CNC Milling Programmer / Setter / Operator

Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire
Salary: £19 to £22 per hour
Hours: 39 hours per week

About the Role:

We are recruiting for an experienced CNC Milling Programmer / Setter / Operator to join a well-established precision engineering business in Abingdon.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled CNC professional with experience in Heidenhain controls, 5-axis milling and online programming, who is confident machining large components to demanding engineering specifications.

You will be responsible for programming, setting and operating CNC milling machines, ensuring components are manufactured safely, efficiently and to the highest quality standards. The business operates a modern, well-organised machine shop equipped with state-of-the-art CNC machinery, laser technology and CMM inspection equipment.

The company supplies precision-engineered components to a range of specialist industries, including medical, semiconductor, nuclear and scientific sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme, set and operate CNC milling machines, including 3, 4 and 5-axis equipment.
Carry out online programming using Heidenhain controls.
Read and interpret engineering drawings to programme and manufacture components accurately.
Machine large components, including parts up to 2.5 metres in size.
Ensure components meet specified tolerances and quality requirements, achieving a right-first-time standard.
Create and maintain setup sheets documenting tooling, fixtures, machine settings and parameters to ensure repeatable production.
Inspect and verify completed work using appropriate measuring equipment.
Complete quality documentation and reports, taking responsibility for the quality of your own work.
Work independently to meet production deadlines while maintaining high standards of safety and workmanship.
Support and train colleagues where required.
Maintain a safe, clean and organised working environment, following all health and safety procedures.
Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, reduce costs and increase productivity.

About You:

To be successful in this role, you will have a strong background in CNC milling and the ability to programme, set and operate machines with minimal supervision.

Essential skills and experience:

Experience programming, setting and operating CNC milling machines.
Proficiency in Heidenhain controls.
Experience with 5-axis milling and online programming.
Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings.
Experience machining large components and working to tight tolerances.
Strong understanding of quality control, inspection and measurement techniques.
A quality-focused approach, with an emphasis on right-first-time manufacturing.
Good communication skills and the ability to work independently.
A reliable, proactive attitude with a strong work ethic and commitment to productivity.

Desirable skills and experience:

A time-served engineering apprenticeship.
At least 5 years' experience programming and operating 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC machines.
Experience with Fanuc controls.
Previous experience operating Doosan, Matsuura or Mazak machinery.
Experience producing components up to 2.5 metres in size.
Familiarity with MTE and completing quality reports.
Overhead crane and manual handling training.

Training can be provided for overhead crane operation and manual handling where required.

What's on Offer?

Opportunity to work with modern, high-specification CNC machinery.
A structured, professional and well-organised machine shop.
A supportive management team and collaborative working environment.
Exposure to specialist precision engineering projects across medical, semiconductor, nuclear and scientific industries.
Opportunities to contribute ideas and develop manufacturing processes.

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