Tooling Design Engineer: Create Efficient Tooling

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 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