Careers

Junior CAD Engineer – Tactile Mapping & Accessible Design

Location: Nantwich, Cheshire – On-Site / In-Person
Company:  Direct Access Consultancy

About Us

At  Direct Access Consultancy, we design and manufacture tactile wayfinding maps, accessible signage, braille products, and inclusive information systems for clients across the transport, heritage, education, sport, and commercial sectors.

Our work supports blind and visually impaired people to navigate spaces more independently through thoughtfully designed tactile products manufactured in-house using CNC routing, UV printing, and 3D printing technologies.

Projects include major cultural venues, transport interchanges, universities, stadiums, and international commercial environments.

The Role

We are looking for a Junior CAD Engineer to support the design and production of tactile maps and accessible wayfinding systems.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who enjoys technical drawing, manufacturing processes, problem solving, and seeing designs develop into physical products used in real-world environments.

You will work closely with our production and innovation teams to prepare tactile map layouts, manufacturing drawings, CNC-ready files, production documentation, and physical product assembly.

Key Responsibilities

• Producing CAD drawings for tactile maps, signage, and accessible products
• Preparing files for CNC routing, laser cutting, UV printing, and 3D printing
• Assisting with tactile layout design and accessible wayfinding systems
• Translating architectural plans and floorplans into tactile map formats
• Supporting prototype development and product testing
• Updating and maintaining production documentation and internal standards
• Assisting with quality assurance checks prior to manufacture
• Supporting material selection, manufacturing workflows, assembly processes, and finishing procedures
• Assisting with the physical assembly and finishing of tactile maps and signage, including adhesive application, component fitting, edge finishing, cleaning, preparation, and final quality checks in line with internal manufacturing protocols
• Working collaboratively with designers, production staff, and project managers

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience using CAD software such as AutoCAD, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar
• Strong attention to detail
• Good spatial awareness and technical understanding
• Ability to interpret floorplans and technical drawings
• Organised and methodical approach to work
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to learn manufacturing processes, finishing techniques, and accessibility principles

Desirable Skills

• Experience with CNC machining or CAM software
• Understanding of 3D printing workflows
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or vector-based software
• Interest in accessibility, inclusive design, or assistive technologies
• Experience preparing files for print or fabrication
• Experience working with physical fabrication, assembly, adhesives, finishing techniques, or workshop environments

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on meaningful projects with genuine social impact
• Hands-on experience across design and manufacturing
• Exposure to innovative tactile and accessible technologies
• Career progression within a growing specialist division
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Involvement in projects across the UK and internationally
• Flexible working

Salary

Competitive salary dependent on experience.

Recruitment process and adjustments 

Direct Access is a disability-led employer. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and will provide reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please tell us what you need. 

To Apply

Please send your CV and portfolio/examples of work to:

info@directaccess.group

Please include examples of CAD drawings, technical projects, manufacturing work, or design portfolios where possible