BEFORE APPLYING, PLEASE NOTE OUR ADDRESS, AND YOU CAN HAVE THE INTERVIEW IN PERSON. POSTCODE TA3 6QP -NO AGENCIES OR OVERSEAS APPLICANTS.
Benchdogs Ltd is looking for a reliable and experienced CNC Milling Machine Operator to join our production team.
The main responsibility will be setting up, operating and monitoring CNC milling machines to manufacture accurate components, primarily from aluminium and other metals.
The role includes preparing materials, selecting and changing tooling, loading and unloading machines, checking finished components and assisting with other production duties when required.
Previous CNC milling experience would be beneficial. Training will be provided on our specific machinery, tooling, software, production procedures and health and safety requirements.
This is a hands-on and physically active position. It involves regular manual handling of metal stock, machined components, tooling, fixtures and finished products. Some items may be heavy, bulky or awkward to handle.
Applicants must be able to undertake the essential physical duties of the role safely. These include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, loading machinery and working on their feet for extended periods.
Mechanical handling equipment, lifting aids and team-lifting procedures must be used whenever required. Reasonable adjustments will be considered where appropriate.
Main responsibilities
- Setting up and operating CNC milling machines.
- Loading and selecting the correct CNC programs.
- Checking programs, tooling and machine settings before production begins.
- Preparing and loading aluminium and other metal stock.
- Securing materials using the correct vices, fixtures and workholding methods.
- Selecting, fitting and changing cutting tools.
- Setting machine origins, work offsets and tooling information.
- Carrying out tool-length and work-position checks.
- Monitoring machining operations to ensure components are produced correctly.
- Adjusting feeds, speeds and tooling offsets where authorised and required.
- Reading and working from engineering drawings and production instructions.
- Checking tolerances and dimensions throughout the machining process.
- Using verniers, micrometres, callipers, gauges and other measuring equipment.
- Inspecting finished components to ensure they meet the required quality standards.
- Identifying worn or damaged tooling and arranging replacement when required.
- Removing swarf and cleaning components safely.
- Deburring, cleaning and finishing machined parts.
- Carrying out routine machine checks, cleaning and basic maintenance.
- Checking coolant levels, lubrication systems and tooling condition.
- Recording completed jobs, quantities and rejected components.
- Reporting machine faults, damaged tooling and quality issues promptly.
- Keeping CNC machinery and surrounding work areas clean, organised and safe.
- Assisting with assembly, packing, dispatch and other production duties when reasonably required.
- Following all company health and safety procedures.
Training
Training will be provided on our specific CNC milling machinery and production processes, including:
- CNC machine setup and operation.
- Loading and selecting CNC programs.
- Tool selection and tool-changing procedures.
- Setting machine origins, work offsets and tool offsets.
- Safe workholding and component-loading procedures.
- Machine guarding and emergency-stop procedures.
- Coolant, lubrication and swarf-management procedures.
- Manual handling and the safe movement of materials.
- Quality control and component inspection.
- Routine machine checks and basic maintenance.
Applicants must be willing to learn new machinery and processes, follow instructions and complete any necessary internal or external training.
Manual handling requirements
This position involves regular manual handling and the movement of metal stock, tooling, vices, fixtures, machined components and finished products.
Some items may be heavy, large or awkward to handle. Applicants must be able to carry out the essential manual-handling duties of the role safely and consistently.
Employees will be required to:
- Follow all manual-handling training, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Assess materials, components and tooling before attempting to move them.
- Use lifting equipment, trolleys, forklifts or other handling aids where provided.
- Use team-lifting procedures when an item cannot be moved safely by one person.
- Avoid attempting to lift or move any load that cannot be handled safely.
- Store metal stock, tooling and completed components securely.
- Keep machine-loading areas and access routes clear.
- Report damaged handling equipment or unsafe storage immediately.
Manual handling is an essential part of this role. Applicants should consider whether they can undertake these duties safely, with any reasonable adjustments that may be appropriate.
