Tool Designer & CNC Programmer in Blackburn

Founded in 1975, with its head office in Blackburn, England, PPE operates manufacturing facilities in the UK and the US, plus sales offices and Channel Partner networks across the US, Europe and Asia. PPE manufactures high-performance O-rings and sealing components using advanced elastomer materials and precision designs that extend equipment life. Seals are critical to the function of industrial systems, and PPE’s solutions are trusted in the most demanding environments. Today, PPE offers over 200 elastomer grades used globally across industries such as oil & gas, chemical processing, food and pharma manufacturing, marine and power generation, aerospace, and semiconductors. The company’s success is built on the continual development of new elastomer materials combined with exceptional levels of customer service and technical support.

Location: PPE Ltd, Blackburn. On-site. Hybrid opportunities following probation

Employment Type: Full-Time

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Hours: 08.30am - 17.00am

Salary: £35,000.00 - £40,000.00 + annual bonus scheme

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Tool Designer and CNC Programmer with a strong background in SolidWorks and SolidCAM for both turning and milling operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in designing and manufacturing mould tools, be fluent in English, and possess hands-on experience with CNC machine operation and programming.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design precision tools and moulds using SolidWorks
• Create and optimise CNC programs using SolidCAM for turning and milling.
• Interpret and work from detailed engineering drawings and specifications.
• Collaborate with tooling manufacture and operations teams to ensure designs are practical and cost-effective.
• Troubleshoot and refine tool designs, tool use and machining processes.
• Maintain documentation and records of designs, revisions, and production processes.
• Manage workload and key stakeholders
• Support with RFQ’s, providing tooling estimates and lead times

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in tool design and CNC programming.
• Proficient in SolidWorks and SolidCAM, or similar.
• Strong understanding of mould tool design and manufacturing.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings accurately, and understanding of GD&T.
• Experience in the continuous improvement of techniques and methods within tooling design, programming and manufacture and the application of new technologies.
• Experience with CNC machine operation (turning and milling).
• Fluent in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong team working ability, as well as independently managing work load.

Preferred Attributes:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field, or HND equivalent.
• Familiarity with CAM simulation and verification tools.
• Knowledge of materials and machining processes relevant to mould tool manufacturing.
• Experience in using ERP systems, preferably JD Edwards
• Experience with PDM systems, preferably Adept

Typical Duties:

• Create detailed 3D tool and component designs using SolidWorks.
• Develop complete 2D manufacturing drawings, tolerances, GD&T, BOMs, and assembly documentation.
• Design compression mould tooling components such as cavity blocks, cores, inserts, plates, guide systems, and ejector arrangements.
• Perform design and operation feasibility checks as part of a cross-functional team including parting line evaluation, shrinkage considerations, and manufacturability assessments.
• Review specifications, models, and technical requirements to ensure design compliance.
• Conduct design reviews with engineering, tooling, and industrialisation teams.
• Optimise tool designs for performance, durability, and ease of machining/maintenance.

CAM Programming & CNC Responsibilities:

• Generate CNC toolpaths using SolidCAM software.
• Select effective machining strategies for roughing, semi‐finishing, and finishing of mould surfaces.
• Validate toolpaths using simulation and collision detection tools.
• Choose appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, and work‐holding to maximise efficiency and surface quality.
• Support CNC machinists during setup, prove‐out, first‐article runs, and troubleshooting.
• Continuously optimise toolpaths for cycle‐time reduction and improved tool life.

ERP & PDM Responsibilities:

• Create and manage part numbers, BOMs, and routing information within the ERP system.
• Ensure all tool designs, revisions, and related documents are stored and controlled via the PDM system.
• Maintain traceability of tooling revisions and approvals.
• Generate job cards, production orders, and material requisitions via ERP workflows.
• Ensure alignment between design documentation and manufacturing data across systems.

Manufacturing & Production Support:

• Provide technical support to machinists, toolmakers, and engineering.
• Review and update designs based on feedback from mould trials, tool testing, or production issues.
• Participate in root‐cause analysis for tooling failures or dimensional issues.
• Assist in tool assembly, validation, and functional testing when needed.
• Collaborate with quality teams for CMM reports, inspection routines, and dimensional sign‐off.

Continuous Improvement & General Duties:

• Develop and implement best practices in tooling design and CNC programming.
• Evaluate new CAM strategies, cutting tools, coatings, and machining technologies.
• Maintain machine shop standards for safety, documentation, and workflow efficiency.
• Support cost‐reduction initiatives through improved design and manufacturing methods.
• Train team members on CAD/CAM workflows, design standards, or new technologies.

Person Specification:

• Drive for Results: Is a motivated and driven individual who delivers results in their particular area of responsibility. Will overcome obstacles and deal with issues to ensure performance targets are hit.
• Decision Quality: Makes good quality decisions that bring about a positive response on their particular area and are in-line with IDEX values. Decisions are usually correct especially when working more remotely on their particular shift pattern.
• Communication: Is able to use strong communication techniques to build rapport and trust with their team and can show empathy when needed. Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles. Adapts communication style appropriately for different situations.
• Developing Self / Team: Is personally committed to improve self. Works on compensating for own weaknesses and links this to their team. Seeks feedback and acts upon it putting in place plans where required for development.
• Adaptability/ Managing Change: Works to try and understand and change, differing opinions and perceptions. Gains trust and buy in to make improvements. Helps create a team culture which supports new ways of doing things.
• Interpersonal Skills: Is approachable and works on resolving conflict, uses active listening skills to put team members at ease and keeps their own emotions under control.
• Cost Consciousness: Is aware of costs both people and materials and works hard to make improvements to control costs.
• Ethics: Treats others with respect and integrity.