Tooling Engineer

NIF; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Stock options

Career growth

Innovation culture

Global impact

Job summary

iCOMAT seeks a highly skilled Composites Tooling Engineer to design and maintain tooling systems for composite material production. You will collaborate with design, production and quality assurance to optimize tooling performance, efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

The ideal candidate brings 3–5 years in tooling design within a composite manufacturing environment, with expertise in carbon fibre, epoxy tooling (Autoclave), lay‑up, curing and machining.

Qualifications

• Engineering degree (BEng/MEng) in Mechanical/Manufacturing or related field.
• Deep knowledge of composites and tooling design for composite materials.
• Certifications in composite materials or manufacturing processes are a plus.
• 3–5 years of tooling design and development experience in a composite manufacturing environment.
• Experience with carbon fibre, glass fibre and resins.
• Strong GD&T knowledge and CNC tooling familiarity.

Responsibilities

• Create tooling models from component CAD for patterns, moulds, jigs and fixtures to optimise production times, yield and accuracy.
• Interrogate CAD models for undercuts and draft angles.
• Calculate thermal expansion and cure points for materials used in tooling.
• Design tool pockets for airflow or weight saving without collapse under pressure.
• Explain design concepts to stakeholders to ensure requirements are met.
• Produce manufacturing drawings for in-house tooling production.
• Support New Product Introduction with tooling strategy.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

ANSYS

Job description

Join ICOMAT – Revolutionising the Future of Lightweight Manufacturing!

iCOMAT is an advanced manufacturing company that invented Rapid Tow Shearing (RTS) - the only proven technology for producing defect-free curved-fiber composite parts at industrial scale. We deliver the lightest structures possible for aerospace, automotive, defense, and space, at a rate and cost efficiency that far exceeds existing composite production processes.

We build and operate automated factories for composite materials, delivering components to Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs. The business has three main divisions: development of automated production machines, development of software design and production tools, and operation of the factory. We work with 25+ customers and completed the largest ever Series A in composites manufacturing to fuel a significant scale-up, with growth plans that will see the business multiply in size over the next two to three years and expand operations into the UK, Europe and the US.

The business has currently more than 130,000 sqm of production capacity with manufacturing facilities in the UK (Gloucester and Swindon) and the US (Dayton, Ohio); a Hardware R&D Centre in Bristol, UK; and a Software R&D Centre in Athens, Greece.

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!

Job Summary

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).

What do we need from you?

• 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 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.

• Understanding of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and its application in composite tooling.

Why iCOMAT?

• 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?