My Journey as an AutoCAD Drafter at DCI
Location: Irvine, CA
In September 2021, I started working at DCI as an AutoCAD drafter. DCI is a company that provides specialized design solutions for telecommunications. From designing new signal transmission stations to setting up 5G antenna networks, as well as renovating and upgrading existing stations, the company covers a broad range of projects.
When I first joined the company, I had no knowledge of telecommunications—what I had was my ability to use AutoCAD. Initially, my work focused on projects that involved renovating and upgrading existing broadcast stations. This included replacing DCPPs, battery cabinets, and equipment racks, as well as installing new antennas according to the client’s specifications. I carefully noted all modifications on the drawings and prepared detailed drawings of the new equipment.
One day, my company received a request for a special project that required proficiency in Autodesk Revit. My manager asked if anyone in the company had experience with the software. Two colleagues raised their hands—one with three years of experience, and the other with two. I was the last to raise my hand, admitting that I had no experience with Revit but had knowledge of 3D modeling and was willing to learn if given the opportunity. I was selected for the special project.
This project involved designing an airport terminal, including the administrative building, a multi-story parking structure, and various terminals. My company’s role was to design and arrange equipment stations on the basement and first floors to ensure cellular and internet coverage throughout the airport. The antennas were positioned from the basement, through the first, second, and third floors, up to the rooftop to provide outdoor coverage along aircraft hubs.
I was trained by two Revit experts through an online training service. They guided me step by step through the project requirements—from establishing reference benchmarks for all trades (such as plumbing, fire protection, electrical, and HVAC) to determining elevation levels for each structure.
I received iBWave drawings from the Radio Frequency Engineers (RF Engineers) and arranged the antennas according to the design, ensuring optimal coverage for all areas of the airport. I was also taken on site visits to observe equipment stations, terminal buildings, and rooftops, allowing me to better understand the project and take reference photos.
Using this data, I began placing the equipment, wiring, and end-point antennas in different sections of the facility. I participated in two to three online meetings each week to coordinate with other trades. Once all equipment was positioned, we moved on to “clash detection,” identifying conflicts with other trades and adjusting routes or locations accordingly. This was done using Autodesk Navisworks.
All drawings were uploaded to the cloud via Autodesk Desktop Connector, which had to run continuously on my computer to synchronize data in real-time. Every piece of equipment was carefully labeled and assigned specific parameters for future identification and maintenance.
The project lasted three years, and I was the sole person responsible for this task, working under the direct supervision of my manager. Weekly reports were submitted to the client, and I participated in discussions with the project management team whenever structural or technical solutions needed adjustments.
Alongside my Revit work, I also handled 2D AutoCAD drawings, known as Construction Drawings (50%, 90%, and 100%). These included plan views, section views, equipment layouts, racks, and DCPP details. Due to the large number of drawings, I used XREF in AutoCAD to efficiently manage files and reduce memory load on my PC. When required, I exported PDFs for the team to review and make necessary changes.
Whenever I had free time, I sought advice from colleagues to gain more experience, took on additional renovation and upgrade projects, and participated in telco walks—on-site inspections to design cable pathways from the driveway to manholes and nearby equipment stations.
I am always eager to learn new knowledge and hope for the best for my company and my colleagues.
