Toolmaker

Job description

A leading manufacturer in the Redditch area are looking for two skilled Toolmakers to join their team on a four-day working week. If you’re a Toolmaker with experience in the press industry, specifically with Press Tooling in an Automotive, Aerospace or General Manufacturing environment, this may be for you.

The ideal candidate will be a hard-working and adaptable Engineer with a strong technical background within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Operating in the busy Toolroom with a team of five, you will report to the Toolroom Manager and provide effective planned maintenance on press tooling, amongst other responsibilities.

Role: Toolmaker
Location: Dudley
Salary: £18.12 - £19 per hour
Shift: Days - Mon – Thu (four-day working week)

• Manufacturing new press tooling and modifying existing tools from engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Fitting, testing, debugging, and refining tooling, including carrying out press try-outs to ensure optimum performance.
• Monitoring tooling performance within production, identifying wear, faults, and opportunities for improvement.
• Stripping, inspecting, repairing, servicing, and rebuilding production tooling to minimise downtime.
• Working closely with production setters and engineers to resolve tooling issues quickly and efficiently.
• Responding to machine breakdowns, diagnosing root causes, and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Operating a variety of conventional toolroom machinery, including lathes, milling machines, presses, grinders, and other workshop equipment.
• Using precision measuring instruments such as micrometers, Vernier calipers, and gauges to inspect and verify tooling dimensions.
• Carrying out planned and reactive maintenance on power press tooling ranging from 20 to 300 tonnes, including progression and secondary operation tooling.
• Manufacturing, repairing, and maintaining jigs, fixtures, and gauges to support production.
• Completing maintenance records and relevant documentation accurately.
• Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives focused on tooling performance, efficiency, and productivity.

• A recognised engineering apprenticeship or significant hands‑on experience within a Toolroom environment.
• Previous experience as a Press Toolmaker within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical fault-finding skills with the ability to identify and resolve tooling issues efficiently.
• Experience working with progression press tools and exposure to EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining).
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience operating manual toolroom machinery and other workshop equipment safely and effectively.
• A good understanding of power press tooling, preventative maintenance, and tool repair techniques.
• Excellent attention to detail, with the ability to work to tight tolerances and maintain high-quality standards.
• A proactive approach, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.