SolidWorks Design Engineer

CADagency is delighted to be working with a specialist engineering and manufacturing business based in Borough Green, Kent. Our client designs and supplies GRP structural access systems including platforms, walkways, stairs and associated structures for projects across the UK. Following the award of a significant new project involving a high volume of design work, they are looking to recruit a Solid Works Design Engineer initially on a 12-month contract.

As a Solid Works Design Engineer, you will be responsible for developing structural assemblies from initial concept through to detailed manufacturing information. You will work closely with the sales team at the early stages of a project, helping to turn customer requirements and initial concepts into practical design solutions. You will create 3D assemblies in Solid Works before producing detailed 2D manufacturing drawings, general arrangement drawings and individual component drawings.

The work will also involve preparing cut lists, bills of materials and production information for items such as structural profiles, platforms, stairs, handrails, gratings, base plates and connection components. The structures are manufactured predominantly from GRP and use mechanically fastened connections including bolts and rivets rather than welded connections. Previous GRP experience is not essential and candidates from structural steelwork, fabricated structures, access platforms, staircases, mezzanines or similar backgrounds would be well suited to the role.

You will support both larger project-based work and more bespoke customer requirements. The recently secured project represents a significant increase in the scale and volume of design work for the business, with a large number of structural assemblies requiring detailed design and production information. You will also work closely with an existing designer based overseas and with the production team in the UK.

Designs may need to be amended during manufacture, so you should be comfortable supporting production and responding to practical design changes as projects progress. You will initially spend more time working from the office while learning the products, materials and design processes. Once established in the role, our client is happy to offer hybrid working. Key skills and experience include:
Strong Solid Works experience Experience producing detailed 2D manufacturing drawings from 3D assemblies Experience creating BOMs, cut lists and component drawings Background in structural steelwork, fabricated structures, platforms, staircases, access systems or similar products would be highly relevant Good understanding of design for manufacture and how individual components are assembled Experience working with bolted or mechanically fastened structures would be beneficial Ability to work with sales, design and production teams GRP experience would be advantageous but is not essential Salary is £35,000 to £40,000 depending on experience.

Our client also operates an uncapped profit-share scheme called Growth By Sharing, which is based on company performance. The scheme is currently returning around 7% to 8% of annual salary. The position is expected to begin as a 12-month contract, with hybrid working available once you are familiar with the products and processes.