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