CNC 5 axis Machinist

Rolls-Royce plc; Bradley Stoke; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Rolls-Royce plc is seeking a CNC 5-Axis Machinist to join our Bristol aerospace manufacturing facility. The role is on-site, five days a week, within the LiftWorks team, focusing on lift fan components for the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Module.

You will set and operate CNC milling machines, prepare tooling, read engineering drawings and maintain quality, safety and efficiency. Prior apprenticeship and CAD/CAM familiarity are valued, with a strong commitment to continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Recognised engineering apprenticeship with NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
• Experience setting and operating CNC milling machines, loading programmes and tooling.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Strong CAD/CAM knowledge; Fanuc experience advantageous.
• Attention to detail, problem-solving and safety consciousness.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate CNC milling machines, including preparing tooling and loading programmes.
• Prepare and secure components, fixtures and cutting tools per instructions.
• Inspect finished components using appropriate measuring equipment for quality.
• Maintain machinery, tooling and equipment through routine checks and maintenance.
• Complete production, quality and maintenance documentation accurately.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement to enhance efficiency and quality.

Skills

Attention to detail

Reading engineering drawings

Problem solving

Health and safety awareness

Education

Engineering apprenticeship

NVQ Level 3 qualification

Tools

Fanuc control systems

CAD/CAM technology

Job description

Job Description Job Title: CNC 5-Axis Machinist Location: Bristol – On-Site (5 Days Per Week) Working Pattern: Full Time – Shift Working Required Grade: Factory Staff D

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a CNC 5-Axis Machinist to join our Defence Manufacturing Facility in Bristol. Working within our LiftWorks manufacturing team, you will play a key role in producing lift fan components that support the Joint Strike Fighter Engine Module. Reporting to the Production Leader, you will be responsible for setting and operating CNC milling machines, ensuring components are manufactured to the highest standards of quality, safety and precision. Working alongside an experienced manufacturing team, you will contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and support the delivery of critical aerospace components. This is a fully on-site position based in Bristol, requiring five days per week on-site and working shift patterns. Further details of the shift arrangements will be discussed during the interview process.

What You Will Be Doing

As a CNC 5-Axis Machinist, you will be responsible for manufacturing high-quality aerospace components while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and operational efficiency.

Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and operating CNC milling machines, including preparing tooling, loading programmes and adjusting machining parameters to meet engineering specifications.
• Preparing and securing components, fixtures and cutting tools in accordance with manufacturing instructions, technical specifications and quality standards.
• Inspecting finished components using appropriate measuring equipment to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and quality requirements.
• Maintaining machinery, tooling and equipment through routine checks, preventative maintenance and troubleshooting to minimise downtime.
• Completing relevant production, quality and maintenance documentation accurately and in accordance with established procedures.
• Identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, supporting initiatives to enhance machining efficiency, product quality and operational performance.

Who We're Looking For

At Rolls‑Royce, we put safety first, do the right thing, keep it simple, and make a difference. These principles guide us and are an essential part of our assessment process.

To be successful in this role, you should have:

• Completed a recognised engineering apprenticeship, with an NVQ Level 3 qualification or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Previous experience setting and operating CNC milling machines, including loading programmes, preparing tooling and managing machining cycles.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications and manufacturing instructions.
• Strong mechanical and technical skills, with an understanding of CAD/CAM technology.
• Experience with Fanuc control systems would be advantageous.
• Good mathematical, problem-solving and *attention-to-detail* skills, with the ability to identify and resolve machining or quality issues.
• A strong awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements, alongside a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls‑Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too. Rolls‑Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Please be aware that the priority will be given to employees identified as being at high risk.

The professional level and salary of the position will be dependent on the skills and experience of the successful candidate but is anticipated to be Factory Staff Grade D. This job is advertised at the grades shown, and this is the desired operating level for this role. We encourage applications from candidates with relevant experience from any grade. It is advised that you inform your current manager of your application for this role. You can learn more about our global Inclusion strategy at Our People | Rolls‑Royce.

Job Category Factory Staff Posting Date 27 Oct 2026; 00:10 Posting End Date 09 Nov 2026 Rolls‑Royce pioneers cutting-edge technologies that deliver the cleanest, safest and most competitive solutions to our planet’s vital power needs.