Senior CAD Technician

Introduction

As a Senior CAD Technician, you will provide essential design and drafting support across our engineering teams — including flight structures, propulsion systems, and ground support equipment. Although this role is based in Forres, Scotland, you will support teams in both the UK and Denmark.

You’ll collaborate closely with multidisciplinary engineers to produce high-quality 3D models and technical drawings, supporting the design, development, and manufacture of cutting-edge launch vehicle systems. This is a hands-on role at the heart of a fast-paced aerospace environment where precision and attention to detail are critical.

Responsibilities:

• Develop accurate and detailed 3D models of components and assemblies for both launch vehicles and ground segment equipment, including tooling and test fixtures, based on engineering team instructions.
• Manage and maintain large, complex assemblies within the PDM system, ensuring the master CAD definition is consistently up to date.
• Generate 2D technical drawings to support production and procurement activities.
• Ensure compliance with Orbex manufacturing and drawing standards in all models and drawings.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of the BOMs and mass tracking documentation.

Qualifications and Essential Skills:

• HNC or HND in aerospace/mechanical engineering or completion of a relevant apprenticeship.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SOLIDWORKS, CATIA, NX) for generating technical and production drawings in line with industry standards.
• Experience with file management systems such as PDM and TeamCentre.
• Ability to interpret and work from detailed schematics, drawings, and instructions.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines while maintaining high accuracy.
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured approach to design work.
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal), numeracy, and IT proficiency.

Essential Experience:

• Proven ability to manage large assemblies efficiently.
• High CAD proficiency, ensuring quality and speed in design iterations.
• Strong skills in creating and maintaining BOMs.
• Familiarity with conventional machining and manufacturing processes.

Desirable Experience:

• Knowledge of BS 8888 technical drawing standards.
• Understanding of GD&T
• Experience in the detailed design and verification of complex mechanical systems.
• Knowledge of metallurgy, material selection, and material coatings for space applications.
• Understanding of composite materials and their associated manufacturing processes.
• Experience working with medium to large-scale components (e.g., aerospace, marine, or automotive industries).
• Experience with ultralight bonded structures, including UAVs and space applications.
• Familiarity with component inspection techniques (Geometric, NDI).

Applying with Orbex

The core of Orbex\’ values is based on courage, teamwork, communication and always doing the right thing. We are an international, diverse and multicultural group that believes in unlocking space for future of humanity.

If you are excited about our mission and this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed in the job description.

Orbex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is working towards a more diverse workforce in the aerospace industry.

Security

You must be a UK or European citizen or from a country that is a signatory to the MTCR convention. You may be required to undergo a Background Security check which includes a criminal record check.

Benefits – UK

• Negotiable salary depending on experience
• 34 days paid holiday including bank and public holidays
• NEST workplace pension
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Electric Vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme, including: mortgage advice, health and wellbeing apps.
• Group Life Insurance, x4 annual salary.
• Orbex are able to sponsor visas for you and your family and provide comprehensive relocation assistance, this includes 1 month of accommodation in the local area paid for by the company, a relocation allowance and full support through the visa application process.