Senior Structural Engineer/ CAD Designer

JC Portable Site Accommodation; Chichester; On-site; GBP 35,100 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking on-site

21 days annual leave

Company pension

Maternity/paternity benefits

Training and development

Job summary

JCPSA in Chichester, UK, seeks an experienced CAD Designer with a strong background in structural steel engineering to lead detailed drawing packs for modular buildings and portable structures. You will produce 2D/3D steel fabrication models, GA drawings, and connection layouts, working with engineers, fabricators and production teams on-site and on client projects across the UK.

This role requires precision, adherence to standards, and strong revision control to ensure right-first-time

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CAD Designer, Detailer, or Technician with specialist expertise in structural steel engineering or metal frame construction.
• Advanced working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software (AutoCAD, Advance Steel, Tekla Structures, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor).
• In-depth understanding of structural steel framing, hot-rolled/cold-formed steel sections, and structural connection detailing.
• Strong ability to read and interpret technical drawings and installation layouts.
• Practical understanding of factory manufacturing processes and buildability constraints.

Responsibilities

• Structural steel design & detailing: produce 2D/3D drawing packs, GA drawings, frame layouts, and connection drawings for modular buildings.
• Ensure designs meet engineering specifications and buildability standards.
• Translate architectural layouts and structural calculations into clear CAD drawings.
• Collaborate with fabrication and production teams to resolve drawing queries and refine details.
• Maintain revision control and document packs for approvals and client sign-off.

Skills

CAD software knowledge

Structural steel engineering

Reading technical drawings

Factory manufacturing processes

Attention to detail

Education

Structural Engineering qualification

Tools

AutoCAD

Advance Steel

Tekla Structures

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

Job description

• Reports to: Technical Manager
• Department: Production
• Salary: £35,100 – £45,000 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 CAD Designer with expertise in structural steel engineering 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 2D and 3D steel fabrication models, general arrangement drawing packs, and connection layouts for our modern modular and portable buildings.

Beyond general drafting, your primary expertise will focus on steel design engineering knowledge, working closely with structural engineers, steel fabricators, and 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, structural steel engineering, 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 design & detailing: produce complete 2D and 3D structural steel drawing packs, including General Arrangement (GA) drawings, frame layouts, cold-formed and hot-rolled steel section details, and structural connection drawings for modular buildings.
• Engineering accuracy: apply sound structural engineering principles and steel design knowledge to ensure all steel frames, connection details, and load‑bearing layouts meet engineering specifications and buildability standards.
• 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, 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.
• 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 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

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience as a CAD Designer, Detailer, or Technician with specialist expertise in structural steel engineering or metal frame construction.
• Advanced working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Advance Steel, Tekla Structures, SolidWorks, or Autodesk Inventor).
• 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 qualification in Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or CAD/Design (NVQ, HNC, HND, or Degree).
• Experience within modular construction, off‑site manufacturing, or light‑gauge steel frame (LGSF) systems.
• Advanced 3D structural CAD modelling capability (Advance Steel, Tekla, or Revit).
• 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.
• First Aid at Work qualification.

You are

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

Benefits

Why join the JCPSA team?

• Good pay: competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Our yard setup: free parking on‑site
• 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