Machine Operator – Day Shift
Location: Small Dole, Henfield BN5 9XR
Pay: £12.80–£14.20 per hour (based on experience)
Hours: No less than 41.25 per week | Day Shift | Monday to Friday
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Join the Team at CutMy.co.uk
At CutMy.co.uk, we’re transforming how people do DIY—making it simple, sustainable, and satisfying. We live by our CARE values: Communication, Action, Respect, and Empowerment. With a strong focus on quality, we take pride in getting every detail right the first time. If you're someone who thrives on precision, cares deeply about craftsmanship, and wants to be part of a positive, growing team—this role is for you.
About the Role
As a Junior Machine Engineer on our Day Shift, you’ll play a hands-on role in operating, maintaining and optimising key production machinery; including CNC machines, beam saws, laser cutters and edgebanders.
This is an ideal opportunity for an engineering graduate who combines strong technical understanding with hands-on machining capability.
You’ll be responsible for machine set-up, operation, fault finding, preventative maintenance and ensuring consistently high-quality output. Working closely with the wider production team, you’ll help maximise machine performance, minimise downtime and contribute to continuous process improvement.
What You’ll Do
- Operate and Set Up Machinery: Set up, adjust and operate CNC machines, beam saws, laser cutters and edgebanders to produce high-quality custom components to specification.
- Carry Out Machine Maintenance: Perform routine preventative maintenance, machine checks, calibration and minor repairs to ensure reliable performance and reduce downtime.
- Troubleshoot and Resolve Issues: Diagnose machine faults, identify root causes of performance issues and take corrective action or escalate where required.
- Monitor Quality and Accuracy: Carry out in-process and final inspections to ensure all dimensions, finishes and tolerances meet required standards.
- Optimise Machine Performance: Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, machine efficiency and production workflows through technical adjustments and process improvements.
- Support Engineering Improvements: Work with senior engineers and production teams to assist with machine upgrades, tooling improvements and process development initiatives.
- Maintain Safe Working Standards: Follow health & safety procedures, machine operating standards and 5S principles to maintain a safe and organised workshop environment.
- Collaborate Across Production: Communicate effectively with operators, engineers and supervisors to ensure production targets and quality standards are achieved.
Who You Are
- Technically Qualified: You hold an engineering qualification (mechanical, manufacturing, production or similar) or have equivalent hands-on experience in a machining or manufacturing environment.
- Hands-On with CNC and Machinery: You have practical experience operating and setting up CNC or similar manufacturing machinery.
- Mechanically Minded: You can confidently carry out basic maintenance, fault finding and machine adjustments.
- Problem Solver: You can diagnose issues, think logically and take practical action to keep machines running efficiently.
- Quality Focused: You take pride in producing accurate, high-standard work and maintaining tight tolerances.
- Eager to Develop: You’re keen to build your engineering capability, learn new machinery and develop your technical expertise.
- Reliable Team Player: You work well with others, communicate clearly and bring a proactive attitude to every shift.
Skills & Experience
- Engineering qualification (HNC/HND, apprenticeship, degree or equivalent)
- Hands-on CNC machining and machine set-up experience
- Experience carrying out routine machine maintenance and basic fault finding
- Ability to read technical drawings and work to precise specifications
- Understanding of manufacturing tolerances and quality control processes
- Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
Desirable
- CNC programming knowledge
- Experience with beam saws, laser cutters or edgebanders
- Experience working with wood, acrylic or composite materials
- Knowledge of preventative maintenance systems
- Forklift licence
- Experience in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing environments
What We Offer
- Competitive Pay: £12.80–£14.20 per hour, based on experience
- Preferential Overtime Rates: Enhanced rates for additional hours worked
- Training & Development: On-the-job training with opportunities to build new technical skills
- Career Progression: Clear paths to Senior Machine Engineer, Team Leader, or Production Manager roles
- Positive Culture: A respectful, zero-tolerance environment where high standards and good people thrive
- Perks & Benefits:
- Company pension
- On-site parking
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
Ready to Cut Through the Ordinary?
If you're a recent engineering graduate we’d love to hear from you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.80-£14.20 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Small Dole: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- "Why are you interested in becoming a machine engineer?”
- “Please list machines you have had experience operating"
- “What do you believe are the most important safety practices when working with machinery?”
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
