Low Voltage Systems CAD Operator

Point One Electrical Systems • Full-time • Livermore, California, United States • $32 - $47 / hour • 3d ago

CAD Operator — Low Voltage Systems

Job Title: CAD Operator / Low Voltage Draftsperson Department: Design / Engineering Reports to: Lead Designer / Engineering Manager Employment Type: Full-time Location: On-site

About the Role

We're a low-voltage systems installation contractor specializing in the design and deployment of structured cabling, security, fire alarm, audio/visual, access control, and life safety systems. We're looking for a detail-oriented CAD Operator to produce accurate, code-compliant drawings that guide our field crews from rough-in through final inspection. If you live in the details and understand the difference between a CAD drawing that "looks right" and one that installs right, this is your role.

What You'll Do

Develop 2D drawings and 3D models for low voltage systems including structured cabling (Cat 6/6A, fiber), CCTV/IP video, access control, intrusion detection, fire alarm, AV, and MATV/CATV
Create floor plans showing device locations, cable pathways, conduit runs, racks, and equipment layouts
Generate detailed cable schedules, riser diagrams, single-line diagrams, and termination schedules
Coordinate pathways and device placement with architectural, electrical, mechanical, and IT trades to avoid clashes
Revise drawings to reflect RFIs, submittals, as-builts, and field changes
Ensure all drawings comply with NEC, NFPA 70/72, local AHJ requirements, and BICSI best practices
Support estimating and project management with takeoffs, BOMs, and equipment schedules
Maintain drawing standards, block libraries, layer conventions, and document version control

What We're Looking For

Required:

2+ years of CAD drafting experience, with at least 1 year in low voltage, security, or electrical trades
Proficiency in AutoCAD (2020 or newer); familiarity with AutoCAD Electrical a plus
Solid understanding of low voltage system design — device placement, cable categories, pathway fill ratios, and grounding/bonding basics
Ability to read architectural, electrical, and structural drawings
Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 72 (fire alarm), and BICSI cabling standards
High school diploma or equivalent; technical certificate or associate degree in drafting, electronics, or a related field preferred

Preferred:

BICSI INST1, RCDD, or equivalent certification
Experience with Revit / BIM coordination
Familiarity with submittal packages, O&M manuals, and shop drawing workflows
Knowledge of leading product lines (Honeywell, Bosch, Axis, HID, Leviton, CommScope, Bogen, etc.)
Background in fire alarm system drafting (NFPA 72-compliant layouts)

Skills & Attributes

Meticulous attention to detail — small mistakes in low voltage drawings become rework in the field
Strong spatial reasoning for pathway routing and equipment placement
Comfortable coordinating with GCs, ECs, and IT teams on active job sites
Clear communicator who flags design conflicts early, not after rough-in
Reliable time management — you meet submittal deadlines without cutting corners

What We Offer