CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator

Axon Moore; Pontypool; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

34 days holiday

Flexible hours

Early finish Fridays

Healthcare benefits

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension scheme

Free parking

Job summary

Axon Moore is recruiting an experienced CNC 5‑Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator for a high‑precision manufacturing business in Pontypool, South Wales. You will own the machining process from offline programming to production, ensuring components meet exacting tolerances.

The role requires advanced programming, setting and operating 5‑axis CNC centres, plus a hands‑on approach to improve cycle times and reliability. Flexible hours are available and the salary is £22 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CNC 5-axis programming, setting and operation.
• Advanced knowledge of CAM programming software.
• Strong understanding of multi‑axis machining strategies, tooling technologies and cutting dynamics.
• Experience machining a variety of materials and selecting appropriate tooling and cutting parameters.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.
• Experience manufacturing high-precision, tight-tolerance components.
• Knowledge of workholding, fixturing, probing, datum setting and machine offsets.
• Ability to prove out programmes, edit G-code and troubleshoot machining issues independently.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and continuous improvement skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop, program and optimise 5-axis machining programmes using CAM software.
• Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.
• Select appropriate cutting strategies, tooling and machining parameters for a range of materials.
• Generate collision‑free toolpaths and simulate machine kinematics to ensure safe and efficient machining.
• Edit and optimise G-code directly at the machine where required.
• Develop machining processes for complex, high‑precision components.
• Carry out complete CNC machine setups, including workholding, fixture selection, tooling, presetting, offsets, datum setting and probing routines.
• Configure machines for simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 positional machining.
• Prove out programmes and ensure repeatable, stable and reliable machining processes.
• Ensure machines are correctly prepared for efficient and accurate production.
• Set and operate 5-axis CNC machining centres to manufacture precision‑engineered components.
• Carry out first-off inspections and validate component conformity against engineering drawings and specifications.
• Monitor machining processes to maintain tight tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve machining issues to minimise downtime and scrap.
• Maintain high standards of workmanship, safety and housekeeping.
• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life and machining efficiency.
• Implement best‑practice machining techniques and contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives.
• Support the standardisation of machining processes and the maintenance of technical documentation.
• Assist with the introduction of new products, from prototype development through to production.
• Work collaboratively with engineering and quality teams to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturing performance.

Skills

5‑Axis Programming

CNC Setting

CNC Operation

CAM Programming

Multi‑Axis Machining

G‑code Troubleshooting

GD&T Reading

Tooling & Offsets

Tools

Mazak milling machines or similar CNC equipment

Job description

CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator High Precision Manufacturing | Pontypool, South Wales

Salary: £22 per hour

Working Hours: 39 hours per week, with flexible working hours between 6.00am and 5.00pm and an early finish on Fridays

The Opportunity I am currently recruiting for an experienced CNC 5-Axis Programmer, Setter & Operator to join an established precision engineering and manufacturing business based in Pontypool, South Wales.

This is an excellent opportunity for a technically skilled CNC professional with a strong background in complex multi-axis machining and the manufacture of high-precision, tight-tolerance components.

The successful candidate will take ownership of the machining process from offline programming and process development through to machine setting, prove-out, production and continuous improvement. You will play a key role in ensuring components are manufactured to exacting standards, whilst improving machining efficiency, reliability and overall performance.

I am keen to speak with candidates who combine advanced programming knowledge with a practical, hands‑on approach to setting and operating 5-axis CNC machining centres.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Process Development

• Develop, program and optimise 5-axis CNC machining programmes using CAM software.


• Interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.


• Select appropriate cutting strategies, tooling and machining parameters for a range of materials.


• Generate collision‑free toolpaths and simulate machine kinematics to ensure safe and efficient machining.


• Edit and optimise G‑code directly at the machine where required.


• Develop machining processes for complex, high‑precision components.

Machine Setting & Setup

• Carry out complete CNC machine setups, including workholding, fixture selection, tooling, presetting, offsets, datum setting and probing routines.


• Configure machines for simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 positional machining.


• Prove out programmes and ensure repeatable, stable and reliable machining processes.


• Ensure machines are correctly prepared for efficient and accurate production.

CNC Operation & Production

• Set and operate 5-axis CNC machining centres to manufacture precision‑engineered components.


• Carry out first-off inspections and validate component conformity against engineering drawings and specifications.


• Monitor machining processes to maintain tight tolerances and required surface finishes.


• Identify, troubleshoot and resolve machining issues to minimise downtime and scrap.


• Maintain high standards of workmanship, safety and housekeeping.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve cycle times, tool life and machining efficiency.


• Implement best‑practice machining techniques and contribute to lean manufacturing initiatives.


• Support the standardisation of machining processes and the maintenance of technical documentation.


• Assist with the introduction of new products, from prototype development through to production.


• Work collaboratively with engineering and quality teams to resolve technical challenges and improve manufacturing performance.

Quality & Compliance

• Manufacture components in line with strict dimensional tolerances and quality requirements.


• Use appropriate precision measurement and inspection equipment to verify component conformity.


• Maintain accurate production and quality records.


• Ensure compliance with company procedures, engineering specifications and applicable ISO quality standards.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in CNC 5-axis programming, setting and operation within a precision engineering or high-precision manufacturing environment.


• Advanced knowledge of CAM programming software and the ability to develop and optimise complex machining programmes.


• Strong understanding of multi‑axis machining strategies, tooling technologies and cutting dynamics.


• Experience machining a variety of materials and selecting appropriate tooling and cutting parameters.


• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings, CAD models and GD&T specifications.


• Experience manufacturing high-precision, tight-tolerance components.


• Knowledge of workholding, fixturing, probing, datum setting and machine offsets.


• Ability to prove out programmes, edit G-code and troubleshoot machining issues independently.


• Strong analytical, problem‑solving and continuous improvement skills.


• A proactive, