Overview:
Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer
Location: Minneapolis, MN or Milwaukee, WI
We are seeking a Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer to lead the development of detailed civil engineering drawings, advanced Civil 3D models, and fully coordinated construction documentation for a wide range of infrastructure and land development projects. In this senior technical role, you will collaborate closely with engineers, project managers, architects, planners, and cross‑disciplinary teams to transform engineering concepts into accurate, buildable design solutions.
As a key technical leader, the Senior Civil AutoCAD Designer helps shape drafting standards, enhance production workflows, support QA/QC processes, and mentor junior designers. This position is ideal for someone with strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive, collaborative approach to delivering high‑quality civil design work.
In this role you will:
Civil Design & Technical Documentation
- Lead the preparation and development of complex civil engineering drawings, plans, and construction documents for infrastructure and land development projects.
- Produce highly detailed site layouts, grading plans, utility plans, roadway designs, profiles, sections, and related technical documentation.
- Ensure design documents accurately reflect engineering intent, project requirements, constructability considerations, and applicable regulatory standards.
- Coordinate drawing production across multiple project phases, including conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction documentation.
Civil 3D Modeling & Technical Coordination
- Develop, manage, and refine advanced Civil 3D models, including grading, alignments, corridors, surfaces, utility systems, and pipe networks.
- Utilize data shortcuts, reference management, and model coordination workflows to support efficient multidisciplinary project delivery.
- Collaborate closely with civil engineers, architects, planners, landscape architects, and project managers to resolve design conflicts and support integrated project solutions.
- Interpret engineering calculations, sketches, markups, and technical reports to create accurate and constructible design models and documentation.
Quality Assurance & Standards Management
- Perform high-level QA/QC reviews of drawings and models produced by the design team to ensure technical accuracy, consistency, and compliance with internal standards and jurisdictional requirements.
- Identify and resolve design conflicts, inconsistencies, and coordination issues proactively throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of CAD standards, templates, libraries, and production workflows.
- Promote consistency and best practices in drafting, file organization, model management, and project documentation.
Team Collaboration & Leadership
- Serve as a technical resource and mentor for junior designers and drafting staff, providing guidance on Civil 3D workflows, production standards, and problem-solving approaches.
- Support project managers and engineering teams in establishing production schedules, deliverable expectations, and coordination strategies.
- Participate in project meetings and coordination discussions to support effective communication and project execution.
- Contribute to a collaborative team environment focused on quality, accountability, continuous learning, and technical excellence.
You will need to have:
- Associate or bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering Technology, Drafting, or a related discipline required.
- Advanced training or certifications in AutoCAD Civil 3D strongly preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in AutoCAD and Civil 3D design within civil engineering, infrastructure, or land development environments.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex drafting and modeling efforts for multidisciplinary projects.
- Expert-level proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including: surfaces, grading , alignments, corridors, pipe networks , profiles and sections, data shortcuts and reference management.
- Strong understanding of civil engineering design principles, including earthwork modeling, utility coordination, site grading, stormwater systems, and roadway geometry.
- Experience integrating GIS datasets and coordinating models across multiple disciplines preferred.
- Advanced ability to interpret engineering calculations, architectural plans, and technical drawings and translate them into accurate construction documentation.
- Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional project teams.
- Strong communication and coordination skills, with the ability to provide mentorship and technical guidance to other designers.
Salary Information:
The pay range listed aligns to the geography of the office for which this position is posted. Actual compensation will be based upon work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Individuals in this role working more than 24 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in HGA’s robust benefit programs which include an annual bonus and success sharing bonus program, 401(k) guaranteed contribution, paid parental leave, medical, dental and life insurance plans as well as PTO and short- and long-term disability programs. Salary Range: $89,300 - $118,200 depending on qualifications and experience.
Additional Information:
At HGA, you’ll do the best work of your career. We design with impact by diving deep into the people and passions that shape every place. Empathy fuels us, curiosity drives us, and meaningful work leads to innovation. We celebrate individuality, embrace flexibility, and thrive together in the office three days a week.
Join our nationally recognized, award-winning team of architects, engineers, and interior designers—help us shape what’s next.
Learn more about us here
Application Requirements & Instructions
Please submit resume for consideration
