AutoCAD Operator

Department: Engineering / Maintenance
Reports To: Engineering Supervisor / Design Engineer

Job Overview

• The AutoCAD Operator is responsible for preparing, modifying, updating, and maintaining technical drawings, engineering layouts, schematics, and documentation using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. 
• The role supports engineering, maintenance, projects, and plant operations by producing accurate 2D and 3D drawings in accordance with company standards, engineering specifications, and project requirements.
• The successful candidate must possess strong drafting skills, engineering drawing interpretation capability, attention to detail, and proficiency in AutoCAD and related design software within an industrial or manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare Engineering Drawings: Develop detailed mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, piping, structural, and civil engineering drawings using AutoCAD software based on engineering requirements.
• Update and Revise Existing Drawings: Modify and maintain "as-built" drawings, layouts, schematics, and technical documentation to reflect plant modifications and project changes.
• Interpret Engineering Designs and Specifications: Review engineering sketches, calculations, blueprints, and project instructions to accurately convert concepts into technical drawings.
• Generate Plant Layouts and Equipment Drawings: Prepare plant layouts, equipment arrangement drawings, piping layouts, utility routing plans, and fabrication details for maintenance and project activities.
• Maintain Drawing Control and Documentation: Organize, archive, and manage engineering drawings, revision histories, document registers, and electronic records in accordance with document control procedures.
• Support Engineering and Project Teams: Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and project personnel to provide technical drafting support for maintenance projects, new installations, plant upgrades, and shutdown activities.
• Ensure Compliance with Engineering Standards: Ensure all drawings comply with applicable engineering standards, drafting conventions, company specifications, safety requirements, and quality control procedures.

Basic Technical Competencies and Skills:
The ideal candidate should demonstrate competency in:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D and 3D drafting.
• Strong knowledge of engineering drawing standards and drafting principles.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, and instrumentation drawings.
• Preparation of Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), layouts, schematics, and fabrication drawings.
• Knowledge of document control and drawing management systems.
• Understanding of engineering symbols, dimensions, tolerances, and specifications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of CAD software such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Plant 3D, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar applications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.

Qualification and Experience
Educational Qualification:

• National Diploma (ND) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Drafting Technology, Engineering Design, or a related technical discipline;

OR

• Trade Test Grade I, II, and III in Drafting, Technical Drawing, Mechanical Engineering Trades, Building Services, or a related technical field.

Professional Certification (Added Advantage):

• AutoCAD Professional Certification.
• Autodesk Certified User (ACU) or Autodesk Certified Professional (ACP).
• CAD Design Certification.
• Engineering Design and Drafting Certification.
• Document Control Certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of Five (5) years' industrial experience in AutoCAD drafting, engineering design support, plant documentation, project engineering, manufacturing, fertilizer, oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, construction, or related industrial environments.
• Proven experience in preparing engineering drawings, equipment layouts, piping drawings, electrical schematics, structural drawings, and as-built documentation will be an added advantage.

Desired Attributes:

• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and under minimal supervision.
• Excellent time management and multitasking capability.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.