About Mettis
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:
i. Currently hold the legal Right to Work in the UK
ii. Fulfil a DBS clearance
iii. Provide a consistent 5-year UK domicile
iv. 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
Safety Responsibilities
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
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.
Delivery Responsibilities
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
Cost Responsibilities
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
People Responsibilities
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
Business Responsibilities
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)
Required Skills
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)
Benefits
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.