Lead CAD Technician

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Health plan

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

LSTC Group Ltd, part of the SOCOTEC Group, is seeking a Lead CAD Technician to head a Draughtsperson team delivering Overhead Line, Foundations & Structures, and substation drawings for major UK projects.

You will lead, mentor and manage CAD delivery, ensuring high-quality outputs while shaping tenders, timescales and costs. The role involves hands-on CAD work and collaboration with engineers across the business.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience in an Engineering/Civils environment with proven team leadership.
• HND/HNC in Engineering; GCSEs including English and Maths; A-levels or equivalent.
• Hands-on knowledge of Microstation Connect, SolidEdge, NX or Open Utilities Substation.
• Knowledge of industry standards, Health & Safety and CDM requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Engineering Draughtspersons, ensuring drawings meet standards.
• Oversee delivery of technical drawings including Wire Clearance Diagrams and tower/gantry layouts.
• Contribute CAD input to tenders, shaping deliverables, timescales and costs.
• Advise Project Managers on lead times and resourcing.
• Work hands-on in Microstation 2D/3D, Solid Edge 3D CAD, TEKLA.
• Drive QA/QC across the drawing office.
• Mentor and develop the team through formal reviews and coaching.
• Collaborate with Engineers and Project Managers on innovative solutions.
• Support continuous improvement of drawing office procedures.
• Occasional travel to client sites across the UK.

Skills

CAD leadership

Team management

Microstation

Solid Edge

NX/Open Utilities

Project coordination

Education

HND/HNC in Engineering

5 GCSEs incl English & Maths

A-levels (or equivalent)

Tools

Microstation Connect

SolidEdge

NX/Open Utilities Substation

Job description

LSTC Group Ltd is a powerhouse in delivering full turnkey solutions that shape the future of the electricity sector. As part of the SOCOTEC Group, we are a leading infrastructure testing and asset inspection specialist serving the UK's regulated energy sector.

From initial design to inspection of assets, our work makes a real difference to clients and communities, with sustainability at the core of everything we do. With contracts across multiple sectors in the UK's power transmission and distribution infrastructure, we use our expertise to solve diverse engineering challenges, enhancing reliability and efficiency across the network.

Our extensive in-house capabilities eliminate the need for multiple suppliers and simplify processes for our clients. We provide comprehensive services including:

• Geotechnical & Foundation Engineering
• Substation Design
• Asset Inspection
• Infrastructure Projects
• Surveying and Earthing Services

We support transmission owners, distribution network operators, independent connection providers, and project developers who collectively invest billions annually in maintaining and expanding the UK's energy infrastructure.

Job Description

Are you a skilled CAD leader ready to shape the future of the UK's power infrastructure?

LSTC is looking for a Lead CAD Technician to head up a talented team of Draughtspersons, delivering high-quality Overhead Line (OHL), Foundations & Structures and substation drawings for some of the industry's most exciting projects. If you thrive on technical challenge, love mentoring others, and want your expertise to directly influence how we build tomorrow's electricity network — this role is for you.

What you'll be doing

• Leading and managing a small team of Engineering Draughtspersons, ensuring every drawing meets company and industry standards
• Overseeing delivery of a wide range of technical drawings: Wire Clearance Diagrams, RC & Steelwork detailing, Feasibility Drawings, Construction Site Layouts, Cable Route Layouts, Wood Pole GA/EDs and more
• Bringing your CAD expertise into new project tenders, helping shape deliverables, timescales and costs
• Advising Project Managers and the CAD Operations Manager on lead times and resourcing
• Working hands-on in Microstation 2D/3D, Solid Edge 3D CAD / TEKLA to produce scheme layouts, tower/gantry foundation drawings, insulator sets, earthing diagrams, wire clearance checks, rebar schedules and more
• Driving quality assurance and QA/QC across the drawing office
• Mentoring, coaching and developing your team through 1-2-1s, appraisals and a structured mentorship programme
• Collaborating closely with LSTC Engineers and Project Managers on innovative engineering solutions
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of LSTC's Drawing Office procedures and best-practice standards
• Occasional travel to client and contractor sites across the UK.

Qualifications

What we're looking for

• Minimum 10 years' relevant experience in an Engineering/Civils environment, with proven team leadership
• HND/HNC (or equivalent) in Engineering; A-level standard education (or equivalent), including 5 GCSEs with English and Maths
• Strong hands-on knowledge of Microstation Connect, SolidEdge, NX or Open Utilities Substation
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry standards, Health & Safety and CDM requirements
• A valid driving licence
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills — someone who can juggle multiple projects while keeping the team motivated and on track
• A natural mentor who enjoys developing junior talent and sharing technical know-how

Additional Information

You'll be part of a collaborative Drawing Office team working at the heart of the UK's overhead line, substations and structures engineering sector — with real influence over how projects are delivered, and real opportunities to grow your team and your career.

LSTC Group Ltd offers a people-first culture built on trust, integrity, and collaboration, where inclusivity and sustainability are at the heart of everything they do. The company values its diverse workforce and empowers employees with the resources, respect, and recognition needed to thrive. LSTC is committed to employee wellbeing year-round, providing comprehensive health support through an Employee Assistance Programme, GP24 access, and a Private Health plan. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, meaningful work that makes a real difference to communities, and opportunities to collaborate across multiple disciplines within extensive in-house capabilities. With technical excellence as a driving force and a culture that fosters innovation and professional growth, LSTC Group creates an environment where every individual can flourish and contribute to shaping the future of the UK's electricity sector.