Job Description – CAD Draftsperson/ Surveyor

Our client is a Stoke-on-Trent based manufacturer of timber components. They have a specialist woodworking department, creating bespoke handrails for complex stairs. A vacancy has arisen for a CAD Draftsperson and Surveyor.  

The role of Computer Aided Design (CAD) Draftsperson/Surveyor uses equipment and software to facilitate the design and production of complex handrail assemblies, other timber parts, fixtures, fixings and jigs.

The role also assists in other areas where CAD work is required.

This role will suit a Postgraduate who has pursued education in product design or a similar course where the use of CAD has been an essential element. There is potential for career progression within the company.

Experience within a CAD role and the use of SolidWorks are essential.

General duties:

Site Visits: Occasional travel to site throughout UK to liaise with clients about technical issues pertinent to specific projects or to carry out site surveys (this may on occasion involve overnight stays and/or working additional hours to complete surveys)

Site Survey: Using Creaform 3D Digital Laser Scanning Equipment and Software – carry out detailed site survey – identify critical points, surfaces and features for the capture of all relevant geometry of staircase substructure to ensure that a handrail can be created to fit accurately.

Evaluation: Identify any areas on site requiring remedial work by third parties to make staircase substructure compatible with complex handrails and the manner in which they twist/turn and fit to the substructure E.g. uneven metalwork or finger trap areas etc.

CAD: Using captured survey data, create a full 3D model using our CAD system (SolidWorks). In a structured way create the underlying structure (core rail, treads, risers, brackets, glass and or any other areas where the handrail will be required to fit.  Draw handrail profile and produce a full 3D cad model of the proposed handrail. Refine curves to smooth out flow of handrail and ensure that there is no deformity in the profile. Identify best place for and create all joints in the proposed handrail to optimize machine time, aesthetic appearance, joints and strength. Insert relevant smart features (fixings and dowels) where required ensuring these are the correct type and size for the handrail or part being made.

Taking customer drawings, interpret them and be able to import them into the CAD system and develop them into 3D models or use information within them to determine dimensions for 3D model.

Use own initiative and artistic flair to create featured parts such as volutes and scrolls to look as good as possible and be practical to produce. Use advanced surface modelling techniques to achieve results where required.

Analyze: Critical analysis of CAD model to identify limitations and areas of concern that may require further remedial work. Discuss issues with customer as required and find resolution.  

Documentation: Prepare full working drawings for factory and site fitters in line with company standards of presentation. These will show all parts detailed as an assembly with part numbers. Prepare Part labels for production team.

Using SolidCam, import individual parts into the CAM system and define raw material block size. Identify if the block needs to be laminated, what size laminates and which way around the laminating is to be carried out. Complete a list of parts in Excel with the block sizes and lamination details. Check timber requirements.

Provide cutting list to production team with all appropriate details to enable them to progress.    

Visual Presentation: Provide, where required visuals for customers, in the form of CAD Model Files,  3D PDF, PDFs.  Prepare rendered photorealistic images of parts using SolidWorks rendering functions.

CAM: stand in for and/or assist cam programming as required to meet the needs of the department

Estimating: Review enquiries and cad drawings to determine create a list of required parts and prepare a detailed quote for the customer.

Training

The company will provide some job specific training.  The successful candidate will however require a minimum level of CAD skills (SolidWorks) and have at least two years’ experience using the software for complex part drawings. They will have an exceptional eye for details and demonstrate appropriate levels of diligence.

Progression

There is opportunity for the candidate to progress within the department and business.

Essential Attributes

A Full UK driving license is essential

Understanding of complex drawings

Have an extensive knowledge of drawing principals and geometry creation to enable effective CAD work.

Have extensive experience of creating drawings using 2D and 3D drawing packages – 3D Advanced CAD experience essential preferably in SolidWorks.

Be physically fit and strong enough to lift heavy measuring equipment to and from vehicle and when on site, up and down several flights of stairs using appropriate manual handling techniques.

Skills Interest and Qualities

A knowledge of engineering design principles

Good math and IT skills

Good communication skills

An understanding of manufacturing process and construction methods

Good problem-solving skills

Creative ability

The ability to work as part of a team

The ability to meet deadlines

General Terms

Hours of work: 08:30 to 17:00 Monday to Friday with 15 minute morning break and 30 minute lunch break. This is a staff position and it is necessary to be flexible with work hours to meet the needs of the business.

Holidays: 20 days paid holiday plus bank holidays per annum.

Place of work: Approximately 75% of work time is office based and the rest is spent carrying out site surveys. This may vary.

Salary: Starting salary £25,000.