Senior Civil CAD Designer

About the role

Thompson Engineering is seeking a highly skilled Senior Civil CAD Designer with advanced AutoCAD and Civil 3D experience to lead design production efforts and support complex civil engineering projects. This role will serve as a key technical resource, partnering closely with engineers and project managers to develop detailed construction documents while mentoring junior designers and helping establish CAD best practices across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of complex civil engineering drawings and plan sets using AutoCAD and Civil 3D
• Develop and oversee design of grading, drainage, utilities, roadway, and site development plans
• Independently create and manage surfaces, alignments, profiles, and corridor models in Civil 3D
• Translate conceptual designs into high-quality, construction-ready documents with minimal supervision
• Collaborate with engineers and project managers on design development, constructability, and project execution
• Review and QA/QC drawings produced by junior CAD staff to ensure accuracy and compliance with standards
• Establish and maintain CAD standards, templates, and workflows to improve efficiency and consistency
• Coordinate across disciplines (survey, environmental, geotechnical, structural) to integrate project components
• Assist with project scheduling, workload planning, and meeting critical deadlines
• Support client deliverables and respond to review comments from regulatory agencies or stakeholders

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or technical certification in CAD, Drafting, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 6–10+ years of progressive experience in civil CAD design
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and Civil 3D required
• Demonstrated experience with land development, transportation, drainage, and utility design
• Strong understanding of civil engineering design standards, permitting requirements, and construction documentation
• Proven ability to interpret engineering designs and produce independent design solutions
• Experience reviewing and mentoring junior designers or drafters
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Experience working in a multi-discipline engineering firm
• Familiarity with local, state, and DOT standards across the Gulf Coast region
• Experience with MicroStation, OpenRoads, or GIS tools
• Exposure to project coordination or task leadership responsibilities

Benefits

• Employee-owned company (ESOP) - your work directly contributes to shared success
• Opportunity to play a leadership role in project delivery and CAD standards
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture focused on growth and development
• Diverse and impactful projects across the Gulf Coast
• Primarily office-based with occasional site visits as needed; ability to sit for extended periods and work at a computer