Design Engineer - Tooling

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a time-served Toolmaker who has progressed into a Design Engineering / CAD-CAM role to join a progressive Innovation Centre. This position is ideally suited to an individual with strong hands-on tooling experience, combined with the ability to design components and create production-ready CNC programmes and supporting set-up documentation. The role will support the design and manufacture of tools, jigs, fixtures, and complex 5-axis billet-machined components.

The business manufactures high-quality products in the UK and exports globally, working across sectors including automotive, acoustic, audio, architectural, and construction. What we need from you :
Time-served toolmakerwith practical knowledge of toolroom and precision manufacturing Solid Works & Solid CAM or similar experience is essential Demonstrable experience in programming for complex 5 and 3 axis CNC machining, working with a range of materials Familiarity with Hurco, Hwacheon, and Bridgeport machining environments or equivalent (no setting or operating required) Experience in press tool, jig, and fixture design Strong problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail around new tooling and tooling issues and breakdowns Clear communicator with the ability to collaborate with key people across departments and within our own area What the role involves:
Design press tools, jigs, fixtures, and prototype components using Solid Works and a CAD/CAM system (Solid CAM or similar) Produce high-quality CNC programmes for 3-axis and complex 5-axis machining in a variety of materials Generate comprehensive set-up sheets to accompany each job, enabling efficient production handover to CNC operators Collaborate with production, engineering, and development teams to ensure manufacturability and practicality of designs Support tooling trials, prototype development, and component validation activities.

Produce and maintain detailed engineering drawings and documentation Carry out or support quality checks and dimensional inspections on critical components Participate in continuous improvement of tooling design, machining strategies, and documentation practices Maintain high standards of organisation, cleanliness, and safety in line with 5S and site procedures Able to assist in 5s tasks Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 per year, depending on skills and experience.

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 7:15am4:15pm, and Friday, 7:30am3:00pm, with some flexibility on start and finish times. This is a 40-hour working week, including a 45-minute break each day. Benefits:
Christmas shutdown Overtime paid at x1.5 and x2 21 Days Holiday plus Bank Holidays (Increases to 25 Days after the first year) Workplace pension scheme after probation period (3% Employer contributions) Free onsite parking Uniform & PPE Life insurance after probation period Canteen with kettle, microwave, and tea-making facilities Standard day shift working pattern for better work-life balance Access to advanced design software and CNC programming tools in a modern, well-equipped Innovation Centre A technically rewarding role that combines design, programming, and innovation A collaborative and supportive team environment Please apply now!