Remote Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CADD Designer - Remote

Company: Jobgether (Partner Company)

Location: Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: April 25, 2026

Experience Level: 7+ Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the technical execution and quality assurance of complex transportation infrastructure design projects, from conceptualization through final delivery.

• Lead and mentor a team of CAD technicians and designers, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

• Implement and manage digital project workspaces and advanced CAD software solutions to enhance design efficiency and project outcomes.

• Collaborate closely with project managers and other engineering leaders to ensure cost-effective project budgeting and accurate workload planning.

• Oversee the production of critical design deliverables, including models, drawings, and detailed specifications for highways, streets, intersections, and multi-modal facilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role, while titled "CADD Designer," clearly involves significant leadership, quality assurance, and project support responsibilities, positioning it within a broader Design Operations or Engineering Operations framework. The emphasis on mentoring, quality control, and budget/workload planning indicates a senior-level position with operational oversight.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Produce detailed 3D models, comprehensive drawings, construction details, and other essential deliverables for project proposals and public infrastructure initiatives, focusing on highways, streets, intersections, and multi-modal facilities.

• Develop sophisticated corridor and 3D surface models to support design, accurate cost estimation, and efficient digital project delivery workflows.

• Partner with other engineering leaders and the Digital Technology Services Group to establish and maintain effective project workspaces utilizing Bentley Software.

• Provide direct on-the-job mentoring and facilitate hands-on training for staff in Bentley MicroStation and InRoads/OpenRoads software.

• Implement and enforce stringent quality control and assurance measures for all design products generated by engineers, designers, and technicians.

• Support project managers in the meticulous development of cost-effective project budgets and proactive workload planning to ensure project timelines are met.

• Supervise and guide CAD production staff as necessary to optimize team performance and project output.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a blend of technical design execution, team leadership, and operational support. The emphasis on "producing models, drawings, details" alongside "supervising CAD production staff" and "assisting project managers in developing cost-effective project budgets and workload planning" strongly points to a senior-level role with significant operational impact on project delivery timelines and resource allocation.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Associate’s degree in engineering technology or equivalent practical experience is required; a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering is strongly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 7 years of dedicated CAD design experience specifically on highway transportation projects is mandatory. Previous experience working with state, county, and municipal transportation agencies is also required.

Required Skills:

• Proven proficiency in one or more of the following Bentley software platforms: OpenRoads, Inroads Suite SS10, and/or MicroStation SS10/CONNECT.

• Demonstrated ability to produce detailed models, drawings, and 3D surface models for transportation infrastructure projects.

• Experience in creating and managing corridor and 3D surface models for design, estimation, and digital delivery purposes.

• Strong understanding of quality control and assurance principles within a design engineering context.

• Experience in mentoring junior staff on CAD software and design best practices.

• Ability to effectively manage workload and contribute to project budgeting and planning.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for professional interactions.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.

• Experience with a wide range of public infrastructure projects beyond highways, such as streets, intersections, and multi-modal facilities.

• Familiarity with the Digital Technology Services Group's practices for creating project workspaces.

• Experience in supervising CAD production staff.

• Knowledge of project management principles relevant to transportation engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for 7+ years of experience on highway transportation projects and proficiency in specific Bentley software platforms (OpenRoads, MicroStation, InRoads) are critical technical qualifications. The preference for a Bachelor's degree and experience with municipal agencies indicate a need for domain expertise and a certain level of professional development, common for roles that bridge technical execution with operational oversight.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of complex 3D surface models and corridor modeling for transportation projects, highlighting efficiency in creation and application.

• Present detailed drawings and construction details for highways, streets, or intersections, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and quality control.

• Include case studies of projects where you mentored junior designers or implemented new CAD workflows, emphasizing process improvement and skill transfer.

• Provide evidence of collaboration on digital project workspaces and the integration of Bentley software for enhanced design delivery.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate your approach to establishing and managing project workspaces within Bentley Software environments.

• Detail your methodology for conducting quality control and assurance checks on CAD designs to ensure accuracy and compliance.

• Explain your process for mentoring and training staff on advanced CAD software and design techniques, focusing on skill development and knowledge transfer.

• Outline your contribution to workload planning and how you assist in developing cost-effective project budgets for design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior CAD Designer role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio should not only showcase technical output but also demonstrate process thinking. This includes how the candidate manages their workflow, ensures quality, contributes to team development, and supports project management through efficient design processes and resource allocation. Highlighting experience with digital delivery and specific software suites is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a Senior CADD Designer with 7+ years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area like Illinois, and considering the remote nature which often commands a premium or is benchmarked against major urban centers, a competitive annual salary range would typically fall between $85,000 and $115,000 USD. This estimate accounts for the required expertise, leadership responsibilities, and specialized software proficiency.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage fully paid by the company.

