Trainee Toolroom Technician

Lambson Innovate Ltd; Castleford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Lambson Innovate Ltd in the United Kingdom is offering a Trainee Toolroom Technician role designed to bridge design concepts and machine capability, focusing on precision grinding, CAD design, and CNC programming. You will learn to interpret drawings, set up grinders, fabricate templates, and assist in program optimization, reporting to experienced machinists and mentors.

This entry-level position emphasizes hands-on training, safety, 5S, and continuous improvement within a manufacturing

Qualifications

• Interest in engineering and hands-on tasks.
• Good mathematical abilities and a methodical approach to measurements.
• Willingness to learn CAD and CNC systems.
• Teamwork and proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate grinding and profile tooling under supervision.
• Interpret engineering drawings to ensure tooling matches design specs.
• Mount, balance and align cutter blocks for safe production.
• Design templates with 2D CAD and translate samples into digital geometry.
• Write and optimise CNC programs for multi-spindle moulders.
• Conduct basic inspection and quality checks on tooling before use.
• Maintain a safe, clean 5S workspace and assist in maintenance tasks.

Skills

Attention to detail

Maths & measurements

Hands-on learner

Teamwork

Tools

CAD software

CNC programming

Grinding tools

Shadowgraph/optical comparator

Job description

The Trainee Toolroom Technician is a vital developmental role within the manufacturing operation, designed to bridge the gap between design concepts and machine capability. This highly technical position focuses on learning the precision engineering, maintenance, and programming of all cutter blocks and tooling. By developing skills to design accurate digital templates and grind flawless profiles, the trainee will eventually ensure that the CNC moulder operates at peak performance, safely producing perfect components from the very first run.

Key Responsibilities

• Precision Tool and Profile Grinding (Under Supervision):
• Set up and operate manual or automated profile grinders to manufacture, modify, and sharpen high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide cutter knives.
• Learn to interpret engineering drawings to ensure all finished tooling profiles exactly match the required component shapes with micro-level accuracy.
• Mount, balance, and align cutter blocks securely to eliminate run-out and ensure operational safety.
• CAD Design & Template Fabrication:
• Utilise 2D CAD software to design highly accurate templates and profile shapes.
• Translate physical customer wood samples or complex engineering drawings into clean, dimensionally stable digital geometry.
• Operate template-making machinery to produce the physical templates used for subsequent profile grinding and quality control inspection.
• CNC Programming and Simulation;
• Learn to write, edit, and optimise CNC programs specifically tailored for multi-spindle moulding machines.
• Input correct spindle sequences, axial/radial positions, and optimum feed rates into the control interface.
• Run software simulations prior to live production to proactively identify and prevent machine collisions or tool damage.
• Advanced Tool Verification & Quality Control:
• Operate a shadowgraph (optical comparator) and digital measuring equipment (micrometers, calipers) to inspect tool geometry against original design specs.
• Verify that correct clearance, radial, and rake angles are achieved before releasing tools to the production floor.
• Document inspection data and maintain quality logs to ensure total compliance and consistency across production batches.
• Collaborative Problem Solving:
• Partner closely with Moulder Operators to diagnose tooling-related defects, premature tool wear, or machine vibration issues.
• Assist in adjusting programming parameters or tweaking template designs to improve tool longevity and surface finish quality.
• Participate in root-cause analysis sessions to resolve recurring manufacturing or material difficulties.
• Organize, catalogue, and securely store cutter blocks, raw profile steel, templates, and spare parts within a designated indexing system.
• Perform basic preventative maintenance on toolroom machinery, including cleaning, lubricating, and monitoring coolant levels.
• Maintain a pristine, safe, and hazard-free workspace adhering strictly to 5S workplace organisation standards.

Training and Professional Development:

• Commit fully to a structured learning pathway, working closely with an assigned mentor to sign off on technical competencies.
• Attend and actively engage in all required internal or external training modules.
• Proactively seek feedback from senior staff to continuously develop manual machining, CAD, and troubleshooting capabilities.

Teamwork & Communication:

• Work effectively with operators, team leaders, maintenance personnel.
• Communicate issues or concerns clearly and promptly.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Contribute to team objectives and support colleagues where required.

Additional Duties:

• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by management, appropriate with the nature, level and responsibilities of the role.
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting wider operational and business requirements as necessary.

Competitive Depending on Experience + Benefits

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended from time to time to reflect changing business needs, following appropriate consultation where required.

An interest in engineering, manufacturing or woodworking, demonstrated through education, personal projects, hobbies or work experience.A practical approach and enjoyment of hands‑on tasks, such as making, assembling or repairing items.Confidence with basic maths and measurements, including dimensions, decimals and angles.Attention to detail and a patient, methodical approach to completing tasks accurately.Basic computer skills and an interest in learning technical software, including CAD and CNC systems.An interest in problem‑solving, understanding how things work and identifying why something may not be working correctly.