Toolmaker

Job Description:

We are a long-established precision engineering and manufacturing business with over 75 years of experience delivering high-quality metal stamping, presswork, tooling, and assembly solutions to customers across a range of industries, including e-mobility, industrial technology, medical devices, and advanced manufacturing. Operating from modern facilities in the UK and Europe, we combine engineering expertise, innovation, and investment in advanced manufacturing technologies to provide customers with reliable, high-precision components from prototype through to full production. Quality, continuous improvement, and technical excellence are at the heart of everything we do.

Key Responsibilities

• Adhere to all Health & Safety requirements and company procedures at all times.
• Support the development of new tooling and modifications to existing tooling by interpreting engineering drawings and accurately measuring and marking out designs.
• Fit, trial, debug, and modify new tooling, carrying out press try-outs and completing all associated setup activities.
• Monitor tooling performance on manufacturing lines to ensure efficient production rates and identify opportunities for repair, improvement, or optimisation.
• Strip, inspect, maintain, repair, and rebuild tooling for existing production requirements and customer programmes.
• Liaise with Press Setters and Production personnel to ensure tooling issues are resolved and tooling is returned to service efficiently.
• Respond to machine and tooling breakdowns, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
• Operate a range of hand tools, including files, hacksaws, and grinders, as well as workshop machinery such as lathes, milling machines, presses, and grinding equipment, including CNC and EDM machinery.
• Utilise 2D and 3D CAD software and manufacturing systems to support tooling design and development activities.
• Use precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, gauges, and Vernier calipers, to inspect and verify tooling dimensions.
• Carry out routine maintenance on all press tooling, including 20–300 tonne power press tools, progression tools, and secondary operation tooling.
• Manufacture and maintain jigs, fixtures, and gauges as required.
• Compile reports and maintain accurate maintenance and tooling records.
• Participate in continuous improvement and productivity enhancement initiatives across the Toolroom and manufacturing operations.
• Provide technical support to production and engineering teams as required.

Key Skills and Experience

• Time-served Toolmaker apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.
• Strong understanding of press tooling, tool maintenance, and tool development.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience using conventional machining equipment, CNC machinery, and EDM equipment.
• Proficient in the use of precision measuring instruments.
• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies would be advantageous.

Work Location: In person