• Generous paid time off (PTO), including parental leave, military leave, and paid pregnancy disability leave.

• Robust insurance package including short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

• Retirement savings plan: 401(k)/Roth option with a company matching contribution.

• Significant investment in professional development, including opportunities for career advancement, educational reimbursement, and a structured mentorship program.

• Support for employee well-being through a dedicated wellness program and opportunities for philanthropic engagement.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are expected to be 40 hours per week, aligned with full-time employment. While the role is remote, adherence to core business hours for collaboration and team interaction, particularly within the Illinois timezone (America/Chicago), is anticipated. Flexibility may be offered based on project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on research for similar senior-level CAD/Design roles in the United States, specifically within Illinois, factoring in the 7+ years of experience and specialized Bentley software proficiency, as well as the fully remote work arrangement. The benefits package is extensive and aligns with competitive offerings for senior technical positions. The working hours are standard full-time, with an expectation of availability during core business hours.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: The partner company operates within the Transportation Engineering and Infrastructure Design sector, a field critical to public and private sector development. This industry demands precision, adherence to strict regulatory standards, and a forward-thinking approach to urban planning and connectivity. Operations within this space are heavily influenced by project lifecycles, client relations with government agencies, and the adoption of advanced digital technologies.

Company Size: Jobgether itself is a platform, but the partner company's size is not specified. However, the description suggests a structured engineering firm with distinct departments like Digital Technology Services and a clear hierarchy for project management and design leadership. This implies an organization large enough to handle significant infrastructure projects and support specialized teams.

Founded: The founding date of the partner company is not provided. However, the mention of established software like Bentley MicroStation and InRoads Suite SS10 suggests a company with a history of leveraging industry-standard tools, likely operating for a considerable period to gain expertise in transportation design.

Team Structure:

• The Design team is likely composed of engineers, designers, and CAD technicians, with the CADD Designer acting as a senior technical leader and mentor.

• There is a clear cross-functional collaboration with Project Managers for budgeting and workload planning, and with the Digital Technology Services Group for software and workspace management.

Methodology:

• Data-driven design: Utilizing sophisticated CAD software to create accurate models for analysis, estimation, and digital delivery.

• Process optimization: Focusing on efficient workflow design, quality control, and the effective use of technology to improve project outcomes.

• Collaborative execution: Emphasizing teamwork between designers, engineers, project managers, and IT support to achieve project goals.

Company Website: https://jobgether.com/ (Note: This is the platform's website; the partner company's specific website is not provided.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Company Size" and "Founded" details for the partner company are inferred based on the nature of the projects described (public infrastructure, highways) and the mention of established software. This suggests a mid-to-large-sized, well-established engineering firm specializing in transportation. The "Methodology" is derived from the responsibilities and required skills, focusing on how operations are conducted in this technical domain.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a Senior Technical Contributor and Team Lead within the design operations of a transportation engineering firm. It bridges deep technical expertise in CAD software and transportation design with essential operational duties such as quality assurance, mentoring, and supporting project management functions. This level is critical for ensuring the technical integrity and efficiency of project deliverables.

Reporting Structure: The CADD Designer will likely report to a higher-level engineering manager or director responsible for design operations or a specific project portfolio. They will have direct reporting and supervisory responsibilities for CAD production staff, guiding their daily tasks and professional development.

Operations Impact: The CADD Designer's impact is significant, directly influencing project quality, production timelines, and cost-effectiveness. By ensuring accurate designs, efficient workflows, and skilled staff, they contribute to client satisfaction, reduced rework, and the successful completion of critical infrastructure projects, which in turn supports the company's revenue and reputation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced Bentley software modules, BIM (Building Information Modeling), or emerging digital delivery technologies within transportation engineering.

• Leadership Progression: Move into roles such as Lead CADD Designer, Design Manager, or Project Engineer, where responsibilities expand to include broader project oversight, client interaction, and team management.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives to optimize CAD workflows, implement new design technologies, or develop training programs that enhance the overall efficiency and capability of the design department.

• Project Management: Transition into project management roles, leveraging their deep understanding of the design process to manage project scope, budget, and schedule effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Career Level" and "Operations Impact" are defined by synthesizing the job title, responsibilities, and requirements. The role is not just a technical executor but a key operational player responsible for the quality and efficiency of design production. Growth opportunities are mapped based on typical career paths for senior technical professionals in engineering firms who demonstrate leadership and operational aptitude.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This position is Fully Remote, meaning there is no requirement to work from a physical office location. The work will be conducted from a home office setup.

