CNC Machinist / Machine Shop Engineer (5-Axis Milling)
Location
Manchester
Reporting To
Machine Shop Team Leader
Job Type
Full-time, Permanent
Salary
Competitive basic annual salary
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated CNC Machinist / Machine Shop Engineer to join our manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting and operating 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling machines, producing high-quality precision components in line with engineering drawings and production requirements.
This role offers the opportunity to work within a modern manufacturing environment, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety and productivity.
Key Responsibilities
CNC Machine Setting and Operation
- Set, prove-out and operate 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC vertical milling machines.
- Produce first-off components and ensure all quality requirements are met before production commences.
- Operate machines efficiently while maintaining quality throughout production runs.
- Prepare and manage tooling, fixtures and production documentation.
- Monitor machine performance and carry out routine maintenance as required.
- Where practical, manage the operation of more than one machine simultaneously.
- Identify manufacturing issues and communicate effectively with Team Leaders, Engineering, Maintenance and Production Planning teams.
Quality and Inspection
- Inspect components to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
- Operate CNC and manual CMM equipment to verify dimensional accuracy.
- Interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Support continuous improvement of quality processes and procedures.
Health, Safety and Continuous Improvement
- Work safely and comply with all company Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Support and maintain 5S, TPM and other continuous improvement initiatives within the machine shop.
- Assist in problem-solving and root-cause analysis activities.
- Identify opportunities for manufacturing and process improvements and communicate recommendations through the appropriate channels.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential
- Time-served engineer or completed engineering apprenticeship.
- Experience setting and operating CNC milling machines.
- Experience with 3, 4 and 5-axis machining centres.
- Strong understanding of machining techniques and engineering practices.
- Knowledge of engineering drawings and manufacturing specifications.
- Understanding of GD&T principles.
- Strong problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Good communication skills and a positive, proactive attitude.
Desirable
- Experience with Mazak or Fanuc control systems.
- Experience operating CNC and manual CMM equipment.
- Knowledge of world-class manufacturing techniques.
- Experience with 5S and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Basic computer literacy and familiarity with production systems and network environments.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- Professional and dependable.
- Quality-focused with pride in workmanship.
- Analytical with strong logical thinking skills.
- Flexible and able to adapt to changing manufacturing priorities.
- Motivated and enthusiastic about engineering.
- A collaborative team player who works effectively across departments.
- Capable of managing multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
Working Requirements
- Flexibility to work shifts and unsociable hours when required to meet production demands.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality and housekeeping.
Shifts
Rotating Double Days (20% Shift Premium)
Employees work a two-week rotating pattern:
Week 1 - Early Shift
- Monday to Friday: 06:00am - 2:00pm
Week 2 - Late Shift
- Monday to Thursday: 1:45pm - 10:15pm
- Friday: 1:00pm - 6:30pm
The above pattern rotates weekly between earlies and lates.
Permanent Nights (30% Shift Premium)
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00pm - 6:15am
- Friday: 6:30pm - 1:00am
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:
Pension
- Scottish Widows Group Personal Pension Scheme (Salary Sacrifice)
- Employer contribution: 5.5%
- Employee contribution: 3.5%
Bonus
- Company Bonus Scheme based on company performance*
Annual Leave
- 25 days annual holiday
- 8 bank/public holidays
- Option to buy or sell up to 5 flexible holiday days per year
Company Sick Pay
- Less than 6 months service: Statutory Sick Pay only
- 6 months to 1 year service: 2 weeks full pay
- 1 to 5 years service: 5 weeks full pay
- 5 to 10 years service: 13 weeks full pay
- Over 10 years service: 30 weeks full pay
Family Benefits
Subject to eligibility and company policy:
- Maternity Pay: 13 weeks full pay plus 26 weeks Statutory Maternity Pay
- Paternity Pay: 2 weeks full pay*
Additional Benefits
- Life Assurance at 4x annual salary (company funded)
- Financial wellbeing support and access to professional pension advice*
- Cycle to Work Scheme via salary sacrifice*
- Occupational Health support*
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 support*
- Perks at Work employee discount platform*
- Free on-site EV charging and secure parking*
- Free hot and cold beverages*
* Non-contractual benefits and subject to company policy.
Equal Opportunities Employer
We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Applications are welcomed from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background.