At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop innovative tools and equipment for manufacturing processes.
- Company: Join Leidos, a global leader in engineering and technology solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with global travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the automotive industry with cutting-edge tooling design.
- Qualifications: Experience in automotive tooling and proficiency in design software like Solidworks.
The predicted salary is between 44700 - 57300 £ per year.
As a Senior Lead Tooling Design Engineer, you will be responsible for the design and development of tools, fixtures, and equipment used in manufacturing processes. You will work closely with in-house engineers and the wider Leidos cross‑functional teams to ensure that the tools and equipment are designed to meet quality, efficiency, and safety standards. Additionally, due to the seasonal nature of work in the automotive industry, you will be required to work with the Technical Applications team to develop your skills as an Applications Engineer with the potential to work across all of the sectors that Leidos delivers to.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Within a design team, lead, collaborate and innovate to create detailed tooling designs, including fixtures, jigs, clamps, and other specialized equipment required for manufacturing processes.
- Lead a team of in‑house UK / Indian engineers and/or sub‑contract labour throughout the design process.
- Agree project design and engineering deliverables and priorities with Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Support ongoing review and management of technical project progress.
- Produce regular hours tracking reports with design teams as required by Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Work closely with other team leaders/members in the Engineering Department to share knowledge and ensure best practice.
- Assist Engineering Manager / Technical Lead with scheduling of projects/resource as required.
- Collate information for operation and maintenance manuals.
- Produce operation and maintenance manuals.
- Provide out of hours support as required.
- Technically lead and engage with remote teams in the UK and across the world.
- Ensure a no‑fault forward engineering output philosophy is strictly adhered to.
- Produce scheme drawings and layouts for evaluation against customer specifications.
- Produce 3D models.
- Produce detailed mechanical manufacturing drawings.
- Evaluate basic designs through power and stress calculations, and for cost effectiveness and ease of manufacture and maintenance.
- Complete stress analysis (FEA), design risk assessments (DRA), and failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA).
- Work to Company procedures and specific instructions at all times.
- Ensure work is completed within the hours and deadlines agreed with the Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Highlight all constraints/issues that may impact on engineering deadlines and project timing plans.
- Immediately communicate any engineering constraints/issues to Engineering Manager / Technical Lead.
- Attend regular project and design reviews and provide accurate feedback on timings and completion of work to Engineering Manager / Technical Lead and projects team.
- Identify and highlight areas where additional support may be required to ensure timely and accurate completion of work.
- Complete CCARs on all occasions where timing plans/engineering hours are affected in line with Company procedures.
- Continually build relationships with internal stakeholders to achieve the successful completion of projects.
- Provide engineering support in the development of schemes and specifications for sales quotations and bid returns.
- Provide engineering support during manufacture and installation as required.
- Complete site surveys at customer facilities and attend customer‑led meetings as required.
- Based in the UK, working out of the Wickford office. Working on a three days in office, two days from home basis.
- Follow Group and Company policies and procedures at all times.
- Use all Company equipment and personal PPE properly and in accordance with Company procedures.
- Report all health and safety issues and concerns to your line manager and/or a Health and Safety Representative in a timely and professional manner.
- Familiarise oneself with and adhere to the Company’s Equality Policy at all times.
- All employees must conduct themselves in accordance with our Corporate Company Values and Business Ethics at all times.
- May be required to work out of our UK sites for several weeks at a time.
- Leidos are a global operator and therefore UK and Global travel will be required.
- Work overtime as necessary to achieve deadlines.
Requirements
- Proven experience in Automotive Tooling or Mechanical Handling.
- Manufacturing Automation methods and processes.
- Value for money and current market value.
- Supplier base knowledge.
- Understanding of project costs – design, management, manufacture, installation etc.
- Time‑served apprenticeship or equivalent experience.
- HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience.
- Highly organised & self‑motivated.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Sound understanding of MS Office packages.
- Proficient in Solidworks, AutoCAD or Inventor.
- Team player.
- Good technical literacy skills.
- Adaptable & flexible.
Desirable
- Experience using Catia.
- Knowledge of current industry materials handling systems best practice for automotive & general industry.
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Pay Range £44,700.00-£57,300.00
Senior Tooling Design Engineer in Wickford employer: Leidos
Leidos is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Senior Tooling Design Engineer role based in Wickford. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills as an Applications Engineer while working alongside talented teams across various sectors. The company offers a flexible working arrangement of three days in the office and two days from home, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, along with competitive compensation and a commitment to safety and equality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Tooling Design Engineer in Wickford
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Leidos.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Leidos love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Leidos and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Tooling Design Engineer in Wickford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Leidos and the Senior Tooling Design Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leidos
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Leidos.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Leidos.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Leidos, making you a more appealing candidate.
