The Role: Tool Design Engineer
We are recruiting for an experienced Tooling Design Engineer to join a well-established UK manufacturing business. This is a hands-on opportunity for a Tooling Design Engineer who enjoys owning projects end-to-end, from concept through to commissioning, while influencing best practice and continuous improvement across tooling design.
Based on-site in the UK, this permanent role would suit a Tooling Design Engineer (Thermoforming) looking to step into a position with real responsibility and visibility across production, CNC machining, and toolroom operations. The business has a strong track record of investment in people and technology and offers long-term career stability for the right Tooling Design Engineer.
Location: Huntingdon
Type: Permanent, full-time
Main Responsibilities:
- Design and develop thermoforming production tools from approved concepts through to manufacture
- Lead the standardisation of tooling designs, including auxiliary tooling components
- Research and implement improved tooling solutions, materials, and manufacturing methods
- Review and challenge tooling costings to identify efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities
- Specify tooling and components for internal manufacture and external subcontractors
- Support tool commissioning and troubleshoot issues to minimise downtime
- Collaborate with Production, Planning, CNC, and Tool Room teams to optimise tooling performance
- Provide complete CNC tool packs including BOMs, drawings, and technical documentation
- Supervise and support members of the Tool Design team, promoting best practice and development
Skills/Experience:
- Proven experience as a Tooling Design Engineer or similar role within manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of tooling used for plastics is beneficial
- Solid understanding of CNC machining processes and tooling materials
- Ability to manage tooling projects from concept to commissioning
- Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting capability
- Strong communication skills with experience working cross-functionally
- Experience mentoring or supporting junior engineers (desirable)
- Experience using Solidworks or CREO would be beneficial.
Salary & Working Hours:
- £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (depending on experience)
- Permanent, full-time role
- On-site working
- Standard weekday working hours
Benefits:
- Competitive salary package
- Excellent company benefits
- Long-term career development opportunities
- Supportive and technically driven working environment
- Opportunity to work with advanced manufacturing processes
If the position of Tooling Design Engineer is of interest, please click Apply. We aim to respond to all applicants; however, if you haven’t heard from us within 10 days, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
If you have any questions regarding this Tooling Design Engineer role, please don’t hesitate to contact our office on 01480 431888.