Aerospace Fitter & CNC Machinist — Prototyping & Precision

Staffline; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffline is seeking a Mechanical Fitter / Machinist for a permanent role in Cheltenham. The role covers mechanical fitting, CNC and manual machining, supporting production and R&D with high-integrity aerospace/defence standards.

You will interpret engineering drawings, set and run basic CNC programs, and produce tight-tolerance components while contributing to prototype builds and tooling development. A versatile engineer comfortable switching tasks is preferred.

Qualifications

• Mechanical fitting experience in precision engineering, aerospace, defence, or similar high-integrity sectors.
• CNC machining competence — setting and operating.
• Strong manual machining capability for bespoke and prototype work.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and aerospace specifications.
• Experience working to tight tolerances (±0.01 mm typical).
• Proficiency with inspection tools: micrometers, verniers, height gauges, bore gauges; CMM familiarity beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical fitting & assembly — Build, align, assemble, and test mechanical systems, subassemblies, and prototypes to drawings and specifications.
• CNC machining operations — Program (basic), set, and operate CNC mills/turns to produce tight-tolerance components for aerospace/defence applications.
• Manual machining — Manufacture one-off parts, tooling, fixtures, and rework items using manual lathes, mills, grinders, and hand tools.
• Engineering problemsolving — Diagnose assembly issues, machining inaccuracies, tolerance conflicts, and prototype build challenges; propose and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Quality assurance & inspection — Conduct first-off inspections, dimensional checks, and verification against aerospace/defence standards (AS9100 aligned).
• R&D and prototype support — Work with design and engineering teams to develop prototypes, experimental assemblies, fixtures, and tooling.

Skills

Mechanical fitting

CNC machining

Manual machining

Engineering drawings

Tolerances

Inspection tools

Job description

Staffline is seeking a Mechanical Fitter / Machinist for a permanent role in Cheltenham. The role covers mechanical fitting, CNC and manual machining, supporting production and R&D with high-integrity aerospace/defence standards.

You will interpret engineering drawings, set and run basic CNC programs, and produce tight-tolerance components while contributing to prototype builds and tooling development. A versatile engineer comfortable switching tasks is preferred.