Tooling Design Engineer
Bedfordshire
Contract | On-site
4-day working week (Mon-Thurs) + flexible working
SC Clearance Required
About the Role
We're recruiting a Tooling Design Engineer to join a fast-paced Special Projects programme. This team operates at the heart of advanced defence and aerospace manufacturing, supporting complex products from early design through production and end-of-life.
You'll be part of a highly capable Operations Engineering team, providing tooling and manufacturing engineering expertise across prototype, development and full-rate production programmes. This is a hands-on engineering role with genuine influence on manufacturability, quality, and cost.
In return, we offer an exciting technical challenge, exposure to cutting edge defence programmes, and an excellent work/life balance built around a four day working week.
What You'll Be Doing
Design and develop manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures and machine attachments for production and experimental use
Support tooling solutions across NC machining, composite lay up and fabrication processes
Take tooling designs from concept through detailed design to production release
Create technical requirement specifications, detailed drawings and process instructions
Produce manufacturing BOMs and routings to support efficient build
Apply DFM/A and PFMEA principles to reduce cost and improve yield
Actively contribute to Mission Directed Work Team (MDWT Level 1 & 2) meetings
Support capital investment activities from definition through acceptance
Work closely with Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering and Operations teams
Drive a right first time quality mindset and continuous improvement culture
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience & Skills
Background in tooling design within a manufacturing environment
Broad manufacturing knowledge including CNC machining, composites, fabrication, mechanical assembly or additive manufacturing
Strong CAD experience using CREO, producing 3D models and detailed technical drawings
Experience managing data and change control using Windchill (or similar PDM tools)
Ability to produce drawings to BS8888
Solid understanding of GD&T, including datum structures and key characteristics
Experience creating manufacturing instructions, BOMs and routings
Ability to derive tooling requirements directly from product requirementsDesirable
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools
Experience supporting production environments in regulated or safety critical industries
Key Personal Competencies
Strong analytical and problem solving skills
Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels
Collaborative team player with the ability to work across functions
Independent thinker with the confidence to challenge on quality and customer requirements
Proven experience driving process, behavioural or cultural improvement
Security Clearance
SC clearance required to start
Candidates must be eligible to hold UK security clearance
Why Join?
4 day working week (Mon-Thurs) supporting work/life balance
Exposure to high profile, technically complex defence programmes
Strong focus on engineering quality, innovation and continuous improvement
Opportunities for career development and progression