Toolmaker, Team Lead

We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over seventy years. We are forging the future today.

About the Role

Reporting to the Toolroom Supervisor, the Toolmaker Team Lead will be responsible for manufacturing, maintaining and repairing tooling to precise engineering drawings and tight tolerances. The role supports the manufacture of high‑integrity aerospace components by ensuring all tooling is produced to specification, available when required, and maintained to a high standard.

You will operate a variety of Toolroom machinery, produce extrusion, mould and finish dies, carry out manual machining and bench work, and support breakdowns and preventative maintenance. You will contribute to improved productivity, reduced scrap, and efficient tooling performance across the site.

As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:
i. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
ii. Fulfil a DBS clearance
iii. Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
iv. Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment

Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities

Manufacture tooling, including extrusion, mould and finish dies, from raw material to engineering drawings

Produce single stage clip tools as required

Operate Toolroom machinery including manual milling, manual turning and surface grinders

Carry out polishing to 320‑grit finish and manual compensation (bench work)

Support preventative maintenance activities and complete service and repair tasks

Provide tooling support during breakdowns to minimise downtime

Work to tight tolerances and ensure tooling meets required specifications

Collaborate with engineering and production teams to share knowledge and improve tooling performance

Safety Responsibilities

Comply with all PPE, EHS and legislative requirements

Participate in risk assessments and follow Safe Systems of Work

Maintain high housekeeping standards in alignment with 5S principles

Quality Responsibilities

Ensure tooling is produced to the correct quality standard

Apply knowledge of ISO
9001 and quality principles in day‑to‑day activities

Conduct inspection and verification of tooling dimensions.

Delivery Responsibilities

Produce tooling in line with production schedules and operational needs

Support machining and forging teams with timely tooling availability

Participate in improvement activities to reduce lead times and enhance reliability

Cost Responsibilities

Contribute to scrap and waste reduction through accuracy and attention to detail

Support efficiency improvements including reduced cutting times and optimised tooling life

Share expertise across the machining division to improve capability and efficiency

People Responsibilities

Demonstrate teamwork, collaboration and clear communication across departments

Engage positively with colleagues and contribute to a supportive working environment

Actively participate in team communication, involvement and engagement activities

Business Responsibilities

Respond proactively to business change initiatives

Role model the company’s Vision, Mission and Values

Act as an ambassador for Mettis Aerospace

Qualifications

Apprentice-trained, time-served toolmaker, or a minimum of five years' experience in a Toolroom environment

Experience with in hot metal or heavy manufacturing environments (aerospace or automotive preferred)

Foundation understanding of material science and metallurgy

Ability to interpret technical engineering drawings

Competent in the use of measuring equipment (micrometers, height gauges, imperial and metric)

Required Skills

Confident communicator able to work effectively with cross-functional teams

Skilled in manual machining operations including milling, turning, grinding and bench work

Ability to work using own initiative with minimal supervision

Commitment to…