Westley Richards & Co – Birmingham
Westley Richards & Co is seeking a Precision Metalworker to join our Actioning department. This role is responsible for the mechanical assembly, timing, and hand-regulation of our bespoke actions—the sophisticated mechanical heart of every Westley Richards firearm.
While this position sits at the centre of traditional gunmaking, the technical requirements are a natural evolution for professionals with a background in Precision Toolmaking, Aerospace Fitting, Horology, or High-End Prototype Engineering.
The Role:
Mechanical Fit, Form & Function at Westley Richards, we utilise high-precision CNC-machined components as our starting point. However, the "Westley Standard" of mechanical perfection is achieved at the bench. You will be responsible for taking these components and refining them into a flawlessly synchronised system.
Key Technical Responsibilities:
- Mechanical Integration: Complete assembly of the action, including the fitting and timing of lock work, triggers, and safety mechanisms.
- Ejector & Lever Regulation: Intricate setup of ejector systems and lever work, ensuring crisp, reliable sequencing and tactile "feedback."
- Precision Hand-Filing: Micro-material removal to achieve perfect metal-to-metal contact and functional geometry that a machine cannot replicate.
- Problem Solving: Troubleshooting complex mechanical sequences to ensure total reliability under all conditions.
- Aesthetic Preparation: Hand-profiling action bodies and external components to ensure the metalwork is prepared for the next stages of stocking and engraving.
Not a Gunmaker? Your Skills May Still Be a Perfect Match.
The "Actioning" process requires a specific type of mechanical sympathy and manual dexterity. We have found that technicians from the following backgrounds possess the exact DNA required for this role:
- Surgical Instrument Makers: Experts in high-precision pivots, hinges, and burr-free finishing.
- Horologists & Watchmakers: Specialists in micro-mechanical logic, spring regulation, and complex timing.
- Tool & Die Makers: Professionals who understand the "last 5%" of fit and function when mating precision parts.
- Vintage Automotive Engineers: Technicians accustomed to "fitting" gears, selectors, and linkages by feel and logic.
- Musical Instrument Technicians (Brass/Woodwind): Experts in the timing of complex mechanical linkages and valves.
Why Westley Richards?
This is an opportunity to apply your engineering mastery to a product where "close enough" does not exist. You will move away from high-volume production to focus on single-unit excellence, taking personal ownership of a mechanical assembly that is designed to function for centuries. We provide a professional, world-class workshop environment in Birmingham, dedicated to the highest tiers of manual craft.
Pay: From £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Free parking
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Birmingham B6 4EH: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Application question(s):
- How many years of experience do you have working as a precision metalworker?
Work Location: In person
