Structural Steel Detailer / CAD Technician in Chichester

JC Portable Site Accommodation | Full time

Structural Steel Detailer / CAD Technician

About JCPSA: We're a Chester-based modular building manufacturer with a difference - we don't just assemble, we engineer from the ground up. Since 2010, we've built a reputation for creating premium, bespoke structures that last 25-40 years for clients including NHS, Mercedes, VW, Audi, and major property developers.
Our culture: Quality over profit. Founder Paul personally oversees every project, ensuring standards never slip. We tackle challenges others walk away from with our "nothing's impossible" approach. Small enough that you matter, large enough to deliver complex £1M+ projects.

Job Description

• Reports to: Technical Manager
• Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 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 Structural Steel Detailer / Technician 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 3D models and 2D steel fabrication drawing packs (utilising Revit and Advance Steel), general arrangement drawing packs, and connection layouts for our modern modular and portable buildings.

Beyond general drafting, your primary expertise will focus on modelling steelwork for in-house design and fabrication. You will work closely with external structural engineers, steel fabricators, and our 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, 3D steel detailing, 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 detailing & modeling: produce complete 3D models and 2D structural steel drawing packs in Revit and Advance Steel, including General Arrangement (GA) drawings, frame layouts, cold-formed and hot-rolled steel section details, and structural connection drawings for modular buildings. Ensure seamless 3D model synchronisation (e.g., between Revit and Advance Steel) to automate drawing updates and prevent manual revision errors across drawing packs.
• In-house design for external engineering verification: apply sound structural detailing logic to build comprehensive 3D steel models in‑house, preparing complete models and layouts to be issued to external Chartered Structural Engineers for calculation checks and final sign‑off.
• 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, welding/connection 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 using integrated 3D CAD/BIM workflows.
• 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 directly from 3D models (Advance Steel/Tekla) 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

• Proven experience as a Structural Steel Detailer, Steel Draftsman, or Structural CAD Technician with specialist expertise in structural steel frame construction and fabrication detailing.
• Hands‑on, advanced working proficiency in Revit and Autodesk Advance Steel (or Tekla Structures).
• Practical familiarity or basic working knowledge of structural calculation concepts/software for steel, enabling smooth communication with external Structural Engineers.
• 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 technical qualification in Civil/Structural Engineering, Architectural Technology, CAD/Design, or Steel Detailing (HNC, HND, NVQ, or Degree).
• Experience within modular construction, off‑site manufacturing, or light‑gauge steel frame (LGSF) systems.
• Experience in BIM-level integration (bi‑directional sync between Revit and Advance Steel/Tekla).
• 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.

You are

• A reliable, self‑motivated team player with strong structural modelling 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.

Why join the JCPSA team?

• Good pay: competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• 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