Toolmaker / Press Tool Technician (Manual Machining Focus)

Teambuilder Recruitment Limited; Bedford; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime 1.5x

37 hour week

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Company pension

Job summary

Teambuilder Recruitment Limited is seeking a Toolmaker / Press Tool Technician (Manual Machining Focus) to manufacture, maintain and adjust precision press tools using manual machining techniques.

The ideal candidate will read engineering drawings, work to micron tolerances, and collaborate with production to resolve tooling issues while enjoying a stable, long-term role with a good basic salary and overtime.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Toolmaker / Press Tool Technician / Precision Machinist.
• Strong background in manual machining (non-CNC focus).
• Skilled in surface grinding and honing.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and micron-level tolerances.
• High attention to detail and independent work mindset.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture, assemble, and fit press tools using manual milling, turning, surface grinding, and honing.
• Work to micron-level tolerances with high accuracy.
• Diagnose and adjust tooling for performance and longevity.
• Interpret engineering drawings and maintain tight tolerances.
• Carry out tool repairs, modifications, and fine adjustments.
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve tooling issues.

Skills

Toolmaking experience

Manual machining

Micron tolerances

Reading drawings

Problem solving

Tools

Manual milling

Turning

Surface grinding

Honing

Job description

Toolmaker / Press Tool Technician (Manual Machining Focus)

A highly skilled and detail-oriented Toolmaker is required, specialising in the manufacture, maintenance, and adjustment of precision press tools using manual machining techniques.

Responsible for producing and refining high-quality press tools, ensuring they meet exacting tolerances and perform reliably in production environments. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who takes pride in precision engineering to micron-level tolerances and problem-solving.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacture, assemble, and fit press tools using manual milling, turning, surface grinding, and honing
• Work to precision engineering standards down to microns, ensuring exceptional accuracy and finish
• Diagnose and adjust tooling to ensure optimal performance and longevity
• Interpret engineering drawings and work to tight tolerances
• Carry out tool repairs, modifications, and fine adjustments
• Collaborate with production teams to resolve tooling issues

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Toolmaker, Press Tool Technician, or Precision Machinist
• Strong background in manual machining (non-CNC focus)
• Skilled in surface grinding and honing processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
• Experience working to micron-level tolerances
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Problem-solving mindset and ability to work independently

The Ideal Candidate

• Takes pride in precision engineering and craftsmanship
• Patient, methodical, and highly focused
• Enjoys hands-on engineering work and fine adjustments
• Reliable and committed to producing high-quality results
• Competitive salary (based on experience)
• Stable, long-term position
• Supportive and skilled engineering environment

Remuneration

• Good basic salary
• Overtime 1.5
• 37 hour working week
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Company life, Pension

Job Type: Full-time