About Mettis
We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That's why we have been pioneers in our industry for over seventy years. We are forging the future today.
About the Role
As a Design Engineer (CAD), you will play a key role in converting customer requirements into robust, efficient forging and machining solutions. Working within the Design team and collaborating cross‑functionally with Operations, Conformance, CAM, Business Development, and Quality, you will generate compliant designs, methods, and process routes that meet customer, regulatory, and internal standards. Using 3D CAD (NX) and simulation tools (Q‑Form), you will optimise billet, pre‑form and finish forging designs, support NPI delivery, and drive right‑first‑time manufacturing through Design for Manufacture (DfM) principles and continual improvement.
All applicants must currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK.
Successful candidates will undergo a Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment & can be subject to random testing throughout their employment.
As a condition of employment, successful candidates are required to fulfil a DBS clearance before commencing this role, to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Translate customer models and drawings into efficient forging designs and process methods—from billet and pre‑form through to finished forgings and machined components.
Produce high‑quality 3D models and detailed drawings using NX to support customer, manufacturing, and inspection requirements.
Apply and flow down customer specifications, national standards, and Mettis quality requirements to ensure compliance in all designs.
Lead/participate in design reviews with internal stakeholders and customers to converge on optimal configurations that balance performance, manufacturability, cost, and risk.
Apply structured DfM and DfX (e.g., safety, quality, cost, serviceability) practices to enhance process capability and stability.
Use Q‑Form (or equivalent) simulation to validate and optimise forging sequences; collaborate with Operations and Conformance Engineers to iterate designs and processes.
Capture, develop, and standardise best practices, increasing the use of virtual validation to de‑risk and accelerate design maturity.
Support and deliver NPI activities in line with process governance, gates, and documentation requirements.
Partner with CAM Engineers to ensure coherent standards and continuous improvement for tooling and method design.
Work with Business Development to create technically sound and feasible proposals for new tenders.
Action Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and implement improvements with pace.
Liaise with internal and external customers, certification bodies, and agencies as needed.
Maintain robust data management and configuration control (incl. back‑ups and compliance with BP22).
Drive continuous improvement across design processes, toolsets, and product quality.
Contribute to team capability by sharing knowledge; mentor colleagues and, where required, chair design reviews.
Safety Responsibilities
Comply with EHS and legislative standards and follow safe systems of work.
Conduct/participate in Risk Assessments and DfX activities as appropriate.
Uphold PPE and occupational health requirements; promote safe working practices.
Maintain excellent housekeeping (5S) and support "near miss" capture and mitigation.
Quality Responsibilities
Ensure compliance to internal standards (SOP/WES) and AS9100 requirements.
Embed right‑first‑time principles; support NCR reduction through robust design and process adherence.
Integrate customer and regulatory specifications into part‑specific methods and work instructions.
Contribute to process confirmation (Go–Look–See) and visual management to sustain standards.
Delivery Responsibilities
Support NPI programmes to plan—meeting design maturity, data release, and manufacturing readiness milestones.
Provide responsive support to Operations and Customers, resolving issues within agreed limits and timescales.
Collaborate cross‑functionally to maintain schedule adherence and reduce design iteration loops.
Cost Responsibilities
Optimise designs and methods to reduce programming, tooling, scrap, and machining times.
Improve process capability and stability to minimise rework and total cost of quality.
Ensure feasibility and manufacturability assessments for tenders are accurate and risk‑aware.
People Responsibilities
Demonstrate agility, creativity, and a growth mindset; proactively develop skills and support team capability.
Communicate clearly and professionally at all levels; facilitate effective cross‑functional collaboration.
Actively contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture aligned to our values.
Business Responsibilities
Deliver on strategic initiatives and future‑focused projects as required.
Act as an ambassador for Mettis, role modelling our Vision, Mission, and Values.
Qualifications
Minimum HND (or equivalent experience); degree advantageous.
Experience using NX CAD/CAM (or equivalent CAD/CAM platforms).
Understanding of elastic/plastic deformation of materials (desirable).
Knowledge of forging and/or manufacturing processes (desirable).
Other relevant experience considered at company discretion.
Required Skills
3D CAD competency (NX preferred) and solid CAD/CAM understanding.
Ability to read and interpret complex technical drawings, GD&T, and specifications.
Problem‑solving capability with practical analytical skills (e.g., simulation interpretation, design trade‑offs).
Lean tool deployment and continuous improvement mindset.
Sound IT skills and document/data control discipline (incl. configuration control).
Product and process knowledge in an aerospace or similarly regulated environment (advantageous).
Process Confirmation (Go–Look–See) and visual management literacy.
Effective communication and relationship‑building skills at all levels.
Ability to prioritise, make informed decisions, and work at pace.
Passion to learn new skills and contribute to team development.
Job Type: Full‑time, Permanent
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire
Benefits:
Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
Free on‑site parking
Cycle to work scheme
Bereavement leave
Company events
Employee referral programme
Sick pay (after probationary period)
This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.