Tool Designer & CNC Programmer

Tool Designer & CNC Programmer (Turning & Milling)

Location:

PPE Ltd, Blackburn (On-site). Hybrid opportunities following probation.

Employment Type:

Full-Time.
Experience Level: 5+ Years.

Hours:

08.30am – 17.00am.
Salary: £35,000–£40,000 + annual bonus scheme.

Founded in 1975, PPE is a leading provider of high‑performance O‑rings and sealing solutions used globally in oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine, power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors. PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US and maintains sales offices and channel partner networks across the US, Europe, and Asia.

Seeking an experienced Tool Designer and CNC Programmer proficient in Solid Works and Solid

CAM for both turning and milling operations. The role involves designing and manufacturing mould tools, programming CNC machines, collaborating with production teams, and providing tooling estimates and lead times.

• Design precision tools and moulds using Solid Works.
• Create and optimise CNC programs using Solid
  
  CAM for turning and milling.
• Interpret detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
• Collaborate with tooling manufacturing and operations teams to ensure designs are practical and cost‑effective.
• Troubleshoot and refine tool designs, tool usage, and machining processes.
• Maintain documentation and records of designs, revisions, and production processes.
• Manage workload and key stakeholders.
• Support RFQs, providing tooling estimates and lead times.

• Minimum 5 years of experience in tool design and CNC programming.
• Proficient in Solid Works and Solid
  
  CAM, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mould tool design and manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately and understand GD&T.
• Experience in the continuous improvement of techniques and methods within tooling design, programming, and manufacture, and application of new technologies.
• Experience with CNC machine operation (turning and milling).
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong team‑working ability, and can independently manage workload.

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, or HND equivalent.
• Familiarity with CAM simulation and verification tools.
• Knowledge of materials and machining processes relevant to mould tool manufacturing.
• Experience with ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards.
• Experience with PDM systems, preferably Adept.

Design and develop detailed 3D tool and component designs using Solid Works. Create complete 2D manufacturing drawings, tolerances, GD&T, BOMs, and assembly documentation. Design compression mould tooling components such as cavity blocks, cores, inserts, plates, guide systems, and ejector arrangements. Perform design and operation feasibility checks as part of a cross‑functional team. Review specifications, models, and technical requirements to ensure design compliance.

Conduct design reviews with engineering, tooling, and industrialisation teams. Optimise tool designs for performance, durability, and ease of machining/maintenance.

Generate CNC toolpaths using Solid

CAM software. Select effective machining strategies for roughing, semi‑finishing, and finishing of mould surfaces. Validate toolpaths using simulation and collision detection tools. Choose appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, and work‑holding to maximise efficiency and surface quality. Support CNC machinists during setup, prove‑out, first‑article runs, and troubleshooting. Continuously optimise toolpaths for cycle‑time reduction and improved tool life.

Maintain part numbers, BOMs, and routing information within the ERP system. Ensure all tool designs, revisions, and related documents are stored and controlled via the PDM system. Generate job cards, production orders, and material requisitions via ERP workflows.

Provide technical support to machinists, toolmakers, and engineering. Review and update designs based on feedback from mould trials, tool testing, or production issues. Participate in root‑cause analysis for tooling…