Mechanical Tooling Engineer (Design) – Low Volume Prototype & Manufacturing - 6 Month Contract (Outside IR35)
Mechanical Tooling Engineer – Low Volume Prototype & Manufacturing
Buckinghamshire (Hybrid – primarily onsite)
6 Month Contract
£50–£60 per hour – Outside IR35 (Potentially negotiable DOE)
The Company
Our client is an innovative engineering and technology business developing next-generation sustainable propulsion and advanced mobility solutions within a highly advanced R&D and prototype manufacturing environment.
Operating at the forefront of mechanical and electromechanical product development, the company delivers complex engineering programmes from concept through to prototype build and validation. Their work spans advanced aerospace and mobility applications, including high-performance unmanned and autonomous platforms, integrating cutting-edge propulsion, lightweight structures and precision-engineered systems.
The team is made up of experienced engineers from aerospace, automotive and advanced technology sectors, working collaboratively in a fast-paced, hands-on environment focused on innovation, engineering quality and rapid development.
Due to continued programme growth, they are seeking an experienced Mechanical Tooling Engineer to support prototype and low-volume manufacturing activities onsite in Buckinghamshire.
The Role
As Mechanical Tooling Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of bespoke tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly solutions to support low-volume prototype builds and manufacturing operations.
Working closely with manufacturing, design, build and engineering teams, you will play a key role in ensuring efficient assembly, integration and production readiness across advanced mechanical and electromechanical systems.
This is a hands-on engineering role suited to someone comfortable operating within fast-moving prototype and development environments.
Key Responsibilities
* Design and develop bespoke tooling, fixtures, jigs and assembly aids for prototype and low-volume manufacturing
* Create robust mechanical design solutions to support assembly, integration and build activities
* Produce detailed 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings and technical documentation
* Support prototype build activities including tooling validation and manufacturing feasibility
* Work closely with manufacturing and engineering teams to define tooling requirements and resolve build issues
* Develop assembly and handling solutions for complex mechanical systems and components
* Support continuous improvement and tooling modification activities throughout development phases
* Assist with shopfloor integration and onsite manufacturing support when required
* Ensure tooling designs are practical, manufacturable and aligned with production requirements
* Participate in design reviews and cross-functional engineering discussions
Required Experience
* Proven experience within a Mechanical Design Engineer, Tooling Engineer or Manufacturing Engineer role
* Strong background designing tooling, fixtures, jigs or bespoke manufacturing equipment
* Experience supporting low-volume manufacturing, prototype builds or advanced engineering programmes
* Strong mechanical design capability with good understanding of manufacturing and assembly processes
* Proficient in 3D CAD software – ideally 3DEXPERIENCE (3DX)
* Experience with CATIA, Siemens NX or SolidWorks beneficial
* Ability to create detailed manufacturing drawings and engineering documentation
* Comfortable working in fast-paced, hands-on engineering environments
* Strong problem-solving and cross-functional communication skills
Desirable Experience
* Aerospace, automotive, EV, motorsport or advanced technology sector experience
* Experience supporting prototype, NPI or R&D programmes
* Electromechanical assembly or powertrain experience
* PLM/PDM system experience
* Knowledge of DFM/DFA principles
Contract Details
* 6 month initial contract
* Outside IR35
* £50–£60 per hour depending on experience
* Hybrid working available
* Primarily onsite in Buckinghamshire due to hands-on build and manufacturing requirements
If this is of interest please apply on LinkedIn or email