As a Senior Lead Tooling Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of tools, fixtures, and equipment used in manufacturing processes. You will work closely with in‑house engineers and the wider Leidos cross‑functional teams to ensure that the tools and equipment are designed to meet quality, efficiency, and safety standards. Additionally, due to the seasonal nature of work in the automotive industry you will be required to work with the Technical Applications team to develop your skills as an Applications Engineer with the potential to work across all of the sectors that Leidos deliver to.
Responsibilities
- Within a design team, lead collaborate and innovate to create detailed tooling designs, including fixtures, jigs, clamps, and other specialized equipment required for manufacturing processes.
- Lead a team of in‑house UK / Indian engineers and/or sub‑contract labour throughout the design process.
- Agree project design and engineering deliverables and priorities with Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Support ongoing review and management of technical project progress.
- Produce regular hours tracking reports with design teams as required by Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Work closely with other team leaders/members in the Engineering Department to share knowledge and ensure best practice.
- Assist Engineering Manager / Technical Lead with scheduling of projects / resource as required.
- Collate information for operation and maintenance manuals.
- Produce operation and maintenance manuals.
- Provide out of hours support as required.
- Technically lead and engage with remote teams in UK and across the world.
- Ensure that the no‑fault forward engineering output philosophy is strictly adhered to.
- Produce scheme drawings and layouts for evaluation against customer specifications.
- Produce 3D models.
- Produce detailed mechanical manufacturing drawings.
- Evaluate basic designs through power and stress calculations, and assess cost effectiveness and ease of manufacture and maintenance.
- Complete stress analysis (FEA), design risk assessments (DRA), and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
- Work to Company procedures and specific instructions at all times.
- Ensure that work is completed within the hours and deadlines agreed with Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Highlight all constraints/issues that may impact engineering deadlines and project timing plans.
- Identify and immediately communicate any engineering constraints/issues to Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Attend regular project and design reviews and provide accurate feedback on timings and completion of work to Engineering Manager / Technical Lead and projects team.
- Identify and highlight areas where additional support may be required to ensure timely and accurate completion of work.
- Complete CCARs on all occasions where timing plans / engineering hours are affected in line with Company procedures.
- Continually build relationships with internal stakeholders to achieve the successful completion of projects.
- Provide engineering support in the development of schemes and specifications for sales quotations and bid returns.
- Provide engineering support during manufacture and installation as required.
- Complete site surveys at customer facilities and attend customer‑led meetings as required.
- Based in the UK, working out of the Wickford office. Working on a three days in office, two days from home basis.
- Follow Group and Company policies and procedures at all times.
- Use all Company equipment and personal PPE properly and in accordance with Company procedures.
- Report all health and safety issues and concerns to your line manager and/or a Health and Safety Representative in a timely and professional manner.
- Familiarise oneself with and adhere to the Company's Equality Policy at all times.
- All employees must conduct themselves in accordance with our Corporate Company Values and Business Ethics at all times.
- May be required to work out of our UK sites for several weeks at a time.
- Leidos are a global operator and therefore UK and Global travel will be required.
- Work overtime as necessary to achieve deadlines.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in Automotive Tooling or Mechanical Handling.
- Manufacturing Automation methods and processes.
- Value for money and current market value.
- Supplier base knowledge.
- Understanding of project costs - design, management, manufacture, installation etc.
- Time served apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
- HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Highly Organised & self‑motivated.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Sound understanding of MS Office packages.
- Proficient in Solidworks / AutoCAD / Inventor.
- Team player.
- Good technical literacy skills.
- Adaptable & flexible.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience using Catia.
- Knowledge of current industry Materials Handling systems best practice for automotive & general industry.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
