CAD and PDM Lead in Cowes, Isle of Wight

Our client, a specialist shipbuilding business based on the Isle of Wight, is seeking a CAD Systems Lead to oversee and develop the digital engineering environment supporting the design and construction of innovative aluminium vessels. This permanent role offers the opportunity to become the technical authority for 3D CAD, engineering software, CAD standards, data management and design system integration across the marine and maritime sectors.

• Lead the administration, development and continuous improvement of CAD and engineering data systems
• Own and maintain SOLIDWORKS and CADMATIC environments, including software configuration and support
• Develop and manage CAD standards, templates, component libraries, assemblies and design workflows
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting support to Design, Engineering and Production teams
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency and quality of 2D drawings, 3D models, assemblies and parts lists
• Improve design processes, engineering efficiency and data management practices
• Support information exchange and integration between multiple CAD platforms, including AutoCAD
• Act as the internal subject matter expert for CAD systems and engineering software

• Strong practical experience with SOLIDWORKS, 3D CAD and AutoCAD
• Experience administering or managing CAD environments, rather than solely using CAD for design
• Good understanding of assemblies, libraries, templates, configurations and CAD standards
• Experience troubleshooting CAD and engineering software issues
• Strong knowledge of engineering data, file management and design system integration
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to support a range of technical stakeholders
• Methodical and organised approach to maintaining standards, accuracy and best practice
• Background in manufacturing, shipbuilding, marine engineering or a related industry

• Experience using CADMATIC in a marine, maritime or shipbuilding environment
• Knowledge of aluminium vessel design, fabrication or production engineering
• Understanding of CAD automation, configuration and library development
• Experience with CNC manufacturing, nesting and fabrication outputs
• Experience integrating multiple CAD systems and engineering data platforms
• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline

• Company healthcare scheme
• Company pension
• Annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Discounted ferry travel
• Opportunity to shape and develop a modern engineering systems environment
• Long-term career development within a growing marine business

The role will involve working alongside Naval Architects, Mechanical Engineers and Systems Engineers on projects including high-speed ferries, luxury yachts, crew transfer vessels and offshore support craft. If you are passionate about CAD excellence, engineering data systems and improving vessel design and production, apply now.