Jig and Tooling Engineer in London
About the role
Location: Coventry
Commutable from Rugby, Leamington Spa and Kenilworth
Salary: £50,000 to £70,000 + benefits
Working hours: Monday to Friday, days
About the Company
Our client is a leading provider of precision machining solutions to the automotive, heavy truck, rail, construction and trailer industries. With a strong focus on quality, flexibility, continuous improvement and customer service, they are investing in their future manufacturing capability through the relocation and expansion of their operations into Coventry. As part of this growth, they are seeking an experienced Jig & Tooling Design Engineer to support new projects through the design, development and continuous improvement of work-holding fixtures solutions across their CNC machining operations.
About the Role
Reporting to the Technical Director, the Jig & Tool Design Engineer will play a key role in ensuring robust, repeatable and efficient machining processes through the development of high-quality tooling and fixture solutions. Working closely with Manufacturing Engineers, CNC Programmers and Machinists, you will be responsible for supporting both new product introduction and ongoing process improvements. You will work closely with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure projects run on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and develop work-holding jigs, fixtures and tooling solutions for CNC machining operations.
- Create detailed engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.
- Support new product introduction activities, ensuring tooling solutions are delivered to project timelines.
- Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, reduce set-up times and increase machining efficiency.
- Investigate tooling-related quality issues and implement corrective actions.
- Support fixture standardisation across the manufacturing facility.
- Liaise with tooling suppliers and subcontract manufacturers.
- Assist with process development and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure tooling designs meet quality, safety and production requirements.
- Support cost reduction activities through tooling optimisation and improved manufacturing methods.
- Participate in APQP, PFMEA, Control Plans development, process reviews and engineering improvement projects.
- Maintain tooling records, documentation and revision control.
About You
Essential
- Proven experience within a Jig & Tooling, Tool Design, Manufacturing Engineering or Toolroom Engineering role.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining processes including milling and turning.
- Experience designing and developing fixtures, jigs and workholding solutions.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
- Experience using CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor or similar.
- Strong problem-solving and root cause analysis skills.
- Understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement principles.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to work cross-functionally.
Desirable
- HNC/HND or Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related discipline.
- Experience within automotive, rail, heavy vehicle, off-highway or precision engineering sectors.
- Knowledge of IATF16949 and ISO9001 manufacturing environments.
- Exposure to APQP, PPAP and NPI processes.
- CNC programming or machining experience.
How to Apply
To apply for the Jig and Tooling Engineer position, click Apply Now and upload your CV. A member of our recruitment team will contact you to discuss your application and next steps.
Your tasks
Design and develop innovative tooling solutions for CNC machining operations.
Your profile
Experience in jig and tooling design, strong CAD skills, and problem-solving abilities.
What's also included
Competitive salary, Monday to Friday working hours, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
Tech stack & ways of working
Jig and Tooling Engineer in London employer: Optima UK
As a Jig and Tooling Engineer at our client’s Coventry location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering precision machining solutions across various industries. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. With a commitment to quality and innovation, this is an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a thriving sector.
Your perspectives
Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on cutting-edge manufacturing projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Optima UK, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills
In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company
Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Optima UK specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements
When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Optima UK
Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Optima UK, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Optima UK value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
Locations
- London
