Toolmaker

First Base; Stonehouse; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site parking

Private medical insurance

Private dental insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Health assessment service

Life assurance

Travel insurance

Job summary

First Base in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire is seeking an experienced Toolmaker. You will maintain and repair injection mould tooling, set up and operate CNC mills, lathes and grinders to support a busy mould shop and production lines.

You will ensure high-quality tooling and accurate components while contributing to continuous improvement and safe working practices. A relevant apprenticeship and hands-on machining experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or equivalent in Toolmaking or Mechanical Engineering.
• Hands-on tooling and mould shop experience.
• Experience maintaining and repairing injection mould tooling.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair and modify injection mould tooling and hardened steel tools.
• Manufacture components for production jigs, fixtures and tooling using CNC and conventional equipment.
• Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes and grinders safely and efficiently.
• Inspect tooling with visual checks and measuring equipment to meet specs.
• Carry out preventive and reactive maintenance; support shop improvements.
• Maintain records and comply with quality systems and documentation.

Skills

Apprenticeship/Training

Reading engineering drawings

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Verbal and written communication

Education

Apprenticeship or equivalent Toolmaking training

Tools

CNC milling

CNC turning

Grinders

3D modelling/engineering drawings

Jigs and fixtures fabrication

Job description

Toolmaker

Salary: £50,000–£55,000 per annum + 5% LIP

Location: Stonehouse, Gloucestershire

Shift pattern: Rotating early and late shifts: Monday to Thursday, 5:30am–2:00pm and 2:00pm–10:00pm; Friday, 6:00am–11:00am and 11:00am–6:00pm.

Join a busy tool room team as a Toolmaker, supporting Production and the Mould Shop. You will maintain and repair injection mould tooling and set up and operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, grinders and other tool room machinery. Your work will help ensure reliable, high-quality and efficient manufacturing.

Key responsibilities

• Maintain, repair and modify injection mould tooling, including hardened steel production tools.
• Manufacture and fit components for production jigs, fixtures and tooling using CNC and conventional tool room equipment.
• Set up and operate CNC mills, CNC lathes, grinders and other tool room machinery safely and efficiently.
• Inspect tooling and components using visual checks and measuring equipment to ensure required specifications and tolerances are met.
• Carry out preventative and reactive maintenance on tools, jigs and fixtures, and support preventative maintenance schedules.
• Support tooling and process improvements and provide day-to-day support to the Mould Shop.
• Maintain accurate maintenance, repair and compliance records, following relevant quality systems and documentation practices.
• Escalate quality-related issues when appropriate and maintain high standards of housekeeping and health and safety.
• Support apprentice development through training, coaching and knowledge sharing.

Skills and experience

• An apprenticeship, vocational qualification or equivalent training in Toolmaking, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in a tool room, mould shop, manufacturing or engineering workshop.
• Experience maintaining, repairing and modifying injection mould tooling, including hardened steel production tools.
• Strong machining skills and the ability to produce high-tolerance work.
• CNC machining experience and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of hot runner systems, valve gates and manifolds.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work with 3D modelling software.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good IT skills and an organised approach to work.

Benefits

• 39-hour working week.
• 25 days’ annual leave plus public holidays.
• Free on-site parking and free hot and cold drinks.
• Benefits package including group life assurance, private medical insurance, private dental insurance, Cycle to Work scheme, travel insurance (employee-paid) and a salary-sacrifice health assessment service.
• Comprehensive onboarding, a supportive team culture and a modern working environment