Overview
We are seeking a Manual Turner Operator to operate manual centre lathes and turning equipment to produce precision machined components to drawing specifications, tolerances, and quality standards. The Manual Turner Operator will also contribute to the general upkeep and effective running of the shop floor, supporting a safe, clean, and productive working environment.
You will be joining an experienced team of both manual and CNC centre lathe turners.
You will receive full training and support on our products and methods of manufacture to assist you in settling into the role.
Alken Systems Ltd is an ISO 9001:2015 accredited Company, we are a well-established subcontract manufacturing business situated in Birch Vale, Derbyshire; with an excellent reputation for quality, service, and on-time delivery.
We have a team of dedicated and skilled employees of whom we are extremely proud. We have a culture of training and development of staff, with an enthusiastic team who are dedicated to the ongoing success and development of the business.
Our core services include Manual and CNC Turning, Vertical Boring, Manual and CNC Milling, Fitting/Assembly, Sheet Metal, Fabrication and Welding.
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time, On site.
Hours of work: Day Shift - Monday to Thursday 08.00-17.00, Friday 08.00-13.00
Overtime available.
Main Duties – Machining and Turning Operations
- Set up and operate manual centre lathes and associated turning equipment in accordance with job travellers, route cards, and engineering drawings.
- Select and fit appropriate cutting tools, inserts, and tooling for each operation, adjusting speeds, feeds, and depths of cut as required.
- Machine components to specified dimensions and tolerances.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances, and surface finish requirements to produce parts to specification.
- Perform in-process inspection using appropriate measuring equipment (micrometers, verniers, bore gauges, etc.) to verify dimensional accuracy throughout production.
- Complete all required job documentation including route cards, inspection records, and time sheets accurately and in a timely manner.
General Shop Floor Duties
- Maintain a clean and tidy working area at all times, following 5S principles and housekeeping standards.
- Carry out daily machine checks and basic preventative maintenance tasks; report any faults, defects, or abnormalities to the supervisor promptly.
- Assist with the movement and handling of materials, stock, and finished components around the shop floor as directed.
- Support the wider team during periods of high workload or absence, including assisting in other machining or production areas where competent to do so.
- Participate in toolbox talks, team briefings, and continuous improvement activities.
- Comply with all company health and safety policies, risk assessments, and safe working procedures at all times.
- Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn correctly and report any H&S concerns to the supervisor immediately.
- Operate bar press and band saw equipment as required to support production, subject to completion of relevant in-house training and sign-off prior to use.
- Assist with stock checks, component identification, and labelling as required.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience operating manual centre lathes in a production or engineering environment.
- Ability to set up from scratch, including selecting tooling and determining appropriate cutting parameters.
- Competent in reading and working to engineering drawings and tolerances.
- Proficient in the use of precision measuring equipment.
- Good awareness of machining best practices and safe working methods.
- Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Desirable
- Formal apprenticeship or trade qualification (e.g. City & Guilds, NVQ Level 3 in Machining).
- Experience across a range of materials including mild steel, stainless, aluminium, and exotics.
- Basic knowledge of CNC turning to support crossover or cover duties.
Personal Attributes
- Attention to detail with a quality-first mindset.
- Good time management — able to prioritise work and meet production schedules.
- Team player who communicates well and supports colleagues.
- Flexible and willing to take on varied tasks to support production requirements.
- Positive attitude towards health, safety, and continuous improvement.
Benefits:
Salary: Competitive and dependent on experience, negotiable at interview.
Company Pension Scheme
Holidays: 25 days holiday plus 8 statutory public holidays per year
On Site Parking
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company pension
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
