Tooling Design Engineer

Nicholas Howard Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Nicholas Howard Ltd is seeking a Tooling Design Engineer to join a defence contractor project in Bedford. You will design and implement industrial tools, jigs, fixtures and attachments for production or experimental use, ensuring accessibility, cost efficiency, performance and compliance.

Proficiency in CREO and Windchill is essential. You will participate across the product lifecycle, drive right‑first‑time quality, and support cost reduction through innovative tooling while collaborating with

Qualifications

• A background in tooling design and experience gained from within a manufacturing environment.
• Broad manufacturing knowledge; industry experience with CNC machining, composites, fabrication, mechanical assembly, additive manufacturing.
• Ability to design new tooling, developing from initial concepts through to production release.
• Experience using CAD software (CREO) to generate 3D models and technical drawings.
• Experience using PDM software (Windchill) to manage document release and change.
• Ability to produce detailed drawings to BS8888.
• An understanding of GD & T with the ability to identify key characteristics and datum structures.
• Awareness of DFM/A and PFMEA principles and practical application.
• Capability to derive Technical Requirements for tooling from the product requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Methodology, Quality toolset experience.
• Experience of preparing manufacturing BOM’s and routings and manufacturing process instructions

Responsibilities

• Design tooling and fixtures through full product lifecycle to reduce costs and improve yield.
• Develop manufacturing tooling in NC Machining, composites, and general tooling requirements.
• Create Technical Requirement Specifications and detailed process instructions.
• Prepare Manufacturing BOMs and routings to aid manufacturability.
• Participate in MDWT meetings and support Capital plan requirements.
• Support production readiness and liaison with Industrial and Production Engineering.

Skills

Tooling design

CNC machining

composites

fabrication

mechanical assembly

additive manufacturing

CREO CAD

Windchill PDM

BS8888 drawings

GD&T

DFM/A PFMEA

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

BOMs and routings

Tools

CREO

Windchill

Job description

Nicholas Howard are delighted to be recruiting for a Tooling Design Engineer to work with a leading defence contractor.

This role will provide technical support in the design, development and implementation of industrial tools, jigs, fixtures, prototype model production and machine attachments required for production or experimental use, considering such factors as accessibility, economy, mobility, performance requirements and ensure legislative compliance is adhered to. A thorough working knowledge of CAD design tools such as CREO and Windchill is required.

Design involvement through the full product lifecycle, with the aim to reduce manufacturing costs and improve yield at all stages, which will directly impact our customers, whilst supporting the Programme in delivery of the milestones.

The Tooling Design Engineer will drive a proactive approach to right first time quality to promote growth, will enhance the reputation of the business through exceptional quality standards and contribute towards a significant reduction in overall manufacturing costs.

• Develop manufacturing tooling within any of the following technologies;
• NC Machining
• Composite layup
• Designing any new tooling & fixturing requirements.
• Experienced in the creation of Technical Requirement Specifications.
• Creation of detailed process instructions.
• Creation of Manufacturing BOM’s / routings to aid ease of manufacture.
• Active involvement in the Level 1 & 2 MDWT (Mission Directed Work Team) meetings.
• Assist with the Technical requirements of the relevant section of the Capital plan from definition to acceptance.
• Supporting full rate production of a range of products aligned to the LMUK Ampthill Business requirements.
• Close liaison of activities with Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering and other functions as necessary.
• Support with the business process reviews and generation / update of relevant documentation.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• A background in tooling design and experience gained from within a manufacturing environment.
• Broad manufacturing knowledge; industry experience with CNC machining, composites, fabrication, mechanical assembly, additive manufacturing.
• Ability to design new tooling, developing from initial concepts through to production release.
• Experience using CAD software (CREO) to generate 3D models and technical drawings.
• Experience using PDM software (Windchill) to manage document release and change.
• Ability to produce detailed drawings to BS8888.
• An understanding of GD & T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances) with the ability to identify key characteristics and datum structures.
• Awareness of DFM/A and PFMEA principles and practical application.
• Capability to derive Technical Requirements for tooling from the product requirements.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma Methodology, Quality toolset experience.
• Experience of preparing manufacturing BOM’s and routings and manufacturing process instructions