If you are an experienced Tooling Technician looking to join a well-established heavy engineering company with industry-leading machining capabilities, we would welcome your application.

Tooling Technician vacancy available

Location: Stephenson Engineering, Atherton, Manchester
Department: CNC Machining / Tooling
Reports To: Applications Manager
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Hours

Day Shift – 39 Hours per Week

  • Monday to Thursday: 6:45am – 3:15pm

  • Friday: 6:45am – 2:15pm

Salary £16.00 per hour

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Tooling Technician to support the preparation, assembly, management and maintenance of cutting tools for our large-capacity CNC machining operations.

Working within a heavy engineering environment, you will play a key role in ensuring tooling is accurately assembled, measured, maintained and supplied to machine operators, supporting the efficient machining of large and complex components for industries including Oil & Gas, Nuclear and Heavy Industrial Fabrication.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the central tooling stores, ensuring tooling availability, accuracy and traceability while helping to minimise machine downtime and maximise productivity.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assemble, maintain and prepare cutting tools and tool holders for CNC milling and machining operations.

  • Build and issue tooling from the central tool store in accordance with production requirements.

  • Measure and verify tool lengths and diameters using a tool presetter and other precision measuring equipment.

  • Interpret engineering drawings, tooling specifications and setup instructions to prepare tooling for precision machining operations.

  • Inspect tooling using micrometers, verniers, calipers and other high-precision measuring instruments.

  • Manage tooling inventory, including stock control, regrinds, repairs and replacement tooling.

  • Support CNC machinists by ensuring tooling is available and correctly prepared to minimise setup and changeover times.

  • Diagnose and resolve tooling-related issues efficiently to maintain production schedules.

  • Safely handle, assemble and maintain large tooling assemblies including face mills, boring heads, multi-insert tooling systems and bespoke tool bodies.

  • Maintain high standards of housekeeping, organisation and safety within the tooling and storage areas.

  • Ensure compliance with company quality, health and safety procedures at all times.

Essential Skills and Experience

  • Strong knowledge of cutting tools and tooling systems used in CNC machining environments.

  • Good understanding of drilling, milling, boring and related machining tooling applications.

  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.

  • Competent in the use of manual and digital measuring equipment.

  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

  • Ability to work independently and manage workload effectively.

  • Conscientious approach with a strong sense of responsibility and ownership.

Desirable Experience

  • Previous experience within heavy engineering, Oil & Gas, Nuclear, Construction or Heavy Fabrication sectors.

  • Experience supporting the machining of large-scale components weighing several tonnes.

  • Training or qualifications in CNC machining, mechanical engineering or a related discipline.

  • Knowledge of heavy-duty CNC machining centres, including horizontal mills, vertical mills and gantry machines.

  • Experience with modular tooling systems such as Varilock or equivalent.

Working Environment

This role is based within a busy workshop and tool room environment and will involve:

  • Exposure to machining noise, metal swarf and coolant.

  • Handling and assembly of large and heavy tooling components.

  • Regular standing, bending and manual handling activities.

  • Occasional lifting of tooling and equipment up to 20kg.

  • Working in close proximity to large CNC machine tools and heavy engineering equipment.

Benefits

  • Competitive hourly rate of £16.00 per hour

  • Company pension scheme

  • 33 days annual leave (including statutory bank holidays)

  • Stable, full-time permanent employment

  • Immediate start available

If you are an experienced Tooling Technician looking to join a well-established heavy engineering company with industry-leading machining capabilities, we would welcome your application.

For more information and application process, please call 01942 883046, or email: gary.chamberlain@stephensoneng.co.uk

Please apply in person - no agency applications.

Join the team

Our reputation for quality and reliability is down to our people – people who serve with integrity, take care of each other, and strive to exceed customer expectations.

We are always looking for experienced CNC Machine Operators to join our expanding team based in Atherton, Greater Manchester.

Candidates must be apprentice trained / fully skilled and be able to program, set and operate medium to large capacity CNC lathes, milling centres and vertical borers. Should have knowledge of modern tooling and methods and be able to work with minimum supervision.

Are you interested in this role, or do you have other skills or experience in engineering? Please contact us directly on: 01942 883046, or email: sales@stephensoneng.co.uk

Please apply in person - no agencies.

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