Tooling Design Engineer

Jennifer Griffiths Recruitment are exclusively representing our client, in the search for a Tooling Design Engineer to join their team in Cardiff. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or aspiring engineer to develop their skills in tooling design within a specialist manufacturing environment. You will support the design and development of fixtures, masking and tooling used in thermal spray coating processes, working closely with experienced engineering and production teams from initial design through to manufacture and implementation. Key Responsibilities: Designs fixtures, masking and tooling producing 3D models and fully toleranced drawings Select materials and designs that withstand heat, grit blasting and overspray while ensuring accurate coating application and efficient handling. Review new parts with NPI & Qualification to identify tooling requirements for new products and provide cost estimates and lead times for quotations Produce manufacturing drawings, working with the CNC Machining area and external suppliers to ensure tooling is made to cost and timescale, and specifications. Support tooling trials and initial production runs, working with Programming and Production teams to refine designs and resolve any issues. Maintain accurate tooling records, including drawings, revisions and identification registers, ensuring full traceability. Keeps tooling fit for use defining inspection, maintenance and replacement needs for tooling and masking, and acting on wear, damage or repeat issues. Drives continuous improvement by standardising tooling, reducing masking time, set-up time and tooling cost, and improving coating consistency. Support internal, customer and Nadcap audits by maintaining accurate design records and evidence of tooling control. Works safely designing tooling that is safe to handle, load and use, in line with risk assessments and site procedures. About You: Ideally, you will have: An HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Design Engineering, or equivalent practical experience. Experience designing jigs, fixtures or tooling within a manufacturing environment. Strong SolidWorks skills, including 3D modelling, assemblies and engineering drawings. A good understanding of GD&T, engineering drawing standards and tolerances. Knowledge of machining processes and design for manufacture. A practical, hands-on approach with strong attention to detail. Good communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with engineers, machinists, production teams and suppliers. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using ERP systems. Desirable Experience It would be advantageous to have: Experience designing fixtures, masking or tooling for thermal spray, coating, painting, plating or other surface treatment processes. Experience working within aerospace, energy or another regulated manufacturing environment, particularly one operating to AS9100 or Nadcap requirements. Knowledge of high-temperature materials and specialist masking products. Experience with robotic tooling, end effectors or turntable systems. Practical CNC machining or CAM experience. Experience using PDM or engineering drawing management systems. Hours of Work: Staggered day shift pattern to support production, with working hours of either 7:00am–3:30pm or 10:00am–6:30pm. Flexibility is required to work either pattern, on a fixed or rotating basis depending on business needs. Salary: £33,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience. Location: Cardiff Contract: Permanent For more information please contact [email protected] or call our office on 01656 767778.