DHA Karachi Jobs 2026 Executive Engineers and CAD Operator Positions
Defence Housing Authority Karachi is hiring Executive Engineers (Civil), Assistant Executive Engineers (Civil), and AutoCAD Operators with monthly salaries ranging from PKR 60,000 to 80,000. This popular and prestigious residential development authority seeks capable and skilled professionals for three engineering and technical positions.
What makes these opportunities particularly attractive is working for DHA Karachi, one of Pakistan’s most well-managed and reputed housing authorities. The combination of competitive salaries, professional work environment, and the prestige associated with DHA employment makes these positions desirable for civil engineering and CAD professionals.
Understanding DHA Karachi Engineering Roles
Defence Housing Authority Karachi manages extensive residential developments requiring continuous civil engineering oversight for infrastructure development, maintenance, construction supervision, and quality control. The engineering positions involve planning, designing, supervising, and maintaining civil works across DHA’s various phases and projects.
Working at DHA Karachi means involvement in large-scale residential development projects with high standards for infrastructure quality, aesthetic appeal, and functional excellence. The authority maintains strict quality controls and professional standards, creating demanding but rewarding work environments for engineering professionals.
Available Positions
DHA Karachi is recruiting for three distinct positions with a total of three vacancies across engineering and technical categories.
Executive Engineer (XEN) Civil
Executive Engineers hold senior positions overseeing major civil engineering projects, supervising teams of assistant engineers and technical staff, making critical design and construction decisions, and ensuring projects meet specifications, budgets, and timelines. This represents the most senior engineering position in this recruitment.
Assistant Executive Engineer (A/XEN) Civil
Assistant Executive Engineers work under Executive Engineers, handling day-to-day project management, supervising construction activities, preparing technical reports, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring quality standards are maintained in civil works. This mid-level engineering position offers pathways to advancement to XEN roles.
AutoCAD Operator
AutoCAD Operators create technical drawings, prepare plans and designs using CAD software, modify existing drawings based on engineering requirements, and maintain organized digital drawing libraries. This technical support position requires strong CAD skills and understanding of civil engineering drawings.
Who Can Apply for These Positions
Eligibility criteria vary by position but generally balance educational qualifications, professional experience, and age requirements.
Educational Requirements
Graduation is required for engineering positions, meaning Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering for XEN and A/XEN roles. These positions require professional engineering qualifications from recognized universities, preferably with PEC (Pakistan Engineering Council) registration.
Intermediate education qualifies for the AutoCAD Operator position, though additional CAD training or diplomas in drafting and design strengthen candidacy. For technical positions, practical CAD skills often matter more than advanced academic degrees.
Experience Requirements
Five to fifteen years of experience is required depending on the position. Executive Engineers need extensive experience at the higher end of this range, typically 10-15 years with proven track records managing major civil projects. Assistant Executive Engineers require 5-8 years of progressively responsible engineering experience. AutoCAD Operators need 3-5 years of professional CAD work, particularly in civil engineering contexts.
Experience should be in relevant fields including residential or commercial construction, infrastructure development, road works, water supply systems, or similar civil engineering domains. DHA-specific or housing authority experience is advantageous but not mandatory.
Age Requirements
Applicants should be between 30 and 45 years old. This age range targets mid-career professionals with sufficient experience to handle responsibilities effectively while offering productive tenure. The minimum age of 30 ensures candidates have accumulated necessary experience, while the maximum of 45 allows reasonable service years before retirement.
How to Apply for DHA Karachi Positions
Applications must be submitted through DHA Karachi’s official career portal.
Visit DHA Karachi’s career opportunities page where current job openings are listed.
Locate the Executive Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer, and AutoCAD Operator positions advertised for 2026 recruitment.
Download the official application form if available, or prepare to complete an online application through their system.
Gather required documents including educational certificates (engineering degree for XEN/A/XEN positions, intermediate certificate for CAD operator), detailed CV highlighting your civil engineering or CAD experience, experience letters from previous employers, PEC registration certificate if applicable, CNIC copy, domicile certificate, and recent photographs.
Fill out the application form completely with accurate information about your educational background, professional experience, and current contact details. For engineering positions with DHA, accuracy and professionalism in applications matter significantly.
For engineering positions, prepare a portfolio or summary of major projects you’ve worked on, including project types, your specific role, project values, and outcomes. This demonstrates your practical capabilities beyond just listing employers.
For AutoCAD Operator positions, consider preparing sample drawings or a portfolio showcasing your CAD work, particularly civil engineering drawings like site plans, structural details, or infrastructure designs.