Office Location(s): While the role is remote, it is specified for candidates located in or willing to work within Illinois, United States. This likely relates to company operational requirements, tax considerations, or potential future hybrid needs, even if not currently applicable.

Workspace Context:

• Digital Collaboration Hub: The primary workspace is digital, relying heavily on cloud-based project management tools, communication platforms, and shared design environments.

• Technology-Dependent: Success hinges on a reliable internet connection, a dedicated home office space conducive to focus, and personal equipment that meets performance standards for running advanced CAD software.

• Virtual Team Interaction: While remote, there will be regular virtual interactions with colleagues, project managers, and potentially clients through video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaborative design sessions.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, typically 40 hours per week. While remote, adherence to standard business hours within the Illinois timezone (America/Chicago) is expected to facilitate seamless collaboration with team members and project stakeholders. Flexibility may be available, subject to project demands and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Workspace Context" is tailored to a fully remote role, emphasizing the digital tools and virtual collaboration necessary for design operations. The mention of Illinois as a location for a remote role is noted and explained as a potential factor for operational or legal reasons.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and any submitted portfolio by Jobgether's AI and then potentially by the hiring company's recruitment team to assess basic qualifications and fit.

• Technical Interview: A discussion focusing on your CAD software proficiency (Bentley OpenRoads, MicroStation), experience with highway transportation projects, and technical problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss specific project challenges and your solutions.

• Portfolio Presentation/Review: You may be asked to present specific projects from your portfolio that demonstrate your skills in 3D modeling, drawing production, quality control, and mentoring. Focus on your role, the challenges, the process used, and the outcomes.

• Leadership/Operations Interview: This interview will assess your experience in mentoring, quality assurance, collaborating with project managers on budgets and workloads, and your overall approach to design operations. Behavioral questions about teamwork and problem-solving are common.

• Final Interview: Often with senior leadership or the hiring manager, focusing on cultural fit, long-term career aspirations, and how you align with the company's values and project goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Prowess: Include clear examples of complex 3D models, detailed drawings, and surface models relevant to highway and transportation design. Quantify complexity where possible.

• Showcase Operational Contributions: Present case studies demonstrating your mentoring efforts, quality control processes implemented, or how you assisted in workload planning or budget considerations.

• Focus on Bentley Software: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects where you utilized Bentley OpenRoads, MicroStation, or InRoads, detailing your specific contributions and expertise.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by the skills demonstrated. For each project, clearly state your role, the project's objectives, the challenges faced, your specific actions, and the positive outcomes achieved.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Be ready to discuss any design challenges encountered and how you creatively and efficiently resolved them within project constraints.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Exercise: Be prepared for a practical exercise involving a design task using Bentley software, or a discussion of how you would approach a specific design scenario.

• Process Scenario: You might be asked to outline your process for quality assurance on a set of drawings or how you would mentor a new team member on a complex design task.

• Situational Questions: Prepare to answer questions about managing conflicting priorities, dealing with design errors, or collaborating with different project stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section is built assuming a standard, multi-stage interview process for a senior technical role with operational responsibilities. The advice focuses on how candidates can best represent their technical skills, leadership potential, and operational contributions through their portfolio and interview responses, specifically tailored to the requirements of a CADD Designer role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Bentley OpenRoads: Core platform for civil design, including roadway design, terrain modeling, and drainage. Expect questions about specific functionalities and advanced features.

• Bentley MicroStation: Essential for 2D/3D design and drafting. Proficiency in its tools, customization, and integration with other Bentley products is key.

• Bentley InRoads Suite (SS10): Legacy but still relevant platform for surveying, civil design, and geotechnical applications. Understanding its capabilities and how it integrates or compares with OpenRoads is beneficial.

• 3D Surface Modeling Software: Proficiency in creating and manipulating complex digital terrain models (DTMs) and surfaces for design and visualization.

• CAD Production Software: General familiarity with CAD file management, plotting, and output generation.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Project Management Software: Tools for tracking project progress, task assignments, and timelines (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar).

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools for team communication and file sharing (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Slack, SharePoint, ProjectWise).

• Quality Control/Assurance Tools: Potentially specialized software or checklists for design review and validation.

CRM & Automation:

• Digital Delivery Platforms: Experience with systems that facilitate the sharing and management of design data for clients and stakeholders (e.g., Bentley ProjectWise, Autodesk BIM 360).

