Future CAD Coordinators need an idea of what field they should enter before they gain qualifications for this specialized role. Those already working in fields like construction or manufacturing can move up to a CAD Coordinator position. However, those starting their CAD education should understand what skills and tools they must learn before embarking on a course of action. Consider the following fields where CAD Coordinator positions are essential:

  • Architectural
  • Construction
  • Engineering
  • Manufacturing
  • Operations
  • Product Design

Gaining an education is only a beginning because recruiters and hiring managers look for specific skill sets. Candidates for a CAD Coordinator position must demonstrate that they can do the job. While some job postings emphasize experience requirements, others focus on skill sets like those gained through an intensive bootcamp or certificate program. Read on to learn more about hard and soft skills for this in-demand role.

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.

Hard Skills

Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD is probably the top skill required in most CAD-centered positions. While some organizations use other CAD software, Autodesk's software packages are universal enough for a future CAD Coordinator to feel confident taking AutoCAD training.

However, AutoCAD is not always an assumed skill for this role. Some companies advertising the position may list other software proficiencies like SolidWorks or Autodesk Revit under requirements. Whichever training you get, CAD drafting and design expertise will be essential to the role in organizations of all sizes.

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Autodesk Navisworks

Many CAD Coordinators work with the Autodesk AEC Collection (Architecture, Engineering & Construction). A primary component of this package is Navisworks Manage. This essential tool helps Architects, Construction Professionals, Civil Engineers, MEP Engineers, and Structural Engineers.

Navisworks comes in two versions: Navisworks Manage and Navisworks Simulate. The Navisworks platform allows users to connect design and construction teams, streamlining clash detection and coordination in building information modeling (BIM). Consider this another likely tool if you work a CAD-centered job—especially as a CAD Coordinator.

Autodesk Revit

Revit is an Autodesk BIM (building information modeling) software popular among CAD Coordinators. Also part of the AEC Collection, Revit allows Architects, Engineers, and Construction Professionals to model, revise, and share shapes, structures, and systems with 3D accuracy.

Revit is a primary tool for collaboration, a soft skill essential to CAD Coordinators (see below). Besides its design and revision capabilities, the software helps users annotate and schedule with a robust set of multidisciplinary tool kits. Like AutoCAD, not all organizations require Revit proficiency, but knowing the software can benefit CAD Coordinators in any field.

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a cloud-based platform from Dassault Systèmes. While many professionals in architecture and engineering use Autodesk as a default system, some product design and manufacturing organizations prefer SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling.

This software is a competitor of the Fusion 360 package from Autodesk. Many online forums debate the pros and cons of either platform, but the fact remains that some organizations require SolidWorks proficiency while others do not. Consider it a necessary skill for some CAD Coordinator roles.

Examples of other hard skills applicable to some CAD Coordinator roles include:

  • Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
  • Autodesk BIM 360
  • Autodesk Civil 3D
  • Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Autodesk Plant 3D
  • AutoTURN
  • CADWorx
  • CATIA (3D CAD Software)
  • Creo (3D CAD Software)
  • Electronic file transfer (FTP, SharePoint)
  • LandFX
  • Newforma Project Center
  • MS-Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
  • Solid Edge (3D CAD software)

Soft Skills

Analytical Skills

Like most tech roles, the CAD Coordinator position requires strong analytical skills. The ability to evaluate data, plan objectives, and devise workable solutions to problems is essential, whether in AEC, operations, or product design and manufacturing.

Many CAD Coordinators must provide support and training to other CAD users. Analytical skills help improve issues related to CAD processes and standards, resolve challenges, and organize and prioritize CAD files and documentation.

Collaboration

The CAD Coordinator role is intensely collaborative by nature. Any CAD Coordinator must work with numerous other professionals in different disciplines, and a Firmwide CAD Coordinator may have to liaise among multiple colleagues and clients.

Collaboration in the CAD Coordinator position can include translating design specs and engineering team recommendations and incorporating them into a design package. While you might not mention it on a resume, collaborative skills can be as essential as BIM skills for CAD professionals.

Project Management

Although a CAD Coordinator may not need the same skill set as a Project Manager, many of the same soft skills apply. Hiring managers and recruiters look for skills in CAD Coordinators that reflect their ability to manage a project well from inception to completion. These include attention to detail, time management, organizational skills, and multi-tasking.

Additional soft skills for CAD Coordinators: 

  • Adaptability
  • Agility
  • Communication
  • Critical Thinking
  • Problem-Solving

What Other Jobs Require These Skills?

CAD Coordinators are among the most popular AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) roles. Many positions with differing titles require the same skill set and are de facto CAD Coordinators with an alternate title. However, some positions typically list with similar titles and are related careers that require many of the same skills. The top two are Designers and Drafters:

CAD Designer

CAD Coordinators often start as CAD Designers. These skilled professionals typically have many similar responsibilities and work with the same types of colleagues as CAD Coordinators. These include Architects, Construction Managers, and Engineers. CAD Designers use AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, SolidWorks, or other tools essential to the CAD Coordinator position.

As in the case of CAD Coordinators, CAD Designers can work in industries that require designs for buildings, infrastructure projects, or manufactured parts or products. Finally, the same soft skills typically apply, including analytical skills, attention to detail, and collaboration.

Drafter

Historically, a Drafter created technical plans for architecture, civil, or MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) teams or manufactured products. Today, most Drafters are CAD Drafters, which means they have CAD skills. Technically, Drafters might use manual writing implements, but today, they almost always use software like AutoCAD or SolidWorks.

Drafters typically specialize in one of the fields mentioned above. Titles for this role include Architectural Drafter, CAD Designer/Drafter, Draftsperson, and Engineering Drafter, to name a few.

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.