What does a computer aided design designer do?
A computer-aided design (CAD) designer is responsible for creating plan outlines and project designs for a specific business need. A CAD designer utilizes various technologies and software applications to generate graphic illustrations. CAD designers must have strong knowledge of the technology designs, software management, engineering standards, and the construction industry fundamentals. CAD designers label their works with appropriate dimensions and specifications, performing necessary adjustments to meet the clients' needs. A CAD designer requires excellent critical-thinking and analytical skills to manage design structures and creative solutions.
Computer aided design designer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer aided design designer resumes:
- Manage the ECN process by assigning the highest priority requests through coordination between engineering staff and drafting personnel.
- Manage and supervise other draftsmen.
- Develop a product design to solve the problem of height adjustment of a chair using PTC CreO Direct/Elements & parametric.
- Used primiarly pro-e with some autocad.
- Work with both Intralink and Windchill.
- Create blueprints/drawings of unique grille designs for glass windows using computer program
- Used PTC CREO to solve existing problems HARDEE have with their products.
- Develop sections and 3D views, schedules, and schematics meeting BIM requirements.
- Lead the effort to improve drafting practices and implement ANSI Y14.5 drafting standards.
- Work in collaboration with engineers for plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems in ReVit.
- Participate in BIM coordination meetings, generate BIM model for clash detection and space management.
- Mentor new cad operators training them on company drafting standards and how they are apply.
- Prepare sketches, diagrams, schematic drawings, and final working drawings across all MEP disciplines.
- Work closely with MEP engineers to ensure accurate design of systems for new and existing facilities.
- Size square footage of rooms base on wall heights and lengths of walls and subtracting windows.
Computer aided design designer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Computer Aided Design Designers are proficient in Auto CAD, Revit, and Aided Design. They’re also known for soft skills such as Technical skills, Time-management skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Computer Aided Design Designers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Auto CAD, 8%
Customized Auto CAD Conducted research needed for site improvements with regard to utility locations.
- Revit, 8%
Created library of family components as well as imported AutoCAD data into REVIT data for specific details.
- Aided Design, 7%
Utilized third-party applications (FabCAD) to prepare shop fabrication drawings and generate computer-aided design layouts based on specific project requirements.
- Construction Drawings, 4%
Used MicroStation to assist Architects in preparing construction drawings for industrial buildings and conceptual drawings that convey recommended improvements.
- Engineering Drawings, 4%
Reviewed engineering drawings and bill of material documents to ensure adherence to the company's established specifications and standards.
- Design Drawings, 4%
Develop detailed design drawings and specifications for Manufacturing of Tub/Shower, while using computer-assisted drafting (CAD) equipment.
Most computer aided design designers use their skills in "auto cad," "revit," and "aided design" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer aided design designer responsibilities here:
Technical skills. One of the key soft skills for a computer aided design designer to have is technical skills. You can see how this relates to what computer aided design designers do because "drafters in all specialties must be able to use computer software, such as cad, and work with database tools, such as building information modeling (bim)." Additionally, a computer aided design designer resume shows how computer aided design designers use technical skills: "produced technical drawings from design development to construction drawings. "
Time-management skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling computer aided design designer duties is time-management skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "drafters often work under deadline." According to a computer aided design designer resume, here's how computer aided design designers can utilize time-management skills in their job responsibilities: "implemented cqis iso 9000 programs saving fabrication time and money. "
Detail oriented. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of computer aided design designers is detail oriented. This skill is critical to many everyday computer aided design designer duties, as "drafters must take care that the plans they convert are technically accurate according to the outlined specifications." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "drafted detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles, related maps, and specifications used in planning and completing civil engineering projects. "
Math skills. computer aided design designer responsibilities often require "math skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "drafters work on technical drawings." This resume example shows what computer aided design designers do with math skills on a typical day: "computed geometry for layouts and details of engineering drawings and plans. "
Creativity. A commonly-found skill in computer aided design designer job descriptions, "creativity" is essential to what computer aided design designers do. Computer aided design designer responsibilities rely on this skill because "drafters must be able to turn plans and ideas into technical drawings of buildings, tools, and systems." You can also see how computer aided design designer duties rely on creativity in this resume example: "created full production detail and assembly drawings using inventor per applicable drafting standards. "
The three companies that hire the most computer aided design designers are:
- Honeywell68 computer aided design designers jobs
- AECOM22 computer aided design designers jobs
- Hazen and Sawyer21 computer aided design designers jobs
Choose from 10+ customizable computer aided design designer resume templates
Build a professional computer aided design designer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your computer aided design designer resume.
Compare different computer aided design designers
Computer aided design designer vs. Draftsman
Draftsmen are professionals with expertise in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) drawings. They perform similar tasks as architects, such as preparing CADD drawings. They typically specialize in different areas, including construction, architecture, or civil engineering. They also prepare drawings for manufacturing. These drawings include technical specifications and details such as dimensions, procedures, and materials. Draftsmen also utilize technical handbooks, tables, and calculators, in addition to CADD. Employers often prefer a draftsman with drafting training, which you can obtain from community colleges or technical institutes.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a computer aided design designer are more likely to require skills like "bim," "mechanical design," "product development," and "gd." On the other hand, a job as a draftsman requires skills like "autocad lt," "layout drawings," "structural steel," and "civil engineering." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Draftsmen earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $52,988. On the other hand, computer aided design designers are paid more in the automotive industry with an average salary of $79,713.On average, draftsmen reach similar levels of education than computer aided design designers. Draftsmen are 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer aided design designer vs. Drafter
The duties of a drafter vary on one's line of work or industry of employment. In the information technology setting, a drafter specializes in creating a three-dimensional model for software and other applications upon gathering details and specifications from designers and other personnel. A drafter usually works with a team and is supervised by a manager or a more experienced colleague. Furthermore, it is essential to coordinate with the team involved, all while adhering to the policies and standards of the company.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, computer aided design designer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "bim," "mechanical design," "product development," and "design projects." Meanwhile, a drafter has duties that require skills in areas such as "layout drawings," "drawing packages," "construction projects," and "dod." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
On average, drafters earn a lower salary than computer aided design designers. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, drafters earn the most pay in the professional industry with an average salary of $46,073. Whereas computer aided design designers have higher pay in the automotive industry, with an average salary of $79,713.drafters earn similar levels of education than computer aided design designers in general. They're 2.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer aided design designer vs. Autocad drafter
An Autocad Drafter develops drawings and plans for the construction and manufacturing industries. They use various types of computer-aided design and drafting software.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a computer aided design designer is likely to be skilled in "bim," "mechanical design," "product development," and "gd," while a typical autocad drafter is skilled in "layout drawings," "solidworks," "gps," and "autodesk."
Autocad drafters make a very good living in the government industry with an average annual salary of $45,111. On the other hand, computer aided design designers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $79,713.autocad drafters typically earn similar educational levels compared to computer aided design designers. Specifically, they're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer aided design designer vs. Architectural internship
The job of architectural interns is to assist an architect with all aspects of architectural work. Their duties and responsibilities may include maintaining project files, conducting research on construction sites such as zoning laws and regulations, and preparing presentations for clients. They are also expected to create 3D models and do drafting. The skills and qualifications required for this role include a degree in architecture or a related field, in-depth knowledge of 3D modeling software such as Autodesk and AutoCAD, and hand drafting skills.
Types of computer aided design designer
Updated January 8, 2025
