5-Axis CNC Operator

DCS Recruitment; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 2,051,000 - 2,212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured progression

Permanent, full-time employment

Career development opportunities

Ongoing training

Job summary

DCS Recruitment is seeking an experienced CNC Operator for a North West manufacturing site. You will set up and run 3-axis CNC routers, while supporting 5-axis centres and punch machinery, ensuring high-quality sheet-metal components.

The role requires interpreting drawings, performing tool changes, fixture setting, and strict adherence to health, safety, and 5S standards. Progressive pay grades and ongoing development are offered.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC machinery in manufacturing/engineering.
• Ability to set up machines and perform tool changes.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings and documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and quality focus.
• Safely implement 5S and manufacturing procedures.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate 3-axis CNC routing machines to produce 2D sheet-metal components.
• Support setting up and operating 5-axis machining centres.
• Set fixtures, jigs and establish tool datums.
• Operate CNC punch machinery and perform tool changes.
• Complete machine set-ups and basic adjustments.
• Work from engineering drawings and production docs.
• Inspect components against specs and report issues.
• Collaborate with production, engineering and quality teams to meet targets.
• Follow health & safety procedures and 5S standards.
• Assist continuous improvement within manufacturing.

Skills

CNC operation

Machine setup

Tool datums

Drawings interpretation

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Safe working practices

Tools

3-axis CNC routing

5-axis machining

CNC punch machinery

OSAI controllers

CMS machines

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