Becoming a freelance CAD Coordinator is an option that appeals to a specific segment of the working population. Freelance work consists of projects taken on outside a traditional employer-employee relationship. Although many workers freelance full-time, others freelance in addition to their regular jobs, and others work only part-time, using the freelance approach to test the waters of a potential new career. Part-time CAD freelance work includes drafting, drawing, and legacy revisions, whereas full-time CAD freelancers may do everything from CAD design to 3D printing.

Freelance vs. In-house CAD Coordinator

There are numerous differences between working as a freelancer and as an in-house CAD Coordinator. For example, in-house CAD Coordinators have stable employment but may not have as much creative freedom as freelancers. Most people working in-house are full-time employees, whereas a freelance CAD Coordinator might work for that organization part-time or on an as-needed basis. 

The freelancing option can provide a flexible schedule but lacks the benefits of a full-time job. These can include paid time off for vacation, sick days, federal holidays, or even floating holidays. Freelancers may need to provide health insurance coverage for themselves and their families. They must also perform all the required tasks of a small business owner, from accounting to filing tax returns, unless they can afford to hire subcontractors.

Benefits & Potential Challenges of CAD Coordinator Freelancing

Freelancing as a CAD Coordinator can come with unique challenges. Although finding CAD-centered work might not be difficult, coordinating between builders, designers, and clients is often a full-time job. Consider the following advantages and disadvantages of CAD Coordinator freelancing: 

Benefits

Full-time CAD Coordinator roles may pay a steady salary, but that doesn't mean a freelancer cannot make more. A CAD Coordinator working part-time for multiple clients can potentially earn a higher annual income—although taxes and health care benefit costs can lower that figure.

Another attraction for freelance CAD Coordinators is control over their schedules. Some work over the standard 40-hour work week but find the freedom of not having to schedule doctor appointments or car repairs around their employer's needs well worth it.

The ability to work remotely is another potential benefit. However, not all CAD freelancers work from home: some report to an office like full-time direct employees, whereas others work remotely most of the time.

Challenges

Any freelance role comes with potential challenges, from the possibility of 

an inconsistent income to the need for self-discipline and the inevitable business management responsibilities. 

Perhaps one of the greatest challenges to freelancing is the nature of the CAD Coordinator role. For example, a part-time CAD Coordinator freelance gig may only last for a limited time or on an as-needed basis. Like many other freelancing situations, the freelancer must always have new gigs in the pipeline. If you plan to freelance, consider choosing job boards like Indeed or ZipRecruiter over platforms like Fiverr or Craigslist.

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What is a CAD Coordinator?

A CAD Coordinator generally provides support for design, engineering, or manufacturing teams. Responsibilities for CAD Coordinator positions vary widely, and different industries can have unique requirements and unusual job titles. They can range from updating software to providing training or maintaining CAD standards.

CAD Coordinators may design and prepare electronic working plans, maps, and project drawings. Others receive customer 2D drawings and prepare them for release to a CAD design or engineering team. Firmwide CAD Coordinators typically work in a supervisory capacity, managing and coordinating all CAD-related activities.

CAD Coordinators are oftentimes experts in building information modeling (BIM), and some positions have titles like CAD/BIM Design Coordinator. These roles are often comparable to those with titles like Firmwide CAD Coordinator, which means they support multiple design and engineering teams. Read on for additional requirements and specifics for this unique position.

What is CAD Coordinator Freelancing Like?

As a freelance CAD Coordinator, you might need to set up a portfolio website for your business. You will also need a business license and a federal tax ID number. Consider setting these up before you start your freelance gig search.

Choose A Business Structure: Most freelancers start part-time, but this does not mean they don't need to function as a company. Choosing a business structure is a personal decision that can involve multiple factors. Most freelancers create a sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation. Consult your tax advisor to determine the best choice for your situation.

Find Freelance Gigs: CAD Coordinator freelance gigs can be part-time, full-time, or as-needed. You might need to start with basic projects if you need to build a portfolio.

Negotiate Contracts: Consider all relevant factors when negotiating contracts with new clients. Do they require you to sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA)? Can you negotiate pay or any other aspects of the contract? Know what you will and will not negotiate before you sign a contract.

