CAD Operator - Land Development - job 2 of 3

As a CAD Operator at Kimley-Horn, you will be primarily responsible for producing detailed technical drawings for a variety of land development projects. This includes designing and implementing AutoCAD drafting standards, quality-checking complex plans, performing multifaceted calculations, and maintaining our drawing database. You'll also coordinate work with your colleagues to ensure that all projects meet our high-quality control standards.

To apply for the CAD Operator position at Kimley-Horn, candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, with an Associate's degree preferred. You should also have at least 3 years of relevant experience and a strong proficiency in Autodesk or Bentley products. A detail-oriented approach and effective communication skills are equally essential, as well as a self-starter attitude.

Kimley-Horn is committed to the professional development of its employees, including CAD Operators. We offer tuition reimbursement, extensive internal training programs, and opportunities to expand your skills. Whether you're looking to deepen your CAD expertise or explore new areas within land development, we provide the resources to help you grow in your career.

Kimley-Horn stands out as a fantastic workplace for CAD Operators thanks to our supportive culture that prioritizes employee well-being. We've been recognized as one of Fortune's '100 Best Companies to Work For' for 17 consecutive years, reflecting our commitment to providing an environment where every employee can thrive. Our competitive benefits package includes flexibility in scheduling, generous retirement contributions, and comprehensive health coverage.

At Kimley-Horn, the work environment for a CAD Operator is collaborative and engaging. You'll work closely with a talented team of professionals who are passionate about their work and committed to achieving excellence. Our office atmosphere encourages open communication, teamwork, and innovation, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to various land development projects.

When addressing your experience with CAD software, highlight specific projects where you've utilized Autodesk or Bentley products. Discuss how your technical skills enabled you to create precise designs and meet project deadlines efficiently. Emphasize your ability to adapt to new tools and your eagerness to share best practices with team members.

To ensure the quality of your CAD drawings, explain your process for thorough quality checks, including reviewing dimensions, annotations, and consistency with project specifications. Discuss how you seek feedback from peers and mentors to continuously improve your work and maintain adherence to company standards.

When discussing challenges, provide specific examples such as tight deadlines, complex project requirements, or unexpected design changes. Describe how you prioritized tasks, communicated with your team, and utilized problem-solving strategies to overcome these issues effectively.

To stay updated on CAD technology and best practices, share your commitment to continuous learning. Mention that you regularly participate in professional development opportunities, utilize online resources, and engage with industry forums to network with other professionals and stay informed about innovations and trends.

Discuss your proficiency in managing a drawing database, including how you organize files, version control, and ensure easy access for team members. Emphasize the importance of systematic filing and how it improves project workflows and collaboration.

Effective communication is key; therefore, explain your approach to tailoring your messaging depending on the audience. Discuss how you utilize tools like emails, briefings, and collaborative software to keep everyone informed while fostering an open-door policy for feedback and ideas.

Provide an example of when your knowledge of engineering principles allowed you to propose a design change that significantly improved a project’s efficiency or outcome. Detail the steps you took to communicate this suggestion and the positive response it received.

Attention to detail is crucial for a CAD Operator. Highlight how meticulousness helps in creating accurate drawings, preventing costly errors, and ensuring compliance with project specifications. Provide an instance where your attention to detail made a significant difference in a project outcome.

Discuss your positive approach to constructive criticism by emphasizing your willingness to learn and improve. Share an experience where feedback led to your growth, showcasing your adaptability and professionalism in accepting and acting on critique.

Express your enthusiasm for the role at Kimley-Horn by mentioning its stellar reputation, commitment to quality, and employee development opportunities. Share how the company's values align with your own, and how you’re eager to contribute to their team environment and client success.