Loftsman

Not Your Typical Fabrication Role. Not Your Typical Shipyard.

If you can turn complex project data into precise cutting information and you take pride in getting every detail right this could be the opportunity for you. We are looking for a Loftsman to join our Fabrication team. You will translate project DXF data and engineering drawings into accurate nesting sheets for CNC profiling, helping our teams deliver safely, efficiently and to the highest standards.

Who are we? Balaena Tyne is home to the largest dry dock on the East Coast and a 24,000-square-metre fabrication hall. Our engineering and production teams work side by side, combining technical expertise with extensive in-house capability. From two dry docks and extensive berthing to our panel line, profile cutting, sub-assembly and machining facilities, we have the scale and skills to undertake complex marine engineering, repair and fabrication projects. As we continue to grow, we are strengthening the skilled teams that give us tight control over accuracy, quality and delivery. We work closely with our customers to provide what they need, as they need it, when they need it.

What will you do?

• Work with engineers and project managers to understand design specifications and project requirements.
• Produce steel plate and section quantity estimates and Material Take-Offs to support new-project estimating.
• Use CNC nesting software to create production cutting nests by plate thickness for plasma and oxy-fuel cutting beds.
• Review profile DXF files against drawings, checking dimensions, cutting data and weld preparations.
• Amend DXF data where required, including shrinkage allowances agreed through design reviews with Projects, Production and Quality.
• Maintain accurate steel plate records, nesting sheets and spreadsheets to support stock control, traceability and audit requirements.
• Work with project teams to agree cutting priorities and keep production moving.

Who are we looking for?

• A time-served fabrication professional with strong engineering drawing-reading skills.
• Experience using nesting software ideally Columbus V2.
• Confidence with CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks or similar.
• Excellent attention to detail and a sound understanding of engineering and design principles.
• A practical problem-solver who can identify and resolve design challenges.
• A clear communicator who works well with engineers, production colleagues and project teams.
• Someone who takes ownership, works precisely and cares about getting the job right.

Why join us?

• Make an impact: Join a growing team and play an important part in the accuracy, quality and success of our projects.
• Learn from experts: Work alongside experienced professionals from the marine and structural engineering industries.
• Build financial security: Benefit from an employer pension contribution of up to 4% and life cover of seven times your basic salary.
• Look after your wellbeing: Access sick pay, a health cash plan, dental, optical and physiotherapy support, counselling, digital mental health support, a 24/7 virtual GP and an Employee Assistance Programme.
• Protect your work-life balance: Receive 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, alongside maternity, paternity and parental leave support.

Come and help us turn precision into performance.