Residential CAD Drafter / Project Support

Location: Remote - Strege Structural Engineering is based in Newport Beach, California
Employment Type: Full-Time, W-2 Employee
Schedule: Approximately 40 hours per week
Compensation: $25 - $30 per hour, depending on experience and AutoCAD proficiency

Position Summary

SSE is seeking a detail-oriented Residential CAD Drafter / Project Support team member to assist with the preparation and organization of residential construction documents.

The primary focus of this role is AutoCAD drafting and document production. The successful candidate will work from site photographs, Matterport walkthroughs, existing plans, sketches, engineering redlines, and project information to prepare clear, accurate construction drawings.

This position also provides limited project-document support to help keep active projects organized and moving efficiently.

This role does not require independent structural design or engineering judgment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and revise residential construction drawings using AutoCAD.
• Prepare existing-condition drawings from site photographs, Matterport walkthroughs, existing plans, measurements, sketches, and other available project information.
• Develop and revise:
• • Floor plans.
  • Roof plans.
  • Foundation and framing backgrounds.
  • Elevations.
  • Building and wall sections.
  • Repair plans.
  • Construction details.
• Accurately incorporate engineering redlines, sketches, and written direction into construction documents.
• Follow engineering direction without independently modifying structural design requirements.
• Coordinate with project engineers when drafting direction is unclear or additional information is required.
• Create and revise details in accordance with engineering direction and SSE drafting standards.
• Assemble inspection and site-observation reports using supplied project information, photographs, and Matterport walkthroughs.
• Organize photographs, exhibits, figures, and supporting project documentation.
• Assist with preparation and organization of drawing and calculation packages.
• Revise drawings in response to engineering direction and applicable correction comments.
• Assist with preparation of revised drawing packages and resubmittal documents as directed by the project team.
• Review drawing sets for basic completeness, consistency, sheet organization, dimensions, notes, references, and drafting quality.
• Follow SSE drawing standards, templates, file structures, naming conventions, and quality-control procedures.
• Maintain organized project files and accurate document versions.
• Communicate effectively with project engineers, the Principal Structural Engineer, Operations Manager, and other internal team members.
• Provide general document-production and project-support assistance to help keep assigned projects organized and on schedule.

Qualifications

• Experience as a residential architectural drafter, with experience in wood building design and construction.
• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Understanding of residential construction drawings and wood-framed building systems.
• Experience preparing or contributing to residential construction-document sets.
• Ability to accurately interpret engineering redlines, sketches, and written direction.
• Ability to prepare plans, elevations, sections, and details from available field and project information.
• Strong attention to drawing accuracy, consistency, and presentation.
• Strong organizational and file-management skills.
• Ability to manage drafting work across multiple active projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Strong proficiency and knowledge of Bluebeam.
• Experience with Matterport or similar virtual walkthrough software is preferred but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and remain productive in a remote environment.

Reporting Relationship

Works under the direction of the Principal Structural Engineer, project engineers, and Operations Manager.

Remote Work Requirements

Candidates must currently reside in:

• California
• Arizona
• Nevada

Employees are responsible for maintaining:

• A reliable computer capable of running AutoCAD and required company applications.
• At least two suitable external monitors.
• Reliable high-speed internet access.
• A professional remote working environment.

SSE provides access to required company software licenses and systems, including applicable AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Microsoft, Google Workspace, and other company-required platforms.

Compensation & Benefits

• $25-$30 per hour, depending on residential drafting experience, AutoCAD proficiency, and overall capability.
• Non-exempt full-time W-2 employment.
• Approximately 40 hours per week, with paid overtime if approved.
• 5 days company paid sick leave.
• 5 days company paid holidays annually.
• 5 days company paid vacation. 
• Company retirement plan.
• Limited professional-development support for pre-approved AutoCAD training, construction-document training, software education, and other role-related professional development.

Health insurance is not currently provided.

How to Apply

Please submit:

• Resume.
• Brief cover letter highlighting your residential drafting and AutoCAD experience.
• Portfolio demonstrating relevant residential drafting or building-design work.
• References

The portfolio should preferably include examples of:

• Residential floor plans.
• Elevations.
• Building or wall sections.
• Construction details.
• At least one complete or substantially complete residential construction-document or permit set.

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview to discuss their residential drafting experience, AutoCAD proficiency, construction-document experience, organization, and ability to accurately work from engineering direction and project information.

Strege Structural Engineering (SSE) is a structural consulting and design firm based in Newport Beach, California. We specialize in residential and light-frame structural engineering, with a strong focus on wood-framed buildings, existing structures, repairs, additions, alterations, and property-loss projects.

Our work is practical, detail-driven, and fast-moving. We place a high value on sound engineering judgment, clear construction documents, efficient project execution, and responsive client service.

Our team values accurate drawings, organized project files, attention to detail, clear communication, and efficient project execution.