Health and safety responsibilities
The successful applicant will be expected to:
- Follow all company health and safety policies, risk assessments and safe systems of work.
- Operate CNC machinery only after receiving the necessary training and authorisation.
- Complete pre-use machine safety checks.
- Ensure guards, doors, interlocks and emergency stops are operating correctly.
- Never bypass machine guards, interlocks or safety controls.
- Wear the required personal protective equipment.
- Follow machine isolation and lock-off procedures.
- Ensure the machine is isolated before carrying out authorised maintenance or entering hazardous areas.
- Keep hands, clothing and loose items away from moving machinery.
- Handle cutting tools and sharp components safely.
- Follow safe procedures for removing metal swarf and offcuts.
- Never remove swarf by hand.
- Follow procedures for the safe use and handling of coolants and lubricants.
- Clean coolant or oil spills promptly using the correct procedures.
- Stop the machine immediately if a fault, unusual noise or unsafe condition is identified.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and organised working environment.
- Report accidents, near misses, damaged equipment and health and safety concerns promptly.
Skills and experience
Essential
- Previous experience working in a manufacturing, engineering or metalworking environment.
- Experience operating industrial machinery.
- A good understanding of workplace health and safety.
- An understanding of safe manual-handling practices.
- The ability to read engineering drawings, measurements and production instructions.
- The ability to use measuring and inspection equipment.
- Basic computer skills.
- Good attention to detail.
- The ability to identify dimensional or quality issues.
- The ability to work independently and as part of a production team.
- A reliable, flexible and responsible approach to work.
- A willingness to assist with other production duties when required.
Desirable
- Previous CNC milling machine operating experience.
- Experience setting CNC milling machines.
- Experience working with aluminium and other metals.
- Experience selecting cutting tools, feeds and speeds.
- Experience setting work offsets and tool offsets.
- Experience using vices, fixtures and other workholding equipment.
- Experience reading engineering drawings and working to specified tolerances.
- Experience using verniers, micrometers, callipers and gauges.
- Experience with CAD or CAM software.
- Experience carrying out routine CNC machine maintenance.
- A current forklift licence or recognised forklift training certificate.
A forklift licence would be useful but is not essential. Forklift training may be considered for the right applicant.
Other duties
Production requirements may change, and the successful applicant may be asked to assist in other areas of the business when reasonably required.
Additional duties may include:
- Deburring and finishing components.
- Product assembly.
- Drilling, tapping and other secondary machining operations.
- Cleaning and inspecting components.
- Packing and labelling orders.
- Preparing products for dispatch.
- Moving and organising materials.
- Carrying out stock checks.
- Maintaining clean and tidy production areas.
- Assisting other machine operators and production departments.
Travel to work
Our premises are in a rural location and are not served by convenient public transport, particularly during the required working hours.
Applicants must therefore be able to make reliable arrangements to travel to and from work for every scheduled shift. On-site parking is available.
What we offer
- Full-time, permanent employment.
- Monday-to-Friday working hours.
- Training on our CNC milling machines and production processes.
- Manual-handling and machine-safety training.
- A clean and organised manufacturing environment.
- Company pension.
- On-site parking.
- Opportunities to learn additional machinery and develop engineering and manufacturing skills.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a brief description of your experience operating CNC milling machines, other CNC machinery or industrial manufacturing equipment.
Please include details of any experience with CNC machine setting, engineering drawings, measuring equipment, CAD or CAM software, forklifts or metal machining.
Benchdogs Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. Applications will be considered based on the skills, experience and ability required to undertake the role. Reasonable adjustments will be considered throughout the recruitment process and employment.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £28,000.00-£38,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Are you able to commute to work in Taunton TA3 6QP daily?
- Do you have the right to work in the UK?
- Do you currently hold a valid forklift licence or recognised forklift training certificate?
Experience:
- CNC Milling Machine: 2 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
