Entry Level CAD Designer

Job Title: Entry-Level CAD Drafter - Electrical SubstationsJob Description

This entry-level CAD Drafter role focuses on producing high-quality drawings for electrical substation projects within a growing utility energy division. You will support engineers and project managers by creating and updating CAD drawings that follow client standards, document control procedures, and applicable industry codes. The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, opportunities to learn advanced CAD tools, and clear paths for professional growth within a rapidly expanding team that supports major utility projects across the Midwest.

Responsibilities

• Perform entry-level CAD drafting for electrical substation projects using client-specific standards and procedures.
• Create new drawings and update existing drawings as project requirements change.
• Follow established CAD standards to ensure consistency, quality, and compliance with industry codes and guidelines.
• Maintain accurate, detailed, and high-quality work across all assigned drawings and documentation.
• Work on multiple projects simultaneously, managing priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Seek solutions to non-standard analytical and design-related problems with guidance from senior staff.
• Collaborate closely and communicate effectively with project managers and engineers to understand project requirements and deliverables.
• Attend project-specific meetings to determine CAD schedules, scope, and technical requirements.
• Participate in site visits as required to gather field information and verify existing conditions.
• Attend seminars and training classes to enhance CAD, design, and industry knowledge.
• Maintain a safe working environment and follow all applicable safety procedures and guidelines.
• Adhere to document control processes and procedures to ensure proper organization, storage, and retrieval of project files.

Essential Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
• 0 to 3 years of related CAD drafting or design experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively with project teams.
• Ability to concentrate for extended periods and maintain attention to detail on technical tasks.
• Ability to work well with others in a collaborative team environment.
• Self-motivated approach with the ability to learn quickly and take initiative on assigned tasks.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in Drafting or an Engineering Design Related Technology is preferred.
• Associate-level education in design, drafting, or CAD is beneficial.
• Knowledge of Autodesk AutoCAD is preferred.
• Knowledge of Autodesk Revit is preferred.
• Knowledge of MicroStation is preferred.
• Ability to learn new software tools and processes quickly is a plus.
• Interest in utility, energy, or infrastructure projects such as distribution, reliability, construction services, site development, survey, storm water, transportation, and wastewater is advantageous.
• Desire to grow professionally within an expanding utility energy division that supports major utility clients across the Midwest.
• Interest in long-term career development, including potential preparation for FE and PE licensure with support from the engineering organization.

Work Environment

This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, with the typical expectation to work in the office three days per week and remotely for two days, with flexibility to work fully remote or fully in-office as needed. The work involves periods of intense concentration on detailed CAD drafting tasks in a normal office setting, using tools such as Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, and MicroStation, along with standard office and collaboration technologies. The position requires only infrequent travel, primarily for occasional site visits or project-related meetings. You will be part of a civil consulting engineering environment that supports utility and energy projects, including distribution and reliability work for major utility companies. The utility energy division is experiencing significant growth, creating opportunities to advance into lead roles and work directly with client points of contact. During the initial period, you receive paid time off that includes one week of vacation and six holidays, and upon direct hire you become eligible for two weeks of vacation, six sick days, and nine holidays. The culture emphasizes professional development, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term career growth within a stable and expanding multi-office organization.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Taylor, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $28.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Taylor,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.