Designer 1/CAD Technician – Transmission (Mid-Senior Level)
Fully Remote
3-6-month Contract-to-Hire
Pay Scale: $25/hr.-$42/hr.
About the Opportunity
NEI is seeking an experienced Designer and/or CAD Technician to support a growing portfolio of utility and renewable energy projects. Due to increased project volume and incoming client demand, the team is expanding its design capabilities and looking for a self-sufficient professional who can quickly contribute with minimal ramp-up time.
Position Summary
The CAD Technician / Designer will be responsible for developing engineering drawings, translating engineering markups into construction-ready design packages, and supporting utility transmission line projects through drafting and modeling activities. The team is seeking someone with approximately 5-10+ years of relevant experience who can independently manage assignments, understand utility design standards, and contribute immediately without significant oversight or training.
Key Responsibilities
• Develop and modify engineering drawings using AutoCAD and Autodesk design tools
• Create detailed design packages based on engineering markups and project requirements
• Perform drafting support for transmission and utility infrastructure projects
• Assist with PLS-CADD modeling activities for transmission line design projects
• Support early-stage project design development under engineering oversight
• Incorporate revisions and design updates throughout project lifecycles
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and project teams to ensure accurate deliverables
• Maintain drawing quality, standards compliance, and documentation accuracy
• Support renewable energy and utility-related project initiatives
• Work independently while managing multiple project priorities
Required Qualifications
• 5+ years of CAD drafting and design experience
• Advanced proficiency with AutoCAD
• Experience using Autodesk design software
• Hands-on experience with PLS-CADD (required)
• Experience supporting utility, transmission, power delivery, or related infrastructure projects
• Ability to interpret engineering markups and develop detailed design drawings
• Strong understanding of drafting standards and engineering documentation
• Ability to work independently with minimal direction
• Strong communication and collaboration skills in a remote environment
Preferred Qualifications
• Utility transmission line design experience
• Experience with wood pole and steel pole transmission projects
• Structure spotting experience
• Exposure to renewable energy projects
• Understanding of power delivery engineering workflows
• Familiarity with early-stage transmission design packages
Why This Role Stands Out
• Clear path to grow into a Transmission Designer role (especially with PLS-CADD exposure)
• Exposure to high-voltage infrastructure and renewable energy projects
• Work on large-scale, impactful projects supporting grid expansion and data center growth
• Strong, collaborative team environment with experienced engineers
• Stable and growing project pipeline