Tooling Designer in Sheffield

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a driven individual to join as a Tooling Designer within McLaren Composite Technology Centre in Sheffield.

As a Composites Tooling Designer, you will play a key role in developing high-quality tooling for composite components used in an advanced automotive production environment. You will work closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to create robust tooling solutions that support efficient, repeatable, and high-volume composite manufacturing. You can expect to work in a fast-paced environment where precision, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving skills are essential. This is a hands-on design role with opportunities to influence part manufacturability and drive improvements in tooling performance and production processes.

What You’ll Do

• Design composite tooling, fixtures, jigs, moulds, and assembly aids to support production of composite components.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and supporting documentation following internal standards and manufacturing best practices.
• Work with engineering teams to review product designs and provide Design for Manufacture (DFM) feedback to ensure efficient tooling and production processes.
• Support prototype and production tooling development from concept through to release.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, production engineering, and tooling technicians to refine tooling designs and address build or process challenges.
• Assist in tooling trials, fit checks, and validation activities, making design adjustments as needed.
• Select appropriate materials and construction methods for moulds, patterns, and fixtures based on component requirements, durability, and production volumes.
• Manage design changes, revisions, and configuration control through PLM/PDM systems.
• Ensure that tooling designs comply with safety, ergonomic, and quality standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on tooling reliability, accuracy, and cycle-time reduction.

What You’ll Bring

• Experience in composite tooling design within automotive, motorsport, aerospace, or a similar manufacturing industry.
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., CATIA, Siemens NX, SolidWorks) with the ability to produce detailed and accurate models and drawings.
• Understanding of composite materials, lay-up methods, curing processes, and relevant manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of tooling materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing processes such as machining, pattern making, and mould fabrication.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, and technical specifications.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to provide practical, production-focused design solutions.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills when working with cross-functional teams.
• High attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple design tasks simultaneously.
• A proactive, solution-driven mindset with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.