Senior Technical Designer
Shape Works Limited
- London
- £35,000-55,000 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Transform initial design intent into detailed technical drawings and 3D CAD models using SolidWorks and SWOOD.
- Produce comprehensive fabrication drawings, cut lists, and CNC files for our workshop, ensuring accuracy for flawless manufacturing and installation.
- Review and troubleshoot technical details of designs – resolving joinery construction challenges, material interfaces, and hardware integrations with creativity and precision.
- Collaborate with project managers and master craftsmen on the workshop floor to prototype and refine technical solutions, maintaining Shape London’s standard of excellence from concept to completion
- Coordinate with architects, interior designers and contractors to integrate our bespoke joinery seamlessly into overall project plans, addressing any site-specific or service integration requirements.
- Oversee quality control on technical outputs – performing detailed checks on drawings and occasionally visiting project sites or our installation teams to ensure the final product matches the technical design intent.
- SolidWorks proficiency – mandatory. You have advanced 3D modelling skills and can produce fully detailed part and assembly drawings. Experience with SWOOD is highly desirable, as it will be a core part of our workflow for bespoke cabinetry design.
- Technical joinery knowledge. Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in technical design for bespoke interiors/joinery or furniture fabrication. Deep understanding of cabinet construction, materials, hardware, and fabrication techniques is expected.
- Attention to detail and accuracy. A track record of delivering complex technical drawing packs with zero errors – from correct dimensions and tolerances to ensuring designs meet structural and safety requirements.
- Collaborative mindset. Ability to work closely with a multi-disciplinary team – you’ll interface with creative designers, CNC programmers, carpenters, and site installers. Strong communication skills are a must for explaining designs and coordinating changes.
- Problem-solving and innovation. Aptitude for finding creative technical solutions to realise challenging design features. You stay up-to-date with new materials, fittings, and manufacturing methods, and enjoy pushing the boundaries of what can be built.
- Familiarity with production management or CNC software (e.g.SWOOD CAM, AlphaCAM, Magi-Cut) and other CAD tools is a plus, but not required. What matters most is your mastery of SolidWorks/SWOOD and your ability to bring bespoke designs to life through technical excellence.
- Impactful projects: Work on one-of-a-kind luxury interior projects that garner attention in the industry. Every project is a fresh challenge to create something unique.
- Collaborative culture: Join a tight-knit team where technical designers, creatives, and craftsmen work side-by-side. We foster open communication and value contributions that improve our products or processes.
- Professional growth: As a senior member of the technical team, you’ll have the opportunity to lead by example, mentor junior designers, and further hone your expertise in advanced CAD/CAM.
- Modern workshop & tools: Our design office is co-located with a state-of-the-art production workshop in Abbey Wood, equipped with CNC machines and traditional tools – giving you immediate feedback on your designs in production.
- Flexible working: The role is primarily based on-site at our Abbey Wood workshop to facilitate close collaboration with the manufacturing team. However, we support hybrid working arrangements – with some ability to work from home.
- Competitive compensation: A salary commensurate with your experience and skill level (negotiable) – we believe in rewarding talent. Additional benefits include [omitted specific benefits, if any].
- Company bonus scheme: Annual performance-related bonus linked to both company results and individual contribution, recognising the value you bring to our projects and team.
- Additional holiday entitlement: Earn an extra day of annual leave for every full year of service with Shape London, rewarding long-term commitment and loyalty.