Best Practices for Client Communication: If you have ever worked on a construction site, you know that not every client or customer has the same communication preferences. Your best bet is to communicate with clients via their preferred method, whether on a messaging platform, email, or phone call.

Is CAD Coordinator Freelancing Right for Me?

There are two ways to decide if the freelance life is for you: try it part-time or dive in full-time. To succeed as a freelance CAD Coordinator, you must value independence and a strong work ethic. If you have to support yourself on your income alone, consider trying freelancing part-time after hours. However, you will not know if you can freelance full-time unless you make enough from part-time work to expand to full-time.

Starting a full-time freelance career carries risk, but it also quickly shows the freelancer whether or not they can go it alone. Once you start freelancing full-time, the excitement of being your own boss may outweigh any considerations about irregular paychecks or working long hours.

Steps to Become a Freelance CAD Coordinator

To become a CAD Coordinator, you will need some of the tools and skills of a CAD Technician or Operator. Fortunately, this can also be a CAD Drafter or CAD Designer. Multiple industries need CAD Coordinators, and your choice of role may be industry-specific. However, starting with general training is the essential first step.

Training for most CAD roles involves AutoCAD. You can get a free trial AutoCAD subscription through the Autodesk website. However, an even better strategy is to learn AutoCAD basics through a bootcamp or certification program, which will provide experience, knowledge, and a portfolio of CAD projects.

Many companies have a degree requirement for particular roles, including CAD Coordinator. Further education may be necessary to get the position you want. Be prepared to obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, possibly even after you start working in the field.

While you might need college for some companies, others will focus more on your skills and know-how. You might not need a degree if you have a CAD-related certification credential. The American Design Drafting Association offers certification programs, as does Autodesk. You can also take the AutoCAD Certification Program from Noble Desktop, which prepares you for the Autodesk Certificated Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam.

Learn Business Skills

In addition to all the skills of a regular CAD Coordinator, future freelance CAD Coordinators will need to learn skills for running their own business (such as finance and contract law) and marketing their business (such as web design and social media marketing). Even freelance CAD Coordinators who plan to contract consultants to help run their small business should have a basic understanding of these areas to understand what kind of outsourcing they will need to support their freelance work.

Learn the Skills to Become a CAD Coordinator at Noble Desktop

While some CAD roles will require expertise in a system software like SolidWorks from Dassault Systèmes, most will require AutoCAD. Training for a CAD Coordinator role typically starts with one or more Autodesk programs, from AutoCAD to Revit, Fusion 360, and Navisworks.

Noble Desktop provides multiple AutoCAD training options for individuals and organizations. Their AutoCAD Level I class is an 18-hour program available live online via teleconferencing or in person at their state-of-the-art Manhattan headquarters. Beginners learn to create drawings for architectural or mechanical applications. Although in-person classes focus on AutoCAD for PC, Mac users may attend online. Noble offers intermediate and advanced training through AutoCAD Levels II and III classes.

Applicants can save by taking AutoCAD Level I within one of several immersive programs. The following courses include beginner to intermediate or advanced AutoCAD training:

  • AutoCAD Bootcamp - The comprehensive AutoCAD Bootcamp combines AutoCAD Levels I and II for a total of 30 hours of training. Attendees learn basic and intermediate AutoCAD skills like drawing, editing, advanced layer techniques, and data tables in a beginner-friendly curriculum.
  • AutoCAD Masterclass - Noble Desktop’s AutoCAD Masterclass adds an 18-hour advanced AutoCAD Level III course to the AutoCAD Bootcamp modules. While also open to beginners, this 48-hour program covers advanced object types and interface techniques. Graduates rate the AutoCAD Masterclass highly, 4.7 out of 5 stars. 
  • AutoCAD Certification Program - The 54-hour AutoCAD Certification Program adds six hours of private tutoring to the AutoCAD Masterclass curriculum to prepare students to sit for the Autodesk Certificated Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting exam. Tuition also covers proctoring for the exam and a free retake if needed. Attendees can substitute an additional hour of tutoring in place of the exam if they choose. 

Courses like the certification program can help professional AutoCAD users stand out from the field in a crowded job market. However, Autodesk also suggests that the certification exam usually requires between 400 and 1,200 on-the-job hours using the AutoCAD software to prepare for testing.