CAD & Mechanical Design Technician

The Next Level of Fire & Life Safety Leadership

With more than two centuries of combined history, brands like Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, and Aritech have been leading the way in protecting people and property around the world. Now, we’re taking that leadership to the next level. Kidde Global Solutions brings together the most trusted and iconic brands in safety, building upon our shared experience and expertise to address the needs and challenges of more customers in more places. With an unmatched portfolio of solutions and services, and a commitment to constant innovation we’re elevating the standards for an entire industry – and establishing the next level of fire and life safety leadership.

At Kidde Global Solutions, you’re joining a global technology leader in fire and life safety solutions and our employees are the heart of it all. With industry-defining brands in life safety and security, you’ll be part of a legacy of leadership working with cutting-edge technologies that protect lives and property worldwide. As a leading fire safety brand, our mission is to provide solutions that protect people and property from the effects of fire and related hazards. We’re committed to expanding our impact and providing dynamic opportunities for growth within our team. You’ll be part of a company that prioritizes quality, integrity, collaboration, and customer care, with the resources, training, and incentives to ensure your success every step of the way.

CAD & Mechanical Design Technician

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Location: Herne Bay, Kent, UK

Job Grade: Professional P3

Purpose of Role

To support the Mechanical Engineering team in the development, maintenance and continuous improvement of fire detection and life-safety products by providing CAD support, product-data management, engineering-change support, prototyping and technical documentation.

The role supports New Product Development, Sustaining Engineering and productivity activities, helping the team maintain accurate design data and deliver engineering changes efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

CAD and Design Support

• Create and update 3D CAD parts, assemblies and associated 2D engineering drawings.
• Implement general design changes under the direction of the Mechanical Engineering Lead or a Mechanical Design Engineer.
• Maintain accurate CAD records, drawing revisions and supporting design documentation.
• Support sustaining engineering, obsolescence and product-improvement activities.
  
  

Product Data and PLM

• Create and maintain parts, assemblies, bills of materials and product structures within the PLM system.
• Ensure mechanical product data, attributes and documentation are complete and accurate.
• Support configuration management and controlled release of engineering data.
  
  

Engineering Change Management

• Create and progress engineering change requests and associated documentation.
• Support change-impact reviews and implementation of approved changes.
• Coordinate supporting information with Engineering, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain as required.
• Maintain clear and auditable change records.
  
  

Prototyping and Development Support

• Operate 3D-printing and rapid-prototyping equipment.
• Produce prototype parts, assemblies and evaluation samples.
• Support prototype builds, design reviews, engineering investigations and verification activities.
• Maintain prototyping equipment, materials and sample records.
  
  

Processes and Work Instructions

• Create and update engineering processes, assembly instructions and work instructions.
• Produce clear visual and written documentation to support repeatable engineering and manufacturing activities.
• Support standardisation and continuous improvement of Mechanical Engineering methods and documentation.
  
  

Key Working Relationships

• Mechanical Engineering Lead and Mechanical Design Engineers.
• Devices, Infrastructure and Sustaining Engineering teams.
• Operations, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality Assurance and Supply Chain.
• Engineering Change and Product Lifecycle Management stakeholders.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential

• Good technical aptitude and an interest in mechanical design and product development.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and follow controlled engineering processes.
• Strong attention to detail and an organised approach to records and documentation.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and work effectively with engineers and wider business functions.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
  
  

Desirable

• Experience using 2D or 3D CAD software; SolidEdge experience would be advantageous.
• Experience using a PLM, PDM or engineering change-management system.
• Experience with bills of materials, part creation or controlled engineering documentation.
• Experience with 3D printing, prototyping or workshop activities.
• Experience within product development, manufacturing, fire detection, life safety or another regulated engineering environment.
  
  

Success Measures

• CAD and drawing updates completed accurately and to agreed timescales.
• PLM records and product structures maintained correctly.
• Engineering changes progressed efficiently with complete supporting evidence.
• Prototype and 3D-printing activities delivered to plan.
• Work instructions and process documents are clear, controlled and fit for use.
• Positive contribution to Mechanical Engineering capacity, responsiveness and delivery.
  
  

Development Opportunity

This role provides a development route into broader mechanical product-design responsibilities. With suitable experience and demonstrated capability, progression may be available towards Mechanical Design Engineer or other product-engineering roles.

World Leaders in Fire and Life Safety

Kidde Global Solutions is a world leader in fire & life safety solutions tailored for complex commercial facilities to homes. Through iconic, industry-defining brands including Kidde, Kidde Commercial, Edwards, GST, Badger, and Aritech, we provide residential and commercial customers with advanced solutions and services to protect people and property in a wide range of applications, all around the globe.