CAD Technician

Abatec Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional civil engineering contractor is seeking a CAD Technician in Bristol to support a long-term project. This role involves producing 2D and 3D CAD drawings for water infrastructure and offers a strong freelance rate between £250-£365 per shift. The successful candidate will have experience in civil engineering and relevant design software and will have the opportunity to transition to a permanent role with prospects for progression into senior technical positions.

Benefits

Strong freelance rate

Clear route to permanent employment

Progression pathway into senior roles

Qualifications

• Experienced in civil engineering, water, utilities or infrastructure.
• Keen to develop technical and engineering responsibility over time.

Responsibilities

• Produce detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for water infrastructure projects.
• Ensure drawings comply with UK water industry standards.
• Liaise with design engineers and project teams.

Skills

Experienced CAD Technician

Proficient in AutoCAD

Understanding of pipeline layouts

Comfortable in contractor-led environment

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

MicroStation

Job description

Location: Bristol / South West

Rate: £250-£365 per shift (CIS)

Contract: Ongoing freelance with option to go permanent after 3-6 months

The Opportunity

A leading regional civil engineering contractor is expanding its in‑house design and technical capability and is seeking a CAD Technician to support a long‑term programme on the Bristol Water Framework. This is a strategic, long‑term role as the business transitions from outsourcing the majority of design to building a strong internal technical function. The successful candidate will be a key part of this growth and will work closely with engineers and construction teams to deliver buildable, compliant designs.

The position will start as a freelance CIS contract, with a clear pathway to a permanent role after 3-6 months, subject to mutual agreement. There is also genuine scope to progress into a Design Engineer or senior technical role as the in‑house design team develops.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings for clean water infrastructure projects, including:
• Water mains and pipeline networks
• Pumping stations and booster stations
• Service reservoirs and storage facilities
• Treatment works layouts and process infrastructure
• Prepare GA drawings, sections, details and as‑built records
• Support engineers with drawing updates, design revisions and technical documentation
• Ensure drawings comply with UK water industry standards, DWI requirements and CDM regulations
• Liaise with design engineers, project teams and site staff to ensure drawings are practical and buildable
• Assist in developing internal CAD standards, templates and workflows as the in‑house function grows

About You

• Experienced CAD Technician with a background in civil engineering, water, utilities or infrastructure
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Civil 3D, MicroStation or similar design software
• Understanding of pipeline layouts, civil detailing and general arrangement drawings
• Comfortable working in a contractor‑led environment and supporting live construction projects
• Ambitious, organised and keen to develop technical and engineering responsibility over time

Why This Role?

• Strong freelance rate: £250-£350 per shift (CIS)
• Ongoing, long‑term workload on a major clean water framework
• Clear route to permanent employment after 3-6 months (if preferred)
• Real progression pathway into Design Engineering or senior technical roles
• Opportunity to help build an in‑house design and technical function from the ground up
• Join a forward‑thinking regional contractor with ambitious growth plans in the water sector
• Strategic role with close collaboration across engineering and delivery teams

Apply

If you’re a CAD Technician with clean water, utilities or civil infrastructure experience and are looking for a long‑term opportunity with strong earning potential and genuine progression potential, please apply with your CV or contact us for a confidential discussion.

If you would like more information, or to apply for this vacancy, please contact Ben Knight on (phone number removed). The reference for this vacancy is (phone number removed).

We are always looking for candidates for similar positions, so please register your details with us to hear about similar opportunities that you may be interested in.

Abatec Ltd. is working as an employment business on behalf of a client