CAD Design Engineer

Overview

OMNI is honored to partner with American Rail Engineers Corporation (ARE) in the search for a detail-oriented and technically skilled CAD Design Engineer to join ARE's Engineering Services team and lead the CAD functions.

The lead CAD Design Engineer will establish and maintain a consistent, scalable, and quality-focused CAD environment that supports the delivery of railroad bridge, culvert, track, and infrastructure projects. This role provides training and guidance to engineers, EITs, and technical staff, helping to ensure project drawings meet both ARE and client requirements. As ARE's CAD systems and workflows mature, you will also have the opportunity to contribute to the design and development of railroad infrastructure projects under the direction of licensed professional engineers.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a CAD professional who enjoys building efficient systems, improving technical workflows, and supporting project teams through high-quality design production. The ideal candidate brings strong CAD expertise, a commitment to quality and consistency, and an interest in expanding their involvement in railroad engineering and infrastructure design.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Engineering Services, the CAD Design Engineer will lead the development and administration of ARE's engineering CAD systems, standards, and quality-control processes while serving as a key resource for drawing production across the organization.

• Establish and maintain ARE's CAD standards, procedures, templates, standard details, and QA/QC processes to support consistent and efficient project delivery.
• Review and incorporate applicable client and railroad CAD requirements into company workflows and drawing standards.
• Standardize CAD production practices, including file organization, title blocks, references, annotation, plotting, document control, and PDF deliverables.
• Serve as ARE's primary technical resource for CAD systems, production workflows, and process improvements.
• Develop training materials and provide structured guidance to engineers, EITs, technicians, interns, and other staff involved in drawing production.
• Review project drawings for accuracy, readability, consistency, and compliance with ARE and client standards.
• Prepare and coordinate drawings for railroad bridges, culverts, track improvements, retaining structures, and related infrastructure projects.
• Support engineering teams with drawing production, design, permitting, bidding, and construction documentation.
• Coordinate survey, structural, geotechnical, environmental, utility, and construction information within project drawing packages.
• Assist with quantities, bills of materials, cost estimates, and other project support activities.
• Perform design assignments consistent with education, experience, and demonstrate competency under the direction of licensed professional engineers.
• Utilize MicroStation, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams, and other project software to support CAD production and project delivery.
• Maintain required railroad safety qualifications and comply with ARE and client safety requirements when visiting project sites.
• Travel occasionally to project sites, client locations, and ARE offices as needed.

What Success Looks Like:

The CAD Design Engineer carries a target utilization rate of 75% on projects and is expected to:

• Publish ARE’s core CAD standards, templates, and QA/QC checklists, and have them in use on active projects.
• Deliver structured CAD training so that EITs, engineers, and technicians produce drawings that meet ARE and client standards with fewer review corrections.
• Maintain current client-specific CAD requirements documentation.
• Progressively take on civil and structural design assignments, delivered on schedule and within budget, once the core CAD system is in place.

Qualifications

• Degree or recognized technical certificate in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, CAD, Design and Drafting Technology, or a related field.
• Experience producing civil, structural, transportation, or infrastructure drawings.
• Experience with MicroStation and Bentley transportation design applications including Open Bridge Designer or AutoCAD, with the ability to become proficient in both platforms.
• Strong understanding of CAD standards, templates, reference files, sheet production, plotting, and document control.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, surveys, specifications, calculations, and design markups.
• Experience developing procedures, standards, or workflows that support consistent drawing production and quality control.
• Ability to train, mentor, and support staff with varying levels of CAD experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and quality-control skills.
• Interest in developing expertise in railroad track, bridge, culvert, drainage, and related infrastructure design.
• Proficiency with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Willingness and ability to travel quarterly nationwide, including remote projects sites and varying field conditions.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel by vehicle and air as required.
• Ability to pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing in accordance with ARE policies and applicable FRA requirements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing or administering company CAD standards.
• Experience applying Class I railroad CAD standards.
• Railroad, bridge, transportation, or heavy-civil project experience.
• Experience with Open Roads Designer, Civil 3D, ProjectWise, GIS, or HEC-RAS.
• Bentley MicroStation accreditation.
• Familiarity with AREMA standards and railroad bridge terminology.
• Engineer Intern or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.

Why Join ARE?

At ARE, you’ll do more than design infrastructure. You’ll help strengthen the transportation networks that keep communities and industries connected. As part of a growing and forward-thinking engineering firm, you’ll take on complex railroad bridge projects that leave a lasting impact while collaborating with respected industry experts who are passionate about innovation, technical excellence, and professional development.

Additional benefits include:

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Work on impactful infrastructure projects that promote sustainability.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development; industry conference attendance.
• Community involvement and volunteering opportunities.
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, short-term and long-term disability and life insurance.
• Generous paid time off and sick leave policy.
• Flexible remote work in the US, with an office in Overland Park, KS.

OMNI is honored to be retained in this search. We appreciate your referrals to professionals who may have an interest in this outstanding opportunity. Formal interest accepted through the OMNI Executive Career Portal. Please direct all inquiries to: 

Stacey Cowan, Senior Consultant – scowan@omnihrm.com | 913.653.8085

OMNI Human Resource Solutions

OMNI and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.