CAD Technician

Location: Ilminster, Somerset
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: £DOE (depending on experience)
About the Role
CNC Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a specialist manufacturer of bespoke staircases with the recruitment of a skilled and practically minded CAD / Design & Production Technician to join their team in Ilminster, Somerset.
This is an excellent opportunity for a technically minded individual to join a specialist manufacturing business, working on a varied range of projects from initial design through to production.
The successful candidate will be responsible for producing accurate technical and production drawings, preparing files for CNC manufacture, calculating material requirements, ordering materials and liaising with clients throughout the approval process.
A key aspect of the role is the ability to understand that a design must work in the workshop and on site, not just on screen. The ideal candidate will therefore combine strong CAD skills with practical thinking, attention to detail and an ability to develop workable solutions for bespoke projects.
Key Responsibilities
* Produce accurate 2D and 3D technical drawings using AutoCAD and SketchUp.
* Prepare DXF files ready for CNC and manufacturing processes.
* Produce detailed production and manufacturing drawings.
* Complete accurate material take-offs and quantity calculations.
* Order materials required for individual projects.
* Prepare and issue drawings to clients for review and approval.
* Make drawing revisions following client, site and workshop feedback.
* Liaise closely with the workshop and production team to ensure designs are practical, accurate and ready for manufacture.
* Identify potential manufacturing or installation issues during the design process.
* Provide practical and technical solutions to challenges associated with bespoke projects.
* Ensure drawings and production information are completed accurately and within required timescales.
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who is practical, technically minded and solutions-focused, with the ability to visualise how a design will translate from CAD into a finished product.
You will ideally have:
* Experience using AutoCAD and/or SketchUp.
* Strong technical drawing and design skills.
* Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
* A practical understanding of manufacturing and/or installation processes.
* The ability to interpret dimensions, materials and technical information accurately.
* Good problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box.
* The confidence to work independently and manage your own workload.
* Strong communication skills, particularly when liaising with clients and production teams.
Desirable Experience
Experience within any of the following areas would be advantageous:
* Joinery
* Staircase manufacture or design
* Timber structures
* Bespoke furniture or manufacturing
* CNC manufacturing
* Architectural or technical drawing
* Construction or building-related design
However, candidates with strong CAD/design experience and a practical mindset who are keen to learn will also be considered.
Training & Development
Full training and support will be provided to help the successful candidate develop a detailed understanding of the company's products, manufacturing methods and internal processes.
The company is particularly interested in individuals who are keen to develop their technical knowledge and take ownership of bespoke projects from design through to manufacture.
The Opportunity
This is a varied and hands-on technical role offering the opportunity to work on bespoke staircase projects, where no two jobs are necessarily the same.
For someone who enjoys combining CAD/design skills with practical problem-solving and seeing their designs become physical products, this could be an excellent long-term opportunity