Tooling Design Engineer

Tooling Design Engineer / CAD/CAM/CAE Design -  - £35.94/hr umbrella rate (Inside IR35)

Do you have a strong understanding of GD&T with proven experience as a Tooling Design Engineer (or similar CAD/CAM/CAE design role) with detailed knowledge of mechanical component design? You will need working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as diecasting, injection moulding, machining, pressing, stamping, and painting, including manufacturability considerations. Step into a role where your technical judgement makes a real difference.

As a Tooling Design Engineer, you will help shape high-quality engineering outcomes through smart digital design, robust verification, and strong collaboration across the manufacturing and engineering landscape. This position offers a clear mission, hands‑on problem solving, and the opportunity to influence everything from design data quality to manufacturability and test readiness.

• Tooling Design Engineer responsibilities include capturing, defining, and controlling GD&T information and critical characteristics to ensure design integrity.
• Create and iterate engineering designs using CAD/CAM/CAE software, producing drawings, layouts, and simulation models that support reliable decisions.
• Deliver calculations and testing support for fixing methods, including bolted joint and adhesive force calculations, ensuring designs remain robust in real-world conditions.
• Lead design verification test planning, coordinating detailed stages through to sign-off and supporting engineering test teams with swift rectification.
• Collaborate with supplier teams to develop fix and resolution plans for hardware issues, driving practical solutions that move projects forward.
• Work independently with limited oversight, managing larger processes and mentoring lower‑level professionals through review and delegation.

• Proven experience as a Tooling Design Engineer (or similar CAD/CAM/CAE design role) with detailed knowledge of mechanical component design.
• Strong understanding of GD&T, significant/critical characteristics, and quality‑focused problem‑solving methods such as 8D, FMEA, or similar.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing processes such as diecasting, injection moulding, machining, pressing, stamping, and painting, including manufacturability considerations.
• Experience with CATIA or equivalent CAD packages, plus practical familiarity with tooling design considerations and mould flow analysis.
• Confidence communicating technical issues clearly to stakeholders and taking full ownership of deliverables as a Tooling Design Engineer.

This role supports the company's focus on engineering excellence by ensuring design maturity is managed with precision, verification is planned properly, and supplier and test feedback is translated into dependable improvements. Your work in the engineering industry will directly strengthen quality standards and contribute to successful outcomes across product and manufacturing processes.

Gaydon is the base location for this Tooling Design Engineer role, with delivery focused on on‑site collaboration.