Pattern Maker

Salary: Around £14.50 per hour (depending on experience)
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Shift Pattern

The successful candidate will work either:

• Afternoon Shift: 4:00pm – 12:00am
• Nights: 4 on / 4 off, 5:00pm – 5:00am

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Pattern Maker to join our busy foundry operation. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled craftsperson with a strong background in foundry pattern making to play a key role in supporting production, improving casting quality, and maintaining high standards across our manufacturing sites.

Working closely with the Pattern Shop Supervisor, Manufacturing, Quality and Production teams, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, manufacture and continuous improvement of pattern equipment to ensure reliable, high-quality casting production.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacture, repair and refurbish foundry patterns and core boxes.
• Ensure pattern equipment is maintained and ready for production to support the moulding schedule.
• Work to the production run plan across multiple sites to minimise downtime and support operational efficiency.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, casting specifications and technical documentation.
• Inspect tooling for dimensional accuracy and identify any defects or wear.
• Carry out repairs to extend tooling life and improve casting performance.
• Measure components accurately using verniers, rules and other measuring equipment.
• Operate woodworking and pattern shop machinery safely and effectively.
• Liaise with the Moulding Shop, Core Shop and Quality Department to investigate and eliminate casting defects related to tooling.
• Maintain accurate records of tooling repairs, refurbishment and inspections.
• Ensure all patterns and core boxes are correctly identified, stored and protected.
• Participate in tooling audits and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and One Point Lessons (OPLs).
• Assist with customer audits where required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Proven experience as a Pattern Maker within a foundry or heavy engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of pattern making principles, including shrinkage allowances, draft angles, core prints, gating and risering.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Practical woodworking and/or metalworking skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a proactive approach.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work independently.

Desirable

• Time-served apprenticeship or recognised qualification in Pattern Making.
• Experience using CAD software.
• Experience operating CNC pattern-making equipment.
• Fork Lift Truck licence.
• First Aid qualification.
• Fire Marshal qualification.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to join a well-established foundry business where your craftsmanship and expertise will have a direct impact on production quality and continuous improvement. You'll work as part of a skilled team in a business that values quality, safety and innovation, with opportunities to contribute to process improvements and tooling development.

Salary: Around £14.50 per hour, depending on experience.

If you're an experienced Foundry Pattern Maker looking for your next challenge, we'd love to hear from you.