• Workflow Automation Concepts: While not explicitly stated, an understanding of how CAD workflows can be automated or optimized is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Primary Tools" are directly pulled from the "Requirements" section of the job description, emphasizing the specific Bentley software suite. Other tools are inferred based on the responsibilities and the nature of operating within a design and engineering firm that handles complex projects and requires collaboration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Excellence in Design: A commitment to producing high-quality, accurate, and innovative design solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.

• Collaboration & Mentorship: Fostering a supportive team environment where knowledge is shared, junior staff are developed, and collective problem-solving is encouraged.

• Efficiency & Innovation: Embracing efficient workflows, leveraging technology, and seeking innovative approaches to design challenges to deliver projects effectively.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards, taking ownership of work, and ensuring accountability for design quality and project commitments.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with project managers, engineers, and digital technology teams to ensure seamless project execution and alignment.

• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open and consistent communication channels, especially in a remote setting, to keep all stakeholders informed and address issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing Culture: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and lessons learned among team members to elevate the collective skill set.

📝 Enhancement Note: These values and collaboration styles are inferred based on the responsibilities outlined (mentoring, collaboration with PMs/IT, quality control) and general best practices for senior technical roles within engineering firms. The emphasis is on technical rigor, teamwork, and operational efficiency.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Remote Collaboration: Effectively coordinating design efforts and ensuring clear communication across a distributed team requires proactive strategies for engagement and oversight.

• Maintaining Quality Standards: Ensuring consistent high quality across all design deliverables from various team members, especially when remote, demands robust QA/QC processes and effective mentoring.

• Adapting to Evolving Software: Staying current with updates and new features in complex software suites like Bentley OpenRoads and MicroStation, and effectively training others on these advancements.

• Balancing Technical Depth with Operational Duties: Juggling hands-on design work, team guidance, and support for project management requires strong organizational and time-management skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Bentley Certifications: Pursuing specialized certifications within the Bentley ecosystem to deepen expertise and validate skills.

• BIM and Digital Delivery Training: Developing skills in Building Information Modeling (BIM) and modern digital engineering practices for enhanced project collaboration and data management.

• Leadership and Management Training: Opportunities to develop skills in team leadership, project management, and operational strategy.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Attending events to stay abreast of the latest trends in transportation engineering, design software, and project delivery methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified by considering the inherent difficulties of the role's responsibilities (remote work, complex software, leadership) within the context of the transportation engineering industry. Growth opportunities are mapped to common career progression paths for senior technical professionals in this field.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring the quality of CAD deliverables on a complex highway project, especially when working remotely." (Focus on QA/QC, checklists, peer reviews, and communication strategies.)

• "How would you mentor a junior designer who is struggling with Bentley OpenRoads or MicroStation?" (Highlight your teaching methodology, patience, and problem-solving approach.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to collaborate closely with a project manager on budget and workload planning. What was your role and the outcome?" (Emphasize your understanding of project constraints and your contribution to efficiency.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about this specific CADD Designer role at our partner company, and how does it align with your career goals?" (Connect your skills and aspirations to the role's responsibilities and growth potential.)

• "Describe your experience working in a remote team environment. What strategies do you use to ensure effective collaboration and communication?" (Demonstrate your adaptability and proactive approach to remote work.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Diverse Examples: Choose projects that showcase your technical range (highway, street, intersection design), your proficiency with Bentley software, and instances where you demonstrated leadership or process improvement.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your work – e.g., "reduced drafting time by X%," "identified Y design errors that saved Z cost," "mentored N junior designers who are now proficient."

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, the tools used, and the positive outcome. Make it engaging and easy to follow.

• Be Prepared for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, software configurations, and problem-solving approaches within your portfolio projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the core requirements of the role: technical expertise (Bentley software, transportation design), leadership/mentoring capabilities, operational support (budget, workload, QA/QC), and remote work effectiveness. Portfolio advice directly aligns with showcasing these areas.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Jobgether.

• Tailor your resume to highlight your 7+ years of experience in highway transportation CAD design, specifically mentioning your proficiency with Bentley OpenRoads, MicroStation, and InRoads. Emphasize any experience with state, county, or municipal agencies.

• Curate your portfolio to include specific examples of 3D surface models, corridor designs, detailed drawings, and any case studies demonstrating your mentoring or quality assurance contributions. Prioritize projects that clearly show your skills with the required Bentley software.

• Prepare to discuss your experience with quality control, workload planning, and your approach to mentoring junior designers. Be ready to articulate how you manage your work and contribute to team efficiency in a remote setting.

• Research Jobgether's platform and understand their AI-powered matching process. While the interview is with the partner company, understanding the initial screening mechanism can be beneficial.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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