CAD & Production Controller

Comton Group; Smestow; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading structural steel company in Smestow is seeking a CAD & Production Controller to manage a Voortman Beam Line. The role involves processing structural steel designs into machine-ready data, optimizing production flow, and ensuring precision in operations. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with Voortman VACAM and strong AutoCAD skills. This is an opportunity to take ownership in a stable and technologically advanced production environment.

Benefits

Industry-leading automated equipment

Investment in technology and people

Ownership of production function

Qualifications

• Experience with Voortman VACAM is highly desirable.
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD or Tekla Structures.
• Understanding of structural steel sections important.

Responsibilities

• Process steel designs into machine-ready data using VACAM.
• Manage V631 drilling and milling operations for efficiency.
• Coordinate with production teams to ensure material availability.

Skills

Voortman VACAM experience

AutoCAD knowledge

Structural steel knowledge (UKB, UKC, PFC, RHS)

Lean manufacturing experience

Attention to detail

Job description

Location: Newcastle
Industry: Structural Steel Stockholding / Fabrication
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

An established UK structural steel stockholder with over 200 years of industry experience is seeking a CAD & Production Controller to take ownership of an automated Voortman Beam Line. The business is known for investing in modern technology, high-quality processing capabilities, and long-term customer relationships.

As part of continued automation investment, this role will manage a Voortman V631 CNC Drill & Mill Line, fully integrated with a VB1250 Saw, playing a critical role in production efficiency and accuracy.

The Role

Working closely with both the CAD office and shop floor, you will be responsible for processing structural steel designs and converting them into accurate, machine-ready data using Voortman VACAM software.

The role focuses on maximising throughput, minimising downtime, and ensuring precision across complex drilling and milling operations.

Key Responsibilities

• CAD & Technical Processing (VACAM / SigmaNest)
  • Import, verify, and manage DSTV/NC1 files from Tekla or SolidWorks into Voortman VACAM
  • Optimise nesting using Multi-System Integration (MSI) across full-length sections to minimise waste
  • Program complex V631 features, including:
    • Weld access holes, rat-holes, and flange block-outs
    • Thread tapping and countersinking using 3-spindle tool changers
    • Scribing and marking to support downstream fabrication and assembly
• Production Control & Logistics
  • Schedule the V631 and integrated VB Saw for continuous, back-to-back production flow
  • Manage tooling across 8-station tool changers, ensuring drills and cutters are maintained for high-speed performance
  • Maintain full material traceability, assigning heat numbers and cast markings in line with EN 1090 / CE Marking requirements
  • Coordinate with yard and operations teams to ensure correct material is available at infeed to meet daily production plans

Skills & Experience Required

• Direct experience with Voortman VACAM highly desirable (Candidates with Peddinghaus or FICEP experience will also be considered)
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD and/or Tekla Structures
• In-depth understanding of structural steel sections (UKB, UKC, PFC, RHS, etc.)
• Experience in a production-focused, lean manufacturing environment
• Strong attention to detail with a problem-solving mindset

Technical Exposure

• 3-sided simultaneous web and flange processing
• High-speed milling operations (up to 290 cm³/min material removal)
• Fully integrated CNC sawing for accurate cut-to-length production

Why Join?

• Work with industry-leading automated steel processing equipment
• Join a business that actively invests in technology and people
• Take ownership of a critical production function with real autonomy
• Be part of a stable, long-established organisation with a strong industry reputation

Interested?

If you have a strong background in structural steel processing, CAD-to-machine workflows, and automated CNC beam lines, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of key equipment in a modern production environment.