At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead structural CAD detailing and create precise 2D and 3D steel fabrication models.
- Company: Join a growing modular building manufacturing team with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, 21 days annual leave, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by bringing structural designs to life in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in CAD design and structural steel engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 35100 - 45000 £ per year.
- Reports to: Technical Manager
- Department: Production
- Salary: £35,100 – £45,000 per annum (dependent on qualifications and experience)
- Hours: Full Time – Monday to Friday, 7:00am – 4:30pm (45 hours per week)
About the role
Are you a skilled CAD Designer with expertise in structural steel engineering who takes pride in developing precise, buildable modular structures?
Join our growing modular building manufacturing and technical team, where you will bring structural concepts and steel frame designs to life.
In this role, you will lead the structural CAD detailing, producing accurate 2D and 3D steel fabrication models, general arrangement drawing packs, and connection layouts for our modern modular and portable buildings.
Beyond general drafting, your primary expertise will focus on steel design engineering knowledge, working closely with structural engineers, steel fabricators, and production teams on the manufacturing floor.
You will work within our advanced manufacturing facility in Chichester and occasionally support customer site projects across the UK.
If you enjoy technical precision, structural steel engineering, and seeing the direct impact of your design work from factory fabrication to final site assembly, joining our growing team is the perfect move for you.
Key responsibilities
- Structural steel design & detailing: produce complete 2D and 3D structural steel drawing packs, including General Arrangement (GA) drawings, frame layouts, cold-formed and hot-rolled steel section details, and structural connection drawings for modular buildings.
- Engineering accuracy: apply sound structural engineering principles and steel design knowledge to ensure all steel frames, connection details, and load‑bearing layouts meet engineering specifications and buildability standards.
- Technical drawings & specifications: read, interpret, and translate architectural layouts, structural calculations, and technical installation specifications into clear, accurate, and well‑annotated CAD drawings.
- Fabrication & shop floor support: work closely with the factory steel fabrication and manufacturing teams to resolve technical drawing queries, refine structural details, and ensure designs are practical to fabricate.
- Revision control & updates: update drawings efficiently based on engineering feedback, factory mark‑ups, and site changes while maintaining strict revision and document version control.
- Approvals & document packs: prepare and issue drawing packs for structural approvals, Building Control compliance, and client sign‑off.
- Material schedules & BOM: extract precise Bill of Materials (BOM), steel cut lists, and structural component parts lists to support procurement and production scheduling.
- As‑built documentation: maintain accurate project technical records and prepare detailed as‑built drawings upon project completion.
- Quality standard: aim for a "right first time" standard in drawing accuracy to minimise fabrication defects, rework, and site installation issues.
- Safety & housekeeping: work safely in line with Company Health, Safety, Environmental, and Quality systems, contributing to continuous improvement in design‑to‑manufacture workflows.
Requirements
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience as a CAD Designer, Detailer, or Technician with specialist expertise in structural steel engineering or metal frame construction.
- Advanced working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software (e. g., Auto CAD, Advance Steel, Tekla Structures, Solid Works, or Autodesk Inventor).
- In‑depth understanding of structural steel framing, hot‑rolled/cold‑formed steel sections, and structural connection detailing.
- Strong ability to read and confidently interpret technical drawings, structural engineering calculations, and installation layouts.
- Excellent eye for detail, spatial awareness, and strong numeracy skills with a disciplined approach to version control.
- Practical understanding of factory manufacturing processes, steel fabrication techniques, and buildability constraints.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Relevant qualification in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or CAD/Design (NVQ, HNC, HND, or Degree).
- Experience within modular construction, off‑site manufacturing, or light‑gauge steel frame (LGSF) systems.
- Advanced 3D structural CAD modelling capability (Advance Steel, Tekla, or Revit).
- Good knowledge of UK Building Regulations and British/European structural steel design standards.
- Valid CSCS card or experience supporting site installations and structural site mark‑ups.
- First Aid at Work qualification.
- You are
- A reliable, self‑motivated team player with strong structural engineering logic, clear communication skills, and a practical approach to solving technical design challenges.
- A forward‑thinking professional who naturally looks for ways to improve design‑to‑manufacture efficiency, supports sustainable working practices, and collaborates with fabrication teams to maintain high standards across all projects.
Benefits
Why join the JCPSA team?
- Good pay: competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Our yard setup: free parking on‑site
- Time for yourself: 21 days annual leave plus all Bank Holidays
- Stability you can count on: Company Pension Scheme and a secure, long‑term role within a steadily growing business
- Family & wellbeing: enhanced maternity/paternity benefits (subject to qualifying period) to look after you and your family; access to the sauna on the yard.
- Skills development: ongoing training and professional development to keep your qualifications sharp
- Work opportunities: building a wide range of innovative, high‑quality modular building projects
- Health & Safety
We treat Health, Safety, Environmental and Quality Management Systems seriously, having ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45000 certification.
We are looking for professional team members who naturally respect workshop and construction sites rules, follow procedures, commit to continuous improvement, and look out for their colleagues.
- JCPSA is an equal opportunities employer
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer in Chichester employer: JC Portable Site Accommodation
Join our dynamic team in Chichester as a Senior Spray Painter / Coatings Technician, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values quality craftsmanship and employee well-being. With competitive salaries, ongoing training opportunities, and a focus on health and safety, we provide a stable environment for professional growth while working on innovative modular building projects. Experience the benefits of a family-oriented workplace with enhanced leave policies and access to excellent facilities, all within a steadily growing business.
Contact Details:
JC Portable Site Accommodation Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer in Chichester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like JC Portable Site Accommodation, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer at JC Portable Site Accommodation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer in Chichester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at JC Portable Site Accommodation
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
