Toolmaker Milling

Optima UK INC Ltd; Mansfield; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life insurance

Healthcare benefits

Discounted gym membership

Flexible holiday benefits

Long-service awards

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Optima UK INC Ltd is seeking an experienced Toolmaker in Mansfield to join a UK-based aerospace engineering team. You will manufacture and modify injection mould tools, jigs and fixtures, using CNC milling and CAD/CAM software alongside traditional toolroom equipment.

Applicants should have a time-served apprenticeship or HND in Mechanical Engineering, plus hands-on toolmaking experience. The role offers a stable permanent position with progression opportunities and modern tooling.

Qualifications

• Experience in toolmaking within a precision engineering environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specs.
• Proficient in CNC milling and traditional toolmaking processes.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate CNC milling machines and CAD/CAM software.
• Manufacture and modify injection mould tools, jigs and fixtures from drawings.
• Produce high-quality tooling and components with attention to detail.

Skills

Toolmaking experience

CNC milling machines

Injection moulding knowledge

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Continuous improvement mindset

Education

Time-served apprenticeship or HND in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Toolmaker

Location: Mansfield, Nottinghamshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 7:30 - 18:30

Salary: up to 40,000 per annum

The Opportunity

We're recruiting for an experienced Toolmaker to join a well-established engineering business providing specialist solutions to the aerospace industry.

This is a hands-on role within the Toolmaking department, focused on the manufacture and modification of injection mould tools, jigs, fixtures and precision components. You'll be working with CNC milling machinery and CAD/CAM software, alongside traditional toolroom equipment, producing high-quality tooling and components from engineering drawings.

It's a great opportunity for an experienced Toolmaker looking to join a skilled engineering team where you'll be involved in everything from new tooling and development work through to modifications, trials and continuous improvement.

What You'll Be Doing

• Setting and operating CNC milling machines and using CAD/CAM software.
• Manufacturing jigs and fixtures to support production cells across the business.
• Working from engineering drawings to manufacture and modify injection mould tools.
• Producing trial and conceptual development components to the required quality and functionality.
• Operating traditional toolroom machinery where required, including manual mills, lathes and surface grinders.
• Identifying tooling requirements and supporting the development of effective manufacturing solutions.
• Function testing, evaluating and documenting component trials and development work.
• Identifying and resolving mechanical and manufacturing issues alongside Inspection and Design departments.
• Supporting injection moulding activities through a general understanding of the process.
• Completing relevant Works Order administration.
• Carrying out routine maintenance and maintaining a clean and organised working environment.
• Delivering high-quality, checked components with strong attention to detail.
• Providing advice and guidance to apprentices where required.
• Supporting continuous improvement while adhering to company quality, audit and Health & Safety procedures.

What We're Looking For

• Previous Toolmaking experience.
• Experience operating CNC milling machines.
• Experience using CAD/CAM software.
• Good understanding of traditional machining and fitting practices.
• Ability to confidently work from engineering drawings.
• Experience with manual milling, turning and surface grinding would be beneficial.
• General knowledge of injection moulding.
• A time-served apprenticeship or HND in Mechanical Engineering.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing quality work.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced engineering environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• A continuous improvement mindset.
• Willingness to undertake additional training where required.

What's on Offer

• Permanent position with an established aerospace engineering business.
• Excellent opportunities for training and career progression.
• Life insurance.
• Healthcare benefits.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Flexible holiday benefits.
• Long-service awards.
• Overtime opportunities.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a specialist engineering environment where you'll work on a varied range of mould tools, jigs, fixtures and development components. The position offers a strong mix of modern CNC/CAD-CAM machining and traditional toolmaking, making it ideal for someone who enjoys the full hands-on toolmaking process rather than repetitive production machining.