Sliding Head Operator / Setter / Programmer
Job Description — July 2026
Reports to: Cell Leader
Location: AFT Fluorotec — main site
Department: Sliding Heads Cell
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Hours: Full time — shift pattern per site rota (overtime available)
Overview
AFT Fluorotec is expanding its sliding head capability as part of the growth of the sliding head Cell. We are recruiting a Sliding Head Operator / Setter / Programmer to join the team, working on a growing cell of sliding head machines producing precision components in PTFE and other engineering plastics.
We will consider candidates at all levels — operator, setter, or programmer — provided you have genuine sliding head experience. The ideal candidate will be capable of programming and setting across all machine sizes in the cell, and will be given the opportunity to grow with the business as the cell expands. This is a hands-on production role, not a supervisory one, though there is scope to progress into a more senior position for the right person.
Responsibilities
- Set, operate, and where required programme sliding head machines to produce components to drawing and specification
- Work from engineering drawings and specifications to produce parts to the required tolerance and finish
- Carry out first-off and in-process inspection, ensuring parts meet quality requirements before and during a production run
- Optimise cycle times and tooling set-ups to maximise machine efficiency and material utilisation
- Identify and troubleshoot machining issues, tooling wear, and process problems, escalating where necessary
- Maintain accurate production records, job documentation, and quality records in line with AS9100D requirements
- Work closely with the Cell Leader and wider engineering team to support production planning and delivery of customer orders on time and to target margin
- Support a 5S and continuous improvement mindset on the shop floor
- Adhere to all health & safety, housekeeping, and quality procedures
- Contribute to the training and development of less experienced operators as the cell grows
Required Skills and Experience
- Proven experience operating sliding head (Swiss-type) lathes — CNC and/or cam-operated
- Setting experience essential; programming experience (conversational or CAD/CAM) highly desirable
- Confidence working across a range of machine sizes and capabilities
- Ability to read and work from engineering drawings and specifications
- Experience machining plastics or engineering polymers is a strong advantage — AFT Fluorotec is a plastics-only machining environment, so familiarity with the different cutting, tooling, and material-handling requirements compared with metal machining will be valued
- A good understanding of tolerances, finishes, and quality standards in precision component manufacture
- Experience within an AS9100D, aerospace, or similarly quality-regulated environment is beneficial but not essential
- Reliable, disciplined, and quality-focused approach to work
- Willingness to learn and to progress — genuine interest in developing skills across the full range of sliding head sizes and, in time, potential cell leadership responsibility for the right candidate
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience
- The opportunity to join a growing, well-invested sliding head cell within an established, AS9100D-accredited precision manufacturer
- Genuine progression opportunities as the cell and business expand
- A skilled, supportive engineering team
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- CNC setting/ programming Sliding heads : 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
