Tooling Design Engineer

JAM Recruitment; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Tooling Design Engineer for a 6-month contract in Ampthill, UK. The role involves designing tooling and generating CAD models using CREO. This position offers competitive pay (£40-£50 per hour) and a 4-day work week, promoting a strong work/life balance. Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance and have a proven background in tooling design within a manufacturing environment.

Benefits

Competitive pay

4-day working week

Collaborative team environment

Qualifications

• Proven background in tooling design within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong CAD skills and document control expertise.
• Practical experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop tooling, jigs, and fixtures.
• Generate 3D CAD models and technical drawings.
• Manage tooling documentation and change control.

Skills

Tooling design

CNC machining

CREO

GD&T

Document control (Windchill)

Lean Manufacturing

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

CREO

Windchill (PDM)

Job description

Overview

Tooling Design Engineer
Ampthill (onsite 4 days per week)
6-Month Contract
£40-£50 per hour (umbrella, inside IR35)
Must be eligible for SC clearance

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Tooling Design Engineer to join a fast-paced defence engineering programme in Ampthill. This contract offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects within the Missiles & Fire Control domain, supporting the full product lifecycle from prototype through to production.

You'll be part of a small, dynamic team working a 4-day week (Monday-Thursday), with a strong emphasis on work/life balance and flexible working arrangements.

What You'll Do

• Design and develop tooling, jigs, fixtures, prototype models, and machine attachments to support production and experimental builds.
• Generate 3D CAD models and BS8888 technical drawings using CREO.
• Manage tooling documentation, release, and change control in Windchill (PDM).
• Create Technical Requirement Specifications, BOMs, routings, and process instructions to aid manufacturing.
• Apply GD&T, DFM/A, PFMEA, and Lean principles to optimise manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Industrial & Production Engineering teams to ensure smooth production flow.
• Contribute to MDWT meetings and capital planning for tooling requirements.
• Support high-quality, cost-effective manufacturing solutions with a "right first time" approach.

What We're Looking For

• Proven background in tooling design within a manufacturing environment.
• Broad understanding of CNC machining, composites, fabrication, additive manufacturing, and mechanical assembly.
• Strong CAD skills (CREO) and document control expertise (Windchill).
• Knowledge of GD&T and ability to produce BS8888-compliant drawings.
• Practical experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and quality toolsets.
• Skilled in producing BOMs, routings, and manufacturing process documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, enforce quality standards, and drive cultural/process change.

Why Apply?

• Competitive pay: £40 to £50per hour (umbrella, inside IR35)
• 4-day working week - enjoy a long weekend every week
• Exciting opportunity to work on high-profile defence programmes
• Small, collaborative team environment with big impact on project outcomes

Please note: Applicants must be eligible for SC clearance.