CAD Technician Jobs in Illinois
CAD Technician jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria, where manufacturing, civil infrastructure, and mechanical engineering firms maintain steady demand for drafting professionals at every level from entry-level to senior design technician. Major employers with a lasting Illinois presence include Caterpillar, Baxter International, and Walgreens Boots Alliance, which support in-house design and facility teams. Mechanical drafting, civil and structural detailing, and architectural CAD are among the most sought-after specialties in the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
We are seeking an experienced Bridge CAD Designer/Technician to join our transportation team in the greater St. Louis area. This position may be based in our Belleville, Edwardsville, or St. Louis office and offers the opportunity to contribute to meaningful bridge and transportation projects as part of a 100% employee-owned company. At Lochmueller, you'll work alongside a talented team of professionals on a variety of transportation projects serving local municipalities, counties, and state agencies. The primary focus of this role will be on structural and bridge design, but there may be opportunities to work on other transportation-related design projects. You'll have the opportunity to apply your design expertise, develop detailed plans and drawings, and play a key role in delivering transportation improvements that positively impact the communities we serve. For over 40 years, Lochmueller Group has helped communities reinvent their future through thoughtful, actionable planning and design. What truly sets Lochmueller apart is our people and the values that guide how we work: CARDIA: Creativity; Accountability; Respect; Dedication; Integrity; Achievement. Lochmueller Group is a 100% employee-owned firm where our people are invested in each other's success and the long-term success of the company. We offer a collaborative environment that supports professional growth, encourages innovation, and provides opportunities to make a meaningful impact through your work. It's a place where talented professionals can build rewarding careers while helping shape the future of the communities we serve.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In this position, you will:
- Produce detailed drawings, plans, details, and exhibits for bridge and transportation projects using Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRoads/OpenBridge, and other applicable design software
- Apply advanced CAD techniques, standards, and tools to develop accurate, high-quality design deliverables
- Work closely with bridge and transportation engineers and other designers to incorporate design changes, resolve drafting issues, and complete revisions
- Develop bridge plan components such as layouts, elevations, sections, structural details, grading, roadway tie-ins, and related transportation improvements
- Read and interpret construction plans, surveys, engineering markups, design criteria, and technical specifications
- Assist in preparing quantity takeoffs, construction estimates, and materials lists for bridge and transportation projects
- Organize CAD files and project documentation while maintaining proper file structure, version control, and distribution practices
- Apply applicable design specifications, agency standards, policies, and federal, state, and local requirements to project deliverables
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams and support quality-control reviews to ensure drawings are complete, accurate, and consistent
- Perform other duties associated with the role as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's degree in civil engineering technology, structural design, drafting, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge and experience
- 5+ years of design and drafting experience supporting structural, bridge, or transportation projects
- Advanced proficiency with Civil 3D, MicroStation, OpenRoads/OpenBridge, and/or other relevant transportation and structural design software
- Familiarity with DOT CAD standards and drawing procedures and CAD workspaces for MoDOT and/or IDOT
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, construction plans, design details, and technical specifications
- General working knowledge of construction practices and materials used in bridge, structural, and transportation projects
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with engineers, designers, and other project partners
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word, and Adobe Acrobat and/or Bluebeam PDF software
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
What we offer:
- Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and basic life insurance, plus options for supplemental voluntary life insurance
- Work-Life Balance: Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, parental leave, flexible scheduling opportunities
- Financial Well-Being: Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), competitive compensation, 401(k) with company match, and student loan repayment assistance
- Professional Growth: Professional membership dues, continuing education, licensure support, training opportunities, and career development resources
Build Your Career With Lochmueller
At Lochmueller, you'll have the opportunity to apply your design experience on meaningful bridge and transportation projects while continuing to grow in your profession. As a 100% employee-owned company, the success of our people and the success of our firm go hand in hand. If you're looking for an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the communities you serve while building a rewarding long-term career, we'd love to hear from you.
Lochmueller Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Lochgroup fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws.
Lochmueller Group has a strict policy against accepting unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Should such resumes be submitted, they will be considered the property of Lochmueller Group, granting us the right to hire the applicant at our discretion without incurring any fees to the submitting party. We emphasize direct communication and transparency in our hiring process and kindly ask external recruiters to abstain from contacting us regarding potential candidates or job placements. Your cooperation in adhering to our policy is greatly appreciated.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
See All 15 CAD Technician Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find CAD Technician JobsCAD Technician Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
CAD Technician Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in CAD technician jobs across Illinois.
- Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit required for most Illinois listings
- Associate degree or certificate in drafting technology, CAD, or related discipline
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, and technical specifications
- Experience with 2D and 3D modeling in a manufacturing or civil engineering environment
- Familiarity with GD&T standards and mechanical or architectural drafting conventions
- Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate with engineers and project managers
CAD Technician Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cad technician in Illinois?
The most direct path is completing an associate degree or technical certificate in drafting technology or CAD design from an Illinois community college, such as those offered through the Illinois Community College System. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for cad technicians, so employers focus on software proficiency and a portfolio of completed drawings. Earning a certification from the American Design Drafting Association strengthens a candidate's application considerably with Illinois employers.
Which companies hire cad technicians in Illinois?
Employers hiring cad technicians in Illinois right now include Lochmueller, Kimley-Horn, and AECOM, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, and healthcare facilities means demand is distributed across a wide range of industries, not limited to a single sector.
Which Illinois cities have the most cad technician jobs?
Chicago, Belleville, and Warrenville account for the largest share of cad technician openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its density of architecture, engineering, and construction firms, while Rockford's long-established precision manufacturing base and Peoria's connection to Caterpillar's global engineering operations drive consistent demand in those metro areas.
Are there remote cad technician jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in fully desk-based fields since many cad technician roles involve close coordination with on-site engineers and physical prototypes. About 33% of cad technician openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting a market that leans toward in-person work. Civil and architectural detailing roles are the most likely to offer hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a cad technician in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is completing a drafting certificate through the Illinois Community College System, then applying directly to manufacturing or A&E firms for junior drafter or CAD operator roles. Large Illinois manufacturers and engineering consultancies routinely hire recent graduates for production drafting work where supervision is available. Building a portfolio of completed drawings and earning an American Design Drafting Association certification gives candidates without work history a concrete edge in initial screening.
Where can I find and apply to cad technician jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to cad technician jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across manufacturing, civil engineering, architecture, and related sectors. Find roles that fit your experience and specialty and apply directly to each employer through the listings.
See All 15 CAD Technician Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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