5-Axis CNC Operator

DCS Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

DCS Recruitment is seeking an experienced CNC Operator for a permanent, full-time role in the North West. You will operate 3-axis CNC routing, support 5-axis machining, and handle punching tasks, ensuring parts meet exact specifications.

Ideal candidates will read engineering drawings, set up machines, and maintain 5S standards in a busy production environment. OSAI experience is highly valued, with structured pay progression offered across grades.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating CNC machinery in manufacturing.
• Experience completing machine set-ups and tool changes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to safe working practices and 5S standards.
• OSAI controller experience is particularly important.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate 3-axis CNC routing machines to produce 2D sheet-metal components.
• Support the setting and operation of 5-axis machining centres.
• Set fixtures and jigs and establish tool datums.
• Operate CNC punch machinery.
• Complete machine set-ups, tool changes and basic adjustments.
• Work from engineering drawings and documentation.
• Inspect completed components against specifications.
• Identify and report quality or production issues.
• Collaborate with production, engineering and quality teams to meet targets.
• Follow health and safety procedures and 5S standards.

Skills

CNC operation

3-axis routing

5-axis machining

Reading drawings

Quality focus

Problem solving

Team work

Safety 5S

Tools

OSAI controllers

CMS machines

VWM / Technos 38

Amada punch

Radan

AlphaCAM

CATIA V5

Fanuc controllers

Job description

CNC Operator

Location: North West
Salary: £14.89-£16.06 per hour, depending on experience, with progression through structured pay grades
Job Type: Full-time, permanent

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced CNC Operator to join a well-established manufacturing business in the North West. This is an excellent opportunity to work within a modern production environment, operating a range of CNC routing, machining and punching equipment.

The successful candidate will contribute to the manufacture of precision sheet-metal and aluminium components, ensuring all products are produced safely, efficiently and to consistently high-quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and operate 3-axis CNC routing machines to produce 2D sheet-metal components.

• Support the setting and operation of 5-axis CNC machining centres.

• Set fixtures and jigs and establish tool datums.

• Operate CNC punch machinery.

• Complete machine set-ups, tool changes and basic adjustments.

• Work accurately from engineering drawings and production documentation.

• Inspect completed components against the required specifications.

• Identify and report quality or production issues.

• Work closely with production, engineering and quality teams to achieve manufacturing targets.

• Follow all health and safety procedures.

• Maintain established 5S workplace standards.

• Support continuous improvement activities across the manufacturing department.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Previous experience operating CNC machinery within a manufacturing or engineering environment.

• Experience completing machine set-ups and tool changes.

• Ability to establish tool datums.

• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and manufacturing documentation.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

• Good problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Commitment to safe working practices and 5S standards.

Highly Desirable Experience

• Experience operating OSAI CNC controllers.

• Experience with 3-axis CNC routing of 2D sheet-metal components.

• Experience working with VWM or Technos 38 machinery.

• Experience cutting aluminium materials.

• Experience with 5-axis machining centres, particularly CMS machines.

• Experience setting fixtures, jigs and tool datums.

• CNC punch experience, including setting machines and tooling.

• Experience punching materials between 0.6mm and 2mm thick.

• Experience operating Amada punch machinery with Fanuc controllers.

• Exposure to CAD/CAM software, including Radan, AlphaCAM or CATIA V5.

OSAI controller experience is particularly important for this position, as the successful candidate will be expected to become productive with minimal training.

What's on Offer

• Starting rate of £14.89-£16.06 per hour, depending on experience.

• Structured progression through established pay grades.

• Permanent, full-time employment.

• Opportunity to work across multiple CNC machine platforms.

• Stable and supportive manufacturing environment.

• Ongoing training and career-development opportunities.

DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality