5 Axis CNC Operator

Sunseeker International Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Dental insurance

Annual leave increases with service

Employee discounts (Perkbox)

Job summary

Sunseeker International in Poole is seeking a skilled 5 Axis CNC Operator to join the Development Tooling team. You will work with state‑of‑the‑art CNC equipment to produce plugs for GRP mould tools used in luxury yacht production.

The role suits hands‑on machinists with experience in 5‑axis machining, milling, and basic carpentry, who can read technical drawings and collaborate with a small, dedicated team. We offer a premium benefits package in a supportive manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating CNC machinery, ideally within a 5-axis machining environment.
• Experience with milling operations and precision manufacturing processes.
• Basic carpentry or woodworking skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and follow detailed job packs.
• Flexible approach and willingness to support colleagues across teams, with a strong commitment to quality and safety.

Responsibilities

• Operating 5-axis CNC machinery and running programmed tool paths.
• Setting machine datums and clocking machine heads prior to machining operations.
• Building plugs using wood, EPS foam and adhesives in line with engineering drawings.
• Carrying out basic laminating activities to stabilise machined EPS structures.
• Applying polyester tooling paste using specialist equipment and finishing surfaces to required standards.
• Assisting with planned maintenance activities on CNC machinery and housekeeping.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis machining

Milling operations

Read drawings

Quality focus

Job description

About Sunseeker International

Sunseeker was founded on a bold vision: to create a new kind of yacht and redefine what was possible on the water. From our earliest designs in 1967, we’ve pushed boundaries and reshaped the motor yacht industry through innovation, craftsmanship and relentless ambition.

At the heart of every Sunseeker lies a legacy of expert hands and meticulous attention to detail, skills refined and passed down through generations. These are the qualities that set our yachts apart - and the qualities that continue to drive our craft today.

In a world increasingly defined by automation, we remain committed to building hand‑crafted, hand‑finished boats. With over 1,800 talented team members across our busy shipyards - from long‑serving specialists to more than 180 apprentices - our Sunseeker workforce reflects the strength, diversity and pride of our local community. It’s this blend of heritage, skill and passion that makes our shipyards unlike any other place in the world.

Who We Are Seeking

At Sunseeker International, we are looking for a skilled and motivated 5 Axis CNC Operator to join our Development Tooling team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys working with advanced manufacturing technology while contributing to the creation of world‑renowned luxury motor yachts.

We are seeking an individual with strong practical skills, a keen eye for quality, and the ability to work collaboratively within a small, dedicated team. Whether you already have experience operating 5‑axis CNC machinery or possess transferable skills from manufacturing, machining, carpentry, or composites environments, we would like to hear from you.

A Day in the Life

As a 5 Axis CNC Operator, you will play a key role in supporting the manufacture of plugs used to create GRP mould tools for Sunseeker’s luxury yacht production. Working within our Development Tooling function, your day will involve a blend of CNC machining, plug construction, composite work, and quality‑focused finishing activities.

You will operate state‑of‑the‑art 5‑axis CNC equipment, build and prepare plugs from technical drawings, work with fibreglass and resins, apply tooling paste, and support ongoing machine maintenance. No two days are exactly the same, making this an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys variety and continuous learning.

Example Responsibilities Include

• Operating 5‑axis CNC machinery and running programmed tool paths.
• Setting machine datums and clocking machine heads prior to machining operations.
• Building plugs using wood, EPS foam and adhesives in line with engineering drawings.
• Carrying out basic laminating activities to stabilise machined EPS structures.
• Applying polyester tooling paste using specialist equipment.
• Routing and repairing tooling paste surfaces to achieve required quality standards.
• Assisting with planned maintenance activities on CNC machinery.
• Supporting factory housekeeping, waste removal and 5S activities.
• Working safely and adhering to all Health & Safety procedures, COSHH requirements and risk assessments.

To Be Considered for This Role You Should Have

• Previous experience operating CNC machinery, ideally within a 5‑axis machining environment.
• Experience of milling operations and precision manufacturing processes.
• Basic carpentry or woodworking skills.
• Experience with laminating or composite materials is advantageous but not essential, as training can be provided.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings and follow detailed job packs.
• A flexible approach and willingness to support colleagues across different teams when required.
• A strong commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and COSHH requirements relating to GRP materials would be beneficial.

Sunseeker employees benefit from

With 7 miles of golden sandy beaches, flanked on both sides by the New Forest National Park and the Jurassic Coast line, working in Poole for a genuinely premiere international brand offers an enviable opportunity to truly live the dream. All the usual benefits you would expect from a sophisticated manufacturing organisation are available, including:

• A generous company pension scheme - 6% employer contribution
• Private medical insurance, including baby bonus and Digital GP (after 2 years)
• Dental insurance (after 2 years)
• Annual leave increases with continued service
• Health Assured EAP
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders
• Death in service scheme (£)
• Employee discounts with a wide range of third party businesses (up to 30% off) including Perkbox