At a Glance
- Tasks: Design large-format moulds and tooling for innovative robotic manufacturing projects.
- Company: Rapid Fusion, a leader in large-format additive manufacturing technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company benefits, and hands-on experience with landmark projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing team and shape the future of manufacturing technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in mould/tooling design and strong 3D CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 38250 - 46750 £ per year.
Location: Exeter, UK (Clyst Honiton) — office-based, with occasional site travel
Travel: Occasional, UK and international | Salary: Competitive, DOE | Type: Full-time, permanent
About Rapid Fusion
Rapid Fusion designs and manufactures large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) systems built around KUKA robotics, serving the defence, aerospace, marine, and commercial sectors. Our Zeus, Apollo, Cerberus, and Medusa platforms are installed at customer sites across the UK and internationally. Rapid Fusion is part of Evolution AM Holdings, alongside Evo 3D and Evolution Media.
The Role
We're looking for an LFAM Mould/Tooling Designer to join our engineering team at our Exeter office. You'll design large-format moulds, patterns and tooling for production on our LFAM robotic platforms, working closely with our applications, materials and manufacturing teams to turn customer requirements into manufacturable, print-ready tooling for sectors including marine, aerospace, defence and industrial composites. This is a hands-on design role at a fast-growing company, offering direct exposure to live customer projects — from large-scale mould tooling for marine and composite applications through to bespoke fixtures and jigs — and the chance to shape best practice in an emerging manufacturing technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Design large-format moulds, tools, patterns, jigs and fixtures for production via LFAM robotic printing (pellet and filament-based systems)
- Translate customer requirements, CAD models and surface data into manufacturable, print-optimised tooling designs
- Apply design-for-additive-manufacturing (DfAM) principles, including toolpath, infill, shrinkage, thermal and post-machining allowances specific to LFAM processes
- Work closely with materials, applications and production engineering colleagues to select appropriate materials (e.g. reinforced pellet composites) for each tooling application
- Prepare detailed design packs, drawings and specifications suitable for internal manufacture and, where relevant, CNC post-machining
- Support slicing/toolpath validation and liaise with software partners and internal teams on build simulation and print strategy
- Contribute to costing and technical proposals for tooling projects, working with sales and commercial colleagues
- Support root-cause investigation and design iteration where print or in-service tooling issues arise
- Maintain design documentation and contribute to the continuous development of Rapid Fusion's tooling design standards and best practice
Requirements
- Proven experience in mould, tooling, pattern or fixture design, ideally within composites, marine, aerospace, automotive or industrial manufacturing
- Strong 3D CAD skills (e.g. SolidWorks, Siemens NX, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor or similar)
- Solid understanding of manufacturing processes and DfM principles; exposure to additive manufacturing, composites layup or large-format tooling highly desirable
- Ability to interpret customer surface data, GD&T and engineering drawings, and to produce clear, manufacture-ready documentation
- Good understanding of materials behaviour (shrinkage, thermal expansion, warping) as it relates to mould/tool design
- Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working on novel, first-of-a-kind tooling challenges
- Clear communicator, able to work cross-functionally with applications, production and commercial teams
- Right to work in the UK
Desirable
- Direct experience designing tooling for large-format/robotic additive manufacturing (LFAM) or 3D-printed patterns and moulds
- Familiarity with slicing software for robotic/LFAM systems (e.g. AI Build or similar)
- Experience in marine, defence or aerospace tooling applications
- Knowledge of CNC post-processing/machining of additively manufactured tooling
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company benefits package
- Direct exposure to landmark projects across defence, marine and aerospace sectors
- Small, fast-moving engineering team with hands-on exposure to cutting-edge robotic manufacturing technology
- Genuine opportunity to grow with a rapidly expanding company
How to Apply
Send your CV and a brief note on your relevant experience to .
LFAM Mould / Tooling Designer in Plymouth employer: Rapid Fusion
Rapid Fusion is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those passionate about cutting-edge technology in the robotics field. With opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience and global travel, employees are empowered to develop their skills while contributing to exciting projects. Located in Exeter, the company offers a supportive environment where teamwork and creativity thrive, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land LFAM Mould / Tooling Designer in Plymouth
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace LFAM Mould / Tooling Designer in Plymouth
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 Rapid Fusion 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 Rapid Fusion
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Rapid Fusion, 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 Rapid Fusion 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.
