that don't require regular lab or field access.
How can I get hired as a cad technician in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a drafting or CAD certificate at a California community college, then targeting junior drafter or CAD technician I roles at civil engineering firms or public agencies. California's county transportation departments and water districts regularly bring on entry-level drafters. Building a portfolio of sample drawings in AutoCAD or Revit matters more than work history at this stage, and lateral moves from roles like construction estimating assistant or architectural intern are common entry points.
Where can I find and apply to cad technician jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cad technician jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings from employers actively hiring. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each one.
See All 21 CAD Technician Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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