Composites Tooling Engineer

iCOMAT Limited; Hardwicke; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading composite manufacturing company based in Hardwicke is looking for a skilled Composites Tooling Engineer. You will be responsible for designing and optimizing tooling systems crucial for the production of composite materials. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in tooling design, a solid understanding of composites, and proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks or CATIA. This position offers competitive salary, stock options, and opportunities for career growth in a dynamic environment focused on innovation.

Benefits

Private healthcare

Pension scheme

Stock Options

Career Growth Opportunities

Innovation-focused culture

Global impact

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in tooling design and development within a composite manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in working with carbon fibre, glass fibre, and resins.
• Familiarity with CNC machining and other advanced manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Create Tooling Models from Component CAD to optimise Production times.
• Calculate thermal expansion rates of materials to produce accurate components.
• Act as a subject matter expert on tooling strategy to support New product introduction.

Skills

Understanding of Composites

Problem-solving skills

Project management

Effective communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Composites Tooling Engineer to work along our dynamic team of Manufacturing Engineers. As a Composites Tooling Engineer at iCOMAT, you will play a crucial role in the design, development, and maintenance of tooling systems used in the production of composite materials. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including design, production, and quality assurance, to ensure that tooling solutions are optimized for performance, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Your expertise in composites and tooling will support our mission to deliver cutting-edge solutions to our clients. The ideal candidate will have technical expertise in tooling design and manufacture for composite materials and a deep understanding of manufacturing principles, along with a passion for innovation.

What will you be doing?

• Create Tooling Models from Component CAD to provide Design for Patterns, Moulds, Jigs / Fixtures to optimise Production times, Yield and accuracy
• Interrogate CAD models for undercuts / draft angles
• Calculate thermal expansion rates / cure points of materials used to produce accurate components.
• Understanding of how to "pocket" Tooling for airflow or weight saving without them collapsing under pressure.
• Capacity to explain and share design concepts with Stakeholders to ensure requirements are covered.
• Create manufacturing drawings for in-house tool manufacturing
• Act as a subject matter expert on tooling strategy to support New product introduction activities
• Work closely with tooling vendors to ensure the manufacturing tooling meets quality and performance standards.
• Provide assistance in the Quotation process by providing material, labour (design time) costs to the Sales Manager (or PM).

We have ensured iCOMAT is made up of people with the drive and imagination to grow a business that will revolutionise the use of composite materials to enable the next generation of lightweight cars, planes and spacecraft. We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 and OEMs. The business has 3 main divisions that focus on the development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools and lastly the operation of the factory. Now working with >25 customers (multiple leading OEMs) and earlier this year we completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing (link) to fuel a significant scale-up with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next 2-3 years and expand operations into Europe and the US. The business currently has facilities in Gloucester UK (Factory 1), Bristol UK (Hardware R&D Centre) and in Athens GR (Software R&D Centre). As we scale and grow, we're looking for talented individuals to help us continue driving this transformation. If you're ready to be part of a pioneering team that's reshaping industries and pushing the boundaries of technology, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications

• Understanding of Composites is essential.
• Relevant certifications in composite materials or manufacturing processes are highly desirable.
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in tooling design and development within a composite manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in working with composite materials, including carbon fibre, glass fibre, and resins.
• Strong understanding of composite manufacturing processes, including lay‑up, curing, and machining.
• Experience of Patterns, Epoxy Tooling (for Autoclave), Press Tooling and CNC Fixtures.
• Proficient in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, etc.) and engineering analysis tools (e.g., ANSYS).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented environment.
• Familiarity with CNC machining and other advanced manufacturing technologies.

We appreciate relevant engineering qualifications (Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.) but we equally value practical hands‑on experience.

Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application in composite tooling. ICOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company with game changing technology that delivers the lightest structures possible for aerospace and automotive, at a scale, rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including private healthcare, pension scheme.
• Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
• Career Growth Opportunities: Join us at a pivotal time as we scale up, offering unmatched professional growth opportunities in the rapidly advancing field of composite materials.
• Innovation‑Focused Culture: We pride ourselves on our inclusive, forward‑thinking work environment. Recognized by Bloomberg as a "UK Startup to Watch," iCOMAT celebrates diversity and encourages all applicants, regardless of background, to apply.
• Global Impact: Be a part of our mission to redefine lightweight structures for the automotive, aerospace, and space industries, working with some of the most influential companies worldwide.
• Ready to be part of something big?