Tooling Design Engineer

Tooling Design Engineer Bedfordshire Contract | On-site 4-day working week (Mon-Thurs) + flexible working SC Clearance Required About the Role We're recruiting a Tooling Design Engineer to join a fast-paced Special Projects programme. This team operates at the heart of advanced defence and aerospace manufacturing, supporting complex products from early design through production and end-of-life. You'll be part of a highly capable Operations Engineering team, providing tooling and manufacturing engineering expertise across prototype, development and full-rate production programmes. This is a hands-on engineering role with genuine influence on manufacturability, quality, and cost. In return, we offer an exciting technical challenge, exposure to cutting edge defence programmes, and an excellent work/life balance built around a four day working week. What You'll Be Doing Design and develop manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures and machine attachments for production and experimental use Support tooling solutions across NC machining, composite lay up and fabrication processes Take tooling designs from concept through detailed design to production release Create technical requirement specifications, detailed drawings and process instructions Produce manufacturing BOMs and routings to support efficient build Apply DFM/A and PFMEA principles to reduce cost and improve yield Actively contribute to Mission Directed Work Team (MDWT Level 1 & 2) meetings Support capital investment activities from definition through acceptance Work closely with Industrial Engineering, Production Engineering and Operations teams Drive a right first time quality mindset and continuous improvement culture What We're Looking For Essential Experience & Skills Background in tooling design within a manufacturing environment Broad manufacturing knowledge including CNC machining, composites, fabrication, mechanical assembly or additive manufacturing Strong CAD experience using CREO, producing 3D models and detailed technical drawings Experience managing data and change control using Windchill (or similar PDM tools) Ability to produce drawings to BS8888 Solid understanding of GD&T, including datum structures and key characteristics Experience creating manufacturing instructions, BOMs and routings Ability to derive tooling requirements directly from product requirementsDesirable Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma tools Experience supporting production environments in regulated or safety critical industries Key Personal Competencies Strong analytical and problem solving skills Confident communicator who can influence stakeholders at all levels Collaborative team player with the ability to work across functions Independent thinker with the confidence to challenge on quality and customer requirements Proven experience driving process, behavioural or cultural improvement Security Clearance SC clearance required to start Candidates must be eligible to hold UK security clearance Why Join? 4 day working week (Mon-Thurs) supporting work/life balance Exposure to high profile, technically complex defence programmes Strong focus on engineering quality, innovation and continuous improvement Opportunities for career development and progression