At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and develop cutting-edge composite tooling for luxury yachts using advanced CAD modelling.
- Company: Join Sunseeker International, a leader in innovative yacht craftsmanship.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with stunning coastal views and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team creating world-class yachts and shaping the future of marine engineering.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and 5+ years in composite tooling design required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
About Sunseeker International
Sunseeker was founded on a bold vision: to create a new kind of yacht and redefine what was possible on the water.
From our earliest designs in 1967, we’ve pushed boundaries and reshaped the motor yacht industry through innovation, craftsmanship and relentless ambition.
At the heart of every Sunseeker lies a legacy of expert hands and meticulous attention to detail, skills refined and passed down through generations.
These are the qualities that set our yachts apart - and the qualities that continue to drive our craft today.
In a world increasingly defined by automation, we remain committed to building hand‑crafted, hand‑finished boats.
With over 1,800 talented team members across our busy shipyards - from long‑serving specialists to more than 180 apprentices - our Sunseeker workforce reflects the strength, diversity and pride of our local community.
It’s this blend of heritage, skill and passion that makes our shipyards unlike any other place in the world.
Who We Are Seeking
At Sunseeker International, we are looking for an experienced and innovative CAD Composite Tooling Engineer to join our Development team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled engineering professional with a strong background in composite tooling design and advanced CAD modelling to play a key role in the development of world-class luxury performance yachts.
We are seeking someone who combines technical expertise with a practical manufacturing mindset, capable of delivering high-quality tooling solutions that support production efficiency, quality, and continuous improvement.
You will thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with Design, Production, Quality and Supply Chain teams to bring complex composite structures from concept through to production.
A Day in the Life
No two days are the same in this challenging and rewarding role.
One day you may be developing detailed 3D CAD models and tooling surfaces for a major new yacht programme, while the next you could be working alongside manufacturing teams to validate tooling, resolve production issues, or identify opportunities for process improvement.
You will manage tooling projects throughout their lifecycle, liaising with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external tooling partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the highest quality standards.
Your expertise will directly influence the manufacturability, accuracy and efficiency of composite component production across the business.
- Example Responsibilities Include
- Designing and developing composite production moulds, plugs, patterns, jigs, fixtures and trimming tools.
- Creating complex 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings and tooling surface data.
- Developing production-ready tooling solutions that optimise manufacturing performance and quality.
- Applying GD&T principles to tooling and engineering drawings.
- Conducting tooling design reviews, risk assessments and validation activities.
- Supporting manufacturing teams with technical expertise across composite processes including hand lay-up, vacuum bagging, resin infusion, prepreg and RTM technologies.
- Managing CAD data, revision control and engineering change processes.
- Producing manufacturing documentation and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
- Supporting root cause investigations, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managing tooling projects from concept through manufacture and production handover.
- Collaborating with Design, Production, Quality and Supply Chain teams to ensure successful project delivery.
- Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and production readiness reviews.
- To Be Considered for This Role You Should Have
- A Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Composite Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or Product Design Engineering.
- A minimum of five years' experience in composite tooling design and manufacture within a production environment.
- Advanced CAD experience using software such as Siemens NX, CATIA, Solid Works, Autodesk Inventor or Creo.
- Strong knowledge of composite manufacturing processes and tooling techniques.
- Experience designing female and male moulds, master models, plugs, patterns, assembly fixtures, bonding jigs and inspection fixtures.
- A solid understanding of Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles.
- Knowledge of CNC machining requirements, GD&T and dimensional control techniques.
- Excellent problem-solving, communication and project management skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
- Experience within marine, aerospace, automotive or defence composite environments would be advantageous, as would knowledge of FEA, metrology systems, PLM/PDM systems and automated composite manufacturing technologies.
- Sunseeker employees benefit from
With 7 miles of golden sandy beaches, flanked on both sides by the New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast line, working in Poole for a genuinely premiere international brand offers an enviable opportunity to truly live the dream.
All the usual benefits you would expect from a sophisticated manufacturing organisation are available, including:
- A generous company pension scheme - 6% employer contribution
- Private medical insurance, including baby bonus and Digital GP (after 2 years)
- Dental insurance (after 2 years)
- Annual leave increases with continued service
- Health Assured EAP
- Trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Death in service scheme (£)
- Employee discounts with a wide range of third party businesses (up to 30% off) including Perkbox
CAD Composite Tooling Engineer in Poole employer: Sunseeker International
At Sunseeker International, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a vibrant and innovative environment at our Osprey Quay location in Portland, Dorset. Our commitment to craftsmanship and quality is matched by our dedication to employee well-being, with benefits such as a generous pension scheme, private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture that fosters growth and development. Join us and be part of a passionate team where your skills will be valued and your contributions will be celebrated in the world of luxury yacht manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CAD Composite Tooling Engineer in Poole
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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When you find a role at a company you love, like Sunseeker International, 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!
We think you need these skills to ace CAD Composite Tooling Engineer in Poole
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 Sunseeker International 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 Sunseeker International
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Sunseeker International, 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 Sunseeker International 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.
