Senior CAD Designer / Senior Technical Designer in Bristol

A Senior CAD Designer / Senior Technical Designer is required to create 2D technical drawings and 3D CAD models for a unique multi-disciplinary design and build organisation producing bespoke 3D environments, immersive visitor attractions and themed interiors.

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a Senior CAD Designer / Senior Technical Designer to join a recognised creative design and build organisation creating bespoke 3D environments across retail and leisure, museum and heritage, public art, film and TV, PR and marketing. Working from a fully equipped Bristol workshop that brings together design and skilled fabrication under one roof, the organisation delivers ambitious projects of all sizes. Its work spans themed interiors, exhibitions, brand centres, visitor attractions, science centres, animation, film, museums, aquariums, zoos and art installations worldwide. As the Senior CAD Designer / Senior Technical Designer, you will work closely with Project Management and Fabrication teams to translate creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions. You will produce detailed technical drawings, 3D CAD models, component lists, material schedules and machine‑ready cutting files that support high‑quality manufacture and installation.

DUTIES

• Technical Design: Interpret concept designs and sketches, breaking elements down into fully resolved, practical and buildable solutions.
• CAD Drawings: Produce 2D technical drawings and 3D CAD models for in-house construction teams and outsourced contractors.
• Manufacture Support: Prepare manufacture‑ready drawings, component lists, materials lists and machine‑ready cutting files.
• Fabrication Planning: Design for joinery, CNC, laser cutting, metal fabrication, machining, GRP and 3D printing.
• Compliance: Produce designs that support health and safety and CDM regulations.
• Collaboration: Work closely with project management, fabrication teams, structural engineers, specialist contractors, clients and suppliers.
• Site Surveys: Undertake site surveys and use findings to support accurate technical design work.
• Materials and Costing: Source parts, components and specialist materials, produce bills of quantities and support quotations.
• Project Documentation: Maintain drawing files, prepare client approval presentations and support manufacture and installation literature.

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

• Strong technical design experience within the exhibition, attraction, experiential, theatre or set building sectors.
• Strong track record demonstrated through a CV and portfolio.
• Ability to interpret creative concepts and develop them into practical, buildable solutions.
• Knowledge of construction processes and experience working alongside a workshop or fabrication team.
• Experience producing manufacture‑ready drawings for joinery, CNC, laser cutting, metal fabrication, machining, GRP and 3D printing.
• Proficient in 2D and 3D CAD, such as SolidWorks, Rhino, AutoCAD or equivalent.
• Familiar with MS Office and SharePoint.
• Awareness of electromechanical design principles.
• Technical ability to investigate new fabrication processes.
• Proactive and practical approach, with strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and communicate effectively with internal teams, clients and external suppliers.
• Adobe CS, Corel or other graphics package skills would be a bonus.
• Able to provide a portfolio of previous work in PDF format.
• Authorised to work in the UK without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV and Portfolio to our Recruitment Team who will review your details. CV’s of Job Applicants meeting this requirement will be submitted to our Client for consideration. By submitting your job application to us you are hereby giving us your express consent to submit your details to our Client for this purpose.