SolidWorks Recruitment Agency
SolidWorks remains one of the most widely used 3D CAD platforms within mechanical engineering, product design and manufacturing-led environments. Its strength lies in parametric modelling, assemblies and design-for-manufacture workflows, making it a core tool for engineers and designers working closely with production teams.
At CADagency, we specialise exclusively in CAD and design recruitment. Our understanding of how SolidWorks is applied in real-world engineering environments allows us to recruit candidates who are not only technically capable, but commercially and practically aware of how designs translate into manufactured products.
SolidWorks Roles We Recruit For
We recruit across a wide range of SolidWorks-focused positions, including:
Mechanical Design Engineers
Responsible for component and assembly design, tolerance control and design-for-manufacture.
Product Designers
Professionals combining technical modelling with aesthetics, usability and material selection.
Design Engineers
Operating at the interface between design, engineering and production.
CAD Technicians
Supporting drawing production, detailing and manufacturing documentation.
SolidWorks is often used alongside tools such as PDM systems, simulation modules and CAM software, particularly in production-led environments.
2026 SolidWorks Salary Insight
Based on respondents who selected SolidWorks in the CADagency 2026 Employment Survey, average UK salaries for SolidWorks professionals are:
Junior SolidWorks professionals: £32,600
Typically working on part modelling, assemblies and basic drawing output.Intermediate SolidWorks professionals: £44,100
Often responsible for full product design, development workflows and manufacturing liaison.Senior SolidWorks professionals: £55,400
Commonly leading projects, overseeing design for manufacture and supporting junior designers and engineers.
SolidWorks salaries scale strongly with experience, particularly where roles bridge design and engineering.
SolidWorks vs Autodesk Inventor
SolidWorks professionals earn slightly higher salaries on average than Autodesk Inventor users, particularly at senior level, driven by broader adoption across product design and manufacturing-led businesses.
Year on Year Change
Average SolidWorks salaries increased by 4.2% compared to 2025
Growth reflects sustained demand across design engineering and manufacturing sectors
Five Year Progression
Average SolidWorks salaries have increased by approximately 19% over the past five years
Long-term progression is strongest where SolidWorks is paired with engineering or production responsibility
Training and Development
Training remains a key differentiator within SolidWorks-led roles.
57% of SolidWorks professionals reported receiving job-related training
Those who received training earned, on average, £4,200 more than those who did not
Training is most commonly focused on advanced modelling, assemblies, simulation and manufacturing integration
SolidWorks users who continue to upskill tend to progress into broader engineering or senior design roles rather than remaining in pure CAD positions.
Job Satisfaction and Motivation
Sentiment among SolidWorks professionals is strong and stable:
67% report being satisfied or very satisfied in their role
Job satisfaction is closely linked to product ownership and involvement beyond initial concept stages
SolidWorks users are more likely than average to value seeing designs reach manufacture
When considering a move, SolidWorks professionals most often cite progression, engineering challenge and exposure to full product lifecycles as deciding factors, rather than salary alone.
Working Patterns
SolidWorks roles are more office-based than BIM-focused positions, reflecting closer links to production and engineering teams.
58% prefer a hybrid working arrangement
Fully remote roles are less common, particularly in manufacturing-led environments
Flexibility increases at senior level, especially where roles are less hands-on with production
Employers offering some flexibility alongside strong technical progression remain most attractive to experienced candidates.