ZZen Engineering Ltd
Technical Estimator/CAD Technician - Sheet Metal Laser Cutting & Folding

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Technical Estimator / CAD Technician
Sheet Metal Laser Cutting & Folding
Location: Burnley, Lancashire
Salary: £37,000-£40,000 pa depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time
Working Pattern: 4-day week option available
About ZZen Engineering
ZZen Engineering is a specialist sheet metal manufacturing company providing laser cutting, folding and associated manufacturing services to customers across a wide range of industries.
We are looking for an experienced Technical Estimator / CAD Technician to join our technical office.
This is a varied role combining technical estimating, CAD, manufacturing support and customer liaison. You will take customer enquiries from initial drawings and specifications through to accurate quotation, while also supporting the job through to manufacture where required.
The role would suit someone who understands how parts are actually manufactured, can identify potential problems early and is comfortable making practical technical and commercial decisions.
The Role
Working within our technical office, you will play a key role in taking customer enquiries through to manufacture.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Reviewing customer drawings and CAD files to assess manufacturability for laser cutting and folding
- Preparing accurate quotations based on material yields, laser cutting times, folding labour and subcontract processes
- Using SigmaNEST to prepare production nests and manufacturing information
- Identifying potential production issues and suggesting practical solutions
- Liaising with customers regarding technical queries, specifications and design improvements
- Working with suppliers to obtain material pricing and subcontract quotations
- Providing technical support to production throughout the manufacturing process
- Reviewing, modifying and creating CAD drawings where required
- Working closely with colleagues across the business to ensure work flows efficiently from enquiry through to manufacture
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Experience & Skills
You will ideally have:
- Proven experience within a sheet metal manufacturing environment, with an emphasis on laser cutting, folding and fabrication processes
- The ability to accurately read and interpret engineering drawings
- A practical understanding of laser cutting parameters, bending allowances, welding and finishing
- Experience using SigmaNEST or similar manufacturing software
- Experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or DraftSight is advantageous
- The ability to balance customer requirements with manufacturing capabilities
- The ability to prioritise multiple customer enquiries while maintaining accuracy and good response times
- Strong communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with customers and suppliers
About You
We are looking for someone with strong engineering judgement and understands how parts are manufactured – not just how they are drawn.
You will be someone who:
- Enjoys solving engineering and manufacturing problems
- Takes ownership of their work and follows tasks through to completion
- Looks for better and more efficient ways of doing things
- Can work independently while also supporting colleagues
- Is comfortable making decisions and taking responsibility for them
- Understands that good customer service and good engineering go hand in hand


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The successful candidate will be trusted to make technical and commercial decisions and will work closely with customers and production to achieve the best outcome for both the customer and the business.
Why Join ZZen Engineering?
This is an opportunity to become an important part of our technical office, where your work will have a direct and visible impact on the business.
The role offers variety, responsibility and the opportunity to become involved in the complete production process – from reviewing a customer’s initial drawing and preparing a quotation through to seeing the finished parts being manufactured.
You will be encouraged to contribute ideas, improve processes and develop your technical and commercial knowledge within a varied engineering role.
We offer:
- Competitive salary of £37,000-£40,000 depending on experience
- Option of a 4-day working week
- 28 days’ holiday, plus up to 5 additional tenure days after two years of continuous employment
- On-site parking
- A varied role with genuine responsibility
- The opportunity to make a real contribution to a growing engineering business
How to Apply
Please send your CV to info@zzenengineering.co.uk
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