Submit your complete application through DHA Karachi’s designated process before the January 27, 2026 deadline. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records and potential interview preparation.
Important Details to Consider
The salary range of PKR 60,000 to 80,000 monthly is competitive for civil engineering and technical positions in Pakistan. Your exact placement within this range depends on the position level (XEN versus A/XEN versus CAD Operator), your experience years, qualifications, and negotiation during hiring.
Executive Engineers likely command salaries toward the higher end of this range, while AutoCAD Operators start toward the lower end, with Assistant Executive Engineers in the middle. DHA positions also typically include additional benefits beyond base salary.
Working for DHA Karachi involves strict professional standards, accountability, and quality expectations. The authority maintains rigorous oversight of engineering work given the high-profile nature of their developments and the expectations of residents.
The three total vacancies across three different positions means one opening per position type. Competition will be significant, particularly for the senior Executive Engineer role which attracts experienced professionals seeking prestigious positions.
Application Deadline
The last date to apply is January 27, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Given the approaching deadline and the documentation required for engineering positions, begin your application preparation immediately if you’re interested and qualified.
Additional Employment Opportunities
While exploring these opportunities, check out other positions like National Logistic Corporation NLC jobs 2026 for more government and semi-government engineering employment options.
Common Questions About These Positions
Is PEC registration mandatory for engineering positions or just preferred?
While the job advertisement doesn’t explicitly state PEC (Pakistan Engineering Council) registration as mandatory, it’s effectively essential for Executive Engineer and Assistant Executive Engineer positions in Pakistan. Professional engineering positions at reputed organizations like DHA typically require PEC registration for legal and professional reasons. If you hold a civil engineering degree but haven’t registered with PEC, initiate the registration process immediately as it takes time. For the AutoCAD Operator position, PEC registration isn’t relevant since it’s a technical rather than professional engineering role. During your application, include your PEC registration number and validity if you have it, as this significantly strengthens engineering position applications.
What’s the difference in responsibilities between XEN and A/XEN positions?
Executive Engineers (XEN) hold senior decision-making authority, oversee multiple projects simultaneously, manage teams of assistant engineers and technical staff, approve designs and budgets, interface with senior management and external stakeholders, and bear ultimate responsibility for project outcomes. Assistant Executive Engineers (A/XEN) work under XEN supervision, handle day-to-day project implementation, supervise site activities directly, prepare technical reports and documentation, coordinate with contractors and consultants, and focus more on execution than strategic planning. Think of XEN as strategic leadership roles while A/XEN are tactical implementation positions. Career progression typically moves from A/XEN to XEN as you gain experience and demonstrate capabilities. The salary differential within the PKR 60,000-80,000 range reflects these responsibility differences.
Can AutoCAD Operator position lead to engineering career advancement at DHA?
AutoCAD Operator is a technical support position rather than a professional engineering role, so direct advancement to A/XEN or XEN positions isn’t typical without obtaining engineering qualifications. However, working as a CAD operator at DHA provides valuable exposure to civil engineering projects, professional work environments, and DHA’s standards and procedures. Some individuals use CAD operator positions as entry points while pursuing engineering degrees part-time, then transition to engineering roles after completing their education. If you aspire to engineering positions eventually, view the CAD operator role as a stepping stone while you complete your engineering education rather than expecting direct promotion without proper qualifications. However, within the technical track, experienced CAD operators can advance to senior CAD positions, CAD team supervision, or specialized technical roles.
Final Assessment
The DHA Karachi engineering and technical positions offer excellent opportunities for qualified civil engineering professionals and CAD operators. The salary range of PKR 60,000 to 80,000 monthly provides competitive compensation, and working for one of Pakistan’s most prestigious housing authorities adds significant career value.
The three positions spanning Executive Engineer, Assistant Executive Engineer, and AutoCAD Operator levels accommodate professionals at different career stages, from mid-level technical staff to senior engineering management. The single vacancy per position type means competitive selection processes.
If you hold relevant civil engineering qualifications or intermediate education with CAD skills, have 5-15 years of appropriate experience, fall within the 30-45 age range, and seek stable employment with a reputed organization, these positions deserve serious consideration. Just ensure you apply before the January 27, 2026 deadline with complete documentation including PEC registration for engineering positions and portfolio materials demonstrating your capabilities. DHA Karachi employment provides professional prestige, competitive compensation, and involvement in high-quality residential development projects that enhance your career credentials in Pakistan’s civil engineering and construction sectors.
