At a Glance
- Tasks: Manufacture and maintain precision tooling for aerospace components using advanced machinery.
- Company: Join a pioneering aerospace company with over 70 years of innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, and employee perks like free parking and wellness programmes.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that sets industry standards and forges the future of aerospace.
- Qualifications: Apprentice-trained or experienced toolmaker with strong machining skills.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. Our vision is not only to be the best at what we do but to continually set new standards in the industry by investing and innovating. That’s why we have been pioneers in our industry for over seventy years. We are forging the future today.
About the Role
Reporting to the Toolroom Supervisor, the Toolmaker Team Lead will be responsible for manufacturing, maintaining and repairing tooling to precise engineering drawings and tight tolerances. The role supports the manufacture of high‑integrity aerospace components by ensuring all tooling is produced to specification, available when required, and maintained to a high standard.
You will operate a variety of Toolroom machinery, produce extrusion, mould and finish dies, carry out manual machining and bench work, and support breakdowns and preventative maintenance. You will contribute to improved productivity, reduced scrap, and efficient tooling performance across the site.
As a condition of employment successful candidates are required to satisfy ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) compliance and must fulfil the following before commencing this role:
- Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
- Fulfil a DBS clearance
- Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
- Pass Drugs & Alcohol screening at the start of their Mettis employment
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities- Manufacture tooling, including extrusion, mould and finish dies, from raw material to engineering drawings
- Produce single stage clip tools as required
- Operate Toolroom machinery including manual milling, manual turning and surface grinders
- Carry out polishing to 320‑grit finish and manual compensation (bench work)
- Support preventative maintenance activities and complete service and repair tasks
- Provide tooling support during breakdowns to minimise downtime
- Work to tight tolerances and ensure tooling meets required specifications
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to share knowledge and improve tooling performance
- Comply with all PPE, EHS and legislative requirements
- Participate in risk assessments and follow Safe Systems of Work
- Maintain high housekeeping standards in alignment with 5S principles
- Ensure tooling is produced to the correct quality standard
- Apply knowledge of ISO9001 and quality principles in day‑to‑day activities
- Conduct inspection and verification of tooling dimensions.
- Produce tooling in line with production schedules and operational needs
- Support machining and forging teams with timely tooling availability
- Participate in improvement activities to reduce lead times and enhance reliability
- Contribute to scrap and waste reduction through accuracy and attention to detail
- Support efficiency improvements including reduced cutting times and optimised tooling life
- Share expertise across the machining division to improve capability and efficiency
- Demonstrate teamwork, collaboration and clear communication across departments
- Engage positively with colleagues and contribute to a supportive working environment
- Actively participate in team communication, involvement and engagement activities
- Respond proactively to business change initiatives
- Role model the company’s Vision, Mission and Values
- Act as an ambassador for Mettis Aerospace
Qualifications
- Apprentice-trained, time-served toolmaker, or a minimum of five years' experience in a Toolroom environment
- Experience within hot metal or heavy manufacturing environments (aerospace or automotive preferred)
- Foundation understanding of material science and metallurgy
- Ability to interpret technical engineering drawings
- Competent in the use of measuring equipment (micrometers, height gauges, imperial and metric)
- Confident communicator able to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- Skilled in manual machining operations including milling, turning, grinding and bench work
- Ability to work using own initiative with minimal supervision
- Commitment to integrity, teamwork and continuous improvement
- CNC machining knowledge and experience is desirable
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Redditch, Worcestershire (on site, 5 days: M-T 07:30 – 16:30 & F 07:30 – 12:30)
Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
Employee benefits, rewards, and wellbeing platform (Perkbox)
Free on-site parking
Cycle to work scheme
Bereavement leave
Company events
Employee referral programme
Sick pay (after probationary period)
This job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed periodically in agreement with the job holder. The postholder must comply with all policies and procedures issued by or on behalf of Mettis Aerospace.
Mettis Aerospace is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Toolmaker in Redditch employer: Mettis Aerospace Limited
Contact Detail:
Mettis Aerospace Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Toolmaker in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Mettis Aerospace and understand their vision and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info about the company culture and even lead to referrals, which can boost your chances of landing that Toolmaker role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your manual machining skills and be ready to discuss your experience with tooling and engineering drawings. Demonstrating your expertise will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re proactive and serious about joining the Mettis Aerospace team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Toolmaker in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in toolmaking and any relevant skills. Use keywords from the job description to show that you’re a perfect fit for the Toolmaker role.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your previous jobs; explain how your skills in manual machining, interpreting engineering drawings, and teamwork have made a difference in your past roles. We want to see what you can bring to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mettis Aerospace Limited
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the specific tools and machinery you'll be using. Familiarise yourself with manual milling, turning, and grinding techniques, as well as any CNC machining experience you might have. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Understand the Specifications
Before the interview, take some time to review engineering drawings and understand tight tolerances. Be prepared to explain how you ensure tooling meets specifications and how you handle quality checks. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've worked effectively within a team. Be ready to discuss how you communicate with cross-functional teams and contribute to a positive working environment. This will highlight your ability to fit into their company culture.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Safety is paramount in manufacturing, especially in aerospace. Brush up on your knowledge of PPE, EHS requirements, and 5S principles. Be prepared to discuss how you maintain high housekeeping standards and participate in risk assessments, as this will show your commitment to a safe workplace.