Experienced Civil CAD Designer (Landfill Gas/Facilities Design) – Buffalo or Rochester, NY
The Opportunity:
Tetra Tech is adding CAD Designers to our Western New York offices.
If you enjoy bringing civil designs to life using AutoCAD Civil 3D, collaborating with engineers and project managers, and seeing your work directly impact infrastructure projects in local communities, we’d love to meet you.
Why Tetra Tech:
At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For over 50 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our work has improved more than 625 million lives around the world.
Your Impact:
Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference. Our work leverages cutting-edge technologies, advanced analytics, and the expertise of world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world. Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy.
Position Summary:
As a CAD Designer, you’ll play a key role in transforming engineering concepts into buildable, high-quality plans. You’ll support the design and documentation of civil infrastructure projects, including landfill and renewable energy, working alongside engineers and project managers to deliver accurate, detailed drawings that align with both client and Tetra Tech standards.
This position offers exposure to a variety of project types — from pipelines and site grading to drainage and roadway improvements — giving you the opportunity to apply your technical skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D while contributing to impactful community projects.
Essential Job Functions:
The following duties are considered essential to the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and Engineers to set up, prepare, and manage construction drawings.
• Prepare dimensional drawings and modify base files using AutoCAD Civil 3D.
• Revise and update existing drawings to reflect design changes.
• Create and maintain electronic file structures and naming conventions in accordance with company standards.
• Manage file organization, XREFs, and data shortcuts in accordance with best practices.
• Develop 3D models of project features using CAD software.
• Collaborate on drawings to ensure they meet or exceed client requirements during the bid and submittal phases.
• Prepare project documents from start to finish, ensuring professional-quality output.
• Manage multiple active projects and meet deadlines efficiently.
• Adhere to Tetra Tech and client-specific CAD standards.
Required Qualifications:
• Associate degree in CAD Drafting or a related field, or completion of a certified Autodesk Civil 3D training program, plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience.
• Strong working knowledge of Civil 3D modules and functions, including:
o Surveys, points, and surfaces
o Alignments, profiles, and corridors
o Sections and pipe networks
o Volume calculations, labeling, and analysis
• Experience with:
o Grading plan preparation and revisions
o Cut/fill calculations and quantity balancing
o Survey files, coordinate systems, and data shortcuts
• Ability to manage XREFs, file organization, and plotting standards (CTB/STB/PC3).
• Strong understanding of technical drawing standards and QA/QC procedures.
• Ability to visualize designs in 3D.
• Excellent interpersonal, listening, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, and general PC applications.
• Knowledge of standard drafting practices and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage time effectively.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of civil engineering and land development principles.
• Familiarity with renewable energy project design, preferably solar.
• Ability to evaluate alternatives and resolve technical design issues.
• Strong multitasking and time management skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements:
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to review detailed drawings and technical documents.
Work Environment / Environmental Factors:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.
• Office-based work environment with potential for hybrid flexibility.
• Occasional coordination with field teams or site visits, as needed.
Additional Information:
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Tetra Tech SWE will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa).
Pay: $25–$38 per hour, commensurate with skill level, geographic region, and experience. Overtime for hours worked beyond 40 hours per week will be paid at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate.
Life at Tetra Tech:
The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:
• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• Collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.
About Tetra Tech:
Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 30,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Tetra Tech is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor, and we request priority referral of veterans.
We invite applications from all interested parties.
Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers. Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:
LinkedIn: @TetraTechCareers
X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs