CADD Technician – MDOT Projects

Department: Design / Transportation
Location: Southeast Michigan
Experience: 0–3 Years
Employment Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Project Manager / Senior Design Engineer

Position Summary

Hennessey Engineers is seeking a motivated CADD Technician with 0–3 years of experience to support the preparation of engineering plans for Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and municipal infrastructure projects throughout Michigan.

The successful candidate will work closely with experienced civil engineers, project managers, surveyors, and construction engineering staff to develop accurate, constructible traffic plans and details used to construct roadway, bridge, water main, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and utility improvement projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an entry-level professional to gain hands-on experience with MDOT design standards, plans, specifications, and project development procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and revise engineering drawings, plan sheets, and details using  Microstation and/or OpenRoads Designer.
• Assist engineers in the preparation of MDOT maintaining traffic plans.
• Assist with preparation of roadway plans involving pavement reconstruction, drainage improvements, curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveways, signing, pavement markings, and traffic control.
• Incorporate field survey information and existing-condition data into design drawings.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain CADD files in accordance with MDOT CADD standards, project requirements, and Hennessey Engineers’ QA/QC procedures.
• Assist in preparing construction details and plan revisions based on engineer and client comments.
• Perform drawing checks for accuracy, completeness, dimensions, labeling, sheet references, and consistency.
• Assist with plan sets required for conceptual, preliminary, and final plan submissions for MDOT and municipal projects.
• Make revisions resulting from internal QA/QC reviews, agency comments, utility coordination, and design changes.
• Assist with quantity takeoffs and preparation of engineer’s estimates.
• Review applicable MDOT Standard Plans, Special Provisions, Standard Specifications for Construction, and design guidance as directed by project staff.
• Perform other CADD and design-related duties as assigned.

MDOT-Focused Responsibilities

The CADD Technician will have the opportunity to develop specialized experience supporting MDOT transportation projects throughout Michigan, including:

• Roadway reconstruction and rehabilitation.
• Roadway typical sections and construction details.
• Drainage and stormwater improvements.
• Construction staging and maintenance of traffic plan support.
• Signing and pavement marking plan support.
• Quantity and pay-item documentation.
• Preparation of plans consistent with MDOT and FHWA requirements.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate degree, technical degree, or coursework in CADD, civil engineering technology, drafting, surveying, or a related field; equivalent practical experience may be considered.
• 0–3 years of experience in civil engineering CADD production.
• Working knowledge of  Microstation experience is preferred.
• Ability to read and understand civil engineering plans, profiles, details, and specifications.
• Basic understanding of roadway and utility construction.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to organize multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites in Michigan as needed.

Preferred

• Experience with MDOT projects, standards, or CADD requirements.
• Experience with Microstation.
• Familiarity with MDOT Standard Plans and Standard Specifications for Construction.
• Knowledge of roadway design, municipal utilities, drainage, or construction.
• Familiarity with the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD).
• Experience working with survey/topographic information.
• Understanding of coordinate systems, surface files, alignments, profiles, and digital terrain models.
• Coursework or experience in civil engineering, transportation engineering, surveying, or construction engineering.

Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• CADD proficiency and drafting accuracy
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow established CADD standards and project templates
• Ability to interpret engineering concepts and translate into clear construction drawings
• Willingness to learn MDOT procedures and standards
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Professional communication skills
• Initiative and a willingness to take on increasing responsibility

Career Development

Hennessey Engineers is committed to developing entry-level CADD professionals into well-rounded civil engineering design specialists. The CADD Technician will receive hands-on exposure to MDOT project development, roadway design, municipal utilities, surveying, utility coordination, construction engineering, and QA/QC.

As experience is gained, the position may progress toward greater responsibility in CADD production, roadway modeling, plan development, quantity calculations, design coordination, and project delivery.

Why Join Hennessey Engineers?

Hennessey Engineers is a Southeast Michigan civil engineering consulting firm with a long history of providing municipal engineering, transportation, surveying, construction engineering, materials testing, and program management services to public-sector clients.

Our CADD Technicians work alongside experienced professional engineers and field staff, providing an opportunity to see projects progress from survey and design through construction. Entry-level staff gain practical experience on real infrastructure projects while developing technical skills that support long-term careers in civil engineering.

Hennessey Engineers – Community Foundations Built with Optimism.