Senior CAD Designer

ABOUT THE POSITION

Senior CAD Designer | Virginia Beach

VHB is seeking a talented and experienced Senior CAD Designer to join our growing Geomatics team in Virginia. In this role, you will lead and support the preparation of complex survey and design deliverables, applying advanced CAD expertise to projects that shape communities and improve mobility, sustainability, and quality of life.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, detail-oriented professional who brings strong technical judgment, a commitment to quality, and a passion for mentoring others. You will work closely with surveyors, engineers, project managers, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver accurate, high-quality drawings and design support throughout the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain, and coordinate complex drawings, exhibits, plats, and models using AutoCAD Civil 3D and other applicable CAD software.
• Support Geomatics and Engineering teams with the development of topographic base sheets, ALTA/NSPS Land Title Surveys, subdivision plats, boundary surveys, as-built surveys, easement exhibits, and other survey-related deliverables.
• Interpret and evaluate survey data, legal descriptions, deeds, property plats, field notes, and other project documentation to ensure accurate drawing development.
• Calculate deed data and assist with the resolution of boundary, title, and survey-related discrepancies.
• Develop conceptual and preliminary designs; recommend appropriate design procedures and prepare layouts for surveyors’ and engineers’ review.
• Perform advanced Civil 3D design tasks with minimal guidance, including surface development, grading models, feature line and corridor grading, utility layouts, interference checks, and quantity or volume calculations, as applicable.
• Prepare detailed drawings and sketches for complex or non-routine assignments requiring sound knowledge of design principles, construction practices, and applicable standards.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines, clients, vendors, consultants, and agency stakeholders to support project needs and deliverables.
• Review drawings and completed assignments for accuracy, completeness, consistency, and conformance with VHB, client, and industry standards.
• Provide technical guidance, quality-control support, and day-to-day mentorship to junior CAD and drafting team members.
• Support project teams with related technical tasks, including data analysis, estimating, specifications, procedures, and other project documentation.
• Participate in professional development activities and contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team environment.
• Perform all work in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, as well as VHB policies and procedures.

Skills and Attributes

• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D; familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, and other survey or design software is beneficial.
• Strong knowledge of survey drawing preparation, including topographic mapping, boundary and ALTA/NSPS surveys, subdivision plats, and as-built documentation.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply legal descriptions, deeds, plats, survey data, and engineering plans.
• Sound understanding of geometry, trigonometry, coordinate geometry, and fundamental engineering and construction principles.
• Ability to develop complex CAD designs and models with minimal direction in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.
• Strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and develop practical, accurate solutions.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and time-management skills.
• Clear verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A collaborative, team-oriented approach with the ability to work independently and build strong relationships across disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to provide guidance and support to junior staff while contributing positively to team success.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree in CAD, Surveying, Engineering Technology, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive CAD design or survey drafting experience, including advanced experience supporting survey, geomatics, civil engineering, or land development projects.
• Demonstrated proficiency using AutoCAD Civil 3D and related CAD/drafting software.
• Experience preparing survey and/or civil design deliverables, including plats, base mapping, grading, utilities, and associated construction or survey documentation.
• Skills, knowledge, and technical judgment commensurate with a senior-level CAD design role.

The full-time annual base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $98,000 if located in Virginia. The base salary offered will be determined based on job-related factors, including geographic location, internal equity, experience, credentials, skills, education, work schedule, and other factors permitted by law. The posted salary range reflects base pay only. Additional compensation and benefits available to eligible employees are outlined in our Total Rewards Program.

Annual base salary is one component of VHB’s Total Rewards package. In addition to base pay, eligible employees may receive annual incentive compensation bonuses, spot bonuses, and merit-based salary increases, providing opportunities to increase earnings beyond base pay. VHB also offers a differentiating work experience, including a comprehensive benefits package that includes eligibility to participate in the VHB 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, wellness programs, tuition reimbursement, and recognition programs. 

Details on VHB’s benefits package can be found here: Benefits Checklist  

Building what’s next, together.

Our people make the difference. We foster a technology-empowered, people‑driven, future‑ready culture where agility, innovation, and collaboration shape how we work every day.

When you join VHB, you’ll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.  

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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