Tool Designer

GKN Aerospace; East Cowes; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturer in East Cowes is looking for Tool Designers to develop tooling solutions for high-performance aerospace components. Candidates should have experience in tool design, proficiency in Catia V5, and an engineering qualification. The role offers a competitive salary, relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Industry-leading pension scheme

Life assurance

190 hours holiday plus bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Experience in Tool Design, especially for composite moulds and jigs.
• Knowledge of supply chain and quality systems like ISO9000.
• Understanding of ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop tooling solutions from concept to production.
• Ensure safety compliance and promote a safety-first mindset.
• Implement Lean initiatives to improve production processes.

Skills

Tool Design

CAD software proficiency

Lean manufacturing

Root cause analysis

Education

HNC qualification or equivalent in engineering

Tools

Catia V5

Job description

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Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster, and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies and are committed to sustainability in everything we do. With over 15,000 employees across 41 manufacturing sites in 12 countries, we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary

Join us in making a difference to the future of aviation! You’ll help us deliver operational excellence across our Civil, Defence, and Engines business lines at our East Cowes manufacturing plants. Established in 1901, our East Cowes site on the Isle of Wight employs around 800 people, designing, manufacturing, testing, and repairing high-performance structures and systems. Our facilities on the Island include Falcon Yard, Ferry Road, and Osborne Site, Saunders Way, specializing in major assemblies and composite structures for the aerospace market. Our clients include Airbus, Boeing, Rolls Royce, and others.

Due to growth, we are seeking experienced Tool Designers to join our team on the Isle of Wight. Based at our East Cowes site and reporting to the Manufacturing Engineer Manager, you will be part of a team of 6-10 Manufacturing Engineers and should be flexible for limited travel, both nationally and internationally.

We offer relocation support within the UK for successful applicants.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop tooling solutions (mould tools, 5-axis fixtures, jigs, shop aids) from concept through to production.
• Design tooling with a high degree of process capability using Catia V5 and GKN’s Zero Defect Manufacturing (ZDM) standards.
• Manage tool fabrication quotes, input for new product quotes, and tooling configuration changes, including cost estimation and scheduling.
• Ensure safety compliance and promote a safety-first mindset.
• Apply root cause analysis and corrective actions to reduce non-conformances.
• Implement Lean initiatives to improve production processes.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for candidates with:

• HNC qualification or equivalent in an engineering-related subject.
• Experience in Tool Design, especially for composite moulds and jigs, with a focus on DFM.
• Proficiency in CAD software, ideally Catia V5.
• Knowledge of supply chain issues and quality systems like ISO9000, AS9100.
• Experience in aerospace industry and familiarity with AS9145 APQP or similar processes.
• Understanding of ERP systems and ability to interpret aged drawings.

Note: Some GKN programmes may have regulatory restrictions affecting nationality eligibility.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Industry-leading pension scheme with matching contributions up to 8%.
• Life assurance (8x salary), 190 hours holiday plus bank holidays, income protection, shopping discounts, Cycle to Work Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, UK relocation support, and a collaborative work environment.

Join us and keep the world moving…

Click on the link below to apply.

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We offer exciting challenges and opportunities in aerospace innovation. With excellent training, your potential is limitless.

A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working

We welcome all applicants and promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We’re committed to accessible recruitment and reasonable adjustments during the process. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace technology.