At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the manufacturing and maintenance of precision tooling for aerospace components.
- Company: Join Mettis Aerospace, a leader in precision engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, pension contributions, and free on-site parking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in aerospace while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Apprentice-trained or 5+ years experience in Toolroom; skilled in manual machining.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
About Mettis: We design, manufacture and assemble precision forged and machined components at our fully integrated facility in the heart of the UK. 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.
- Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
- Fulfil a DBS clearance
- Manufacture tooling, including extrusion, mould and finish dies, from raw material to engineering drawings
- 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
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to share knowledge and improve tooling performance
- Participate in risk assessments and follow Safe Systems of Work
- Maintain high housekeeping standards in alignment with 5S principles
Quality Responsibilities:
- 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
- Share expertise across the machining division to improve capability and efficiency
- 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
- Skilled in manual machining operations including milling, turning, grinding and bench work
- Ability to work using own initiative with minimal supervision
- CNC machining knowledge and experience is desirable
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Pension: 3% Employer & 5% Employee contribution
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle to work scheme
- Company events
- Employee referral programme
- Sick pay (after probationary period)
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.
Lead Toolmaker in Redditch employer: Mettis Aerospace
Contact Detail:
Mettis Aerospace Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Toolmaker in Redditch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the aerospace and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your best tooling projects to interviews. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your expertise and passion for precision engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of ISO9001 and material science. Being able to discuss these topics confidently can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Mettis team!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Toolmaker in Redditch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your experience with Toolroom machinery and manual machining operations. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your application for the Lead Toolmaker position. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and qualifications are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mettis Aerospace
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the specific tools and machinery mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with manual milling, turning, and grinding, as well as any CNC machining you've done. This shows you're not just familiar with the tools but can also operate them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Quality Mindset
Since quality is a big deal for Mettis, be prepared to talk about how you've ensured tooling meets high standards in your previous roles. Bring examples of how you've applied ISO9001 principles or conducted inspections to verify dimensions. This will demonstrate your commitment to quality and attention to detail.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your ability to work with engineering and production teams. Share specific instances where you've collaborated to improve tooling performance or reduce lead times. This will show that you’re a team player who values communication and shared knowledge.
✨Emphasise Safety and Standards
Familiarise yourself with Safe Systems of Work and 5S principles, as these are crucial in a manufacturing environment. Be ready to discuss how you've participated in risk assessments or maintained high housekeeping standards in your previous roles. This will reflect your understanding of safety and operational efficiency.