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 AutoCADExperience 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 OutClear 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
