CNC Programmer / Setter / Operator
Milling & Turning & Offline Programming
A fantastic opportunity has become available for a highly skilled and reliable CNC Programmer / Setter / Operator to join our established team of precision engineers in Rugby.
We are a well-respected precision engineering company specialising in the manufacture of high-quality machined components for a wide range of demanding industries. Following recent restructuring and investment aimed at revitalising the business after a prolonged period of limited growth, the company is entering an exciting new phase focused on modernisation, capability improvement and long-term development.
The current owner is a time-served machinist with a strong hands-on engineering background and a genuine understanding of the day-to-day challenges involved in precision manufacturing. The company is committed to investing in both its equipment and its people, creating an environment where skilled machinists can contribute, improve processes and take pride in their work.
The owner is focused on building a strong and highly capable team of experienced engineers who can take ownership, make decisions and help drive the business forward. The long-term aim is to develop a trusted and self-sufficient team capable of managing day-to-day manufacturing operations to the highest standards, allowing greater responsibility and autonomy within the business for the right individuals.
This role is ideally suited to a passionate and experienced machinist with strong offline programming capabilities across both CNC milling and CNC turning platforms, who wants to play an important role in helping drive the company forward.
The successful candidate will become a key member of a small, highly skilled team, with genuine long-term prospects available as part of the company’s future succession plans.
Industries We Supply
- Formula 1, Motorsport, GT & Rally
- Medical Equipment & Instrumentation
- Defence Engineering
- Robotics & Automation
- Data Acquisition Equipment
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Process Control & Engineering
Working Hours
Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 3:00pm
(30-minute lunch break)
- Permanent Full-Time Position
- 39 Hours per Week
- Overtime Available
- Free Onsite Parking
Salary
Competitive salary dependent on experience, programming capability and overall skill level.
The Role
The successful applicant will be jointly responsible for all offline programming activities within the business, working closely with the Shop Manager to support production, improve machining processes and help relieve the demands of an increasingly busy manufacturing environment. The role will also involve programming, setting and operating a range of CNC machine tools, with a strong emphasis on process development and continuous improvement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Offline programming of CNC milling and turning machines
- Programming, setting and operating:
- 3-axis & 4-axis CNC machining centres
- 2-axis CNC lathes
- Turn-mill machines
- Working with Fanuc control systems
- Producing first-off components, prove-outs and process improvements
- Reading and interpreting engineering drawings to BS / ISO standards
- Inspection of machined components using precision measuring equipment
- Ensuring production targets and quality standards are consistently achieved
- Tooling selection, fixture planning and machining strategy optimisation
- Supporting continuous improvement in machining methods and cycle times
- General workshop organisation, tooling control and housekeeping
- Working independently and collaboratively within a small engineering team
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced CNC machinist with excellent practical machining ability and strong offline programming experience.
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Proven experience in offline CNC programming for both milling and turning
- Strong knowledge of CNC machining processes, tooling and work holding methods
- Experience setting and operating CNC vertical machining centres and CNC lathes
- Ability to programme efficiently from engineering drawings
- Good understanding of Fanuc controls
- Experience with low to medium batch precision engineering work
- Strong understanding of geometric tolerancing and engineering standards
- Excellent inspection and measurement skills
- Ability to work independently using initiative and problem-solving skills
- A proactive and hands-on approach to continuous improvement
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- A reliable, punctual and professional attitude
- Flexibility to work overtime when required
- A strong manufacturing mindset with the ability to select the most effective work holding, tooling and machining methods for each component
- Ability to optimise setups, machining strategies and process reliability to improve quality, repeatability and cycle efficiency
- We are looking for someone who understands that successful machining is driven by experience, process planning and practical engineering knowledge — not simply writing CNC programs
- We are looking for a self-sufficient engineer who can confidently solve machining and programming challenges independently, using experience and practical problem-solving skills to determine the best manufacturing solution for each component
Desirable but not essential:
- Experience with quoting and estimating
- Material and tooling purchasing knowledge
- Production planning experience
- Understanding of ISO9001 procedures and documentation
We are particularly interested in individuals who can contribute ideas, improve processes and take ownership of their work. This role would suit someone who enjoys being fully involved in precision engineering rather than simply operating machines and who wants to be part of a company investing in its future.
Recruitment Agencies
We do not wish to be contacted by recruitment agencies regarding this vacancy. Any CVs or candidate details submitted without prior written agreement will be considered unsolicited and will not give rise to any fee or liability on our part. We will not be held responsible for any contact made with individuals already on agency databases or books.
Pay: Up to £45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Have you served a recognized apprenticeship ?
Experience:
- CNC programming: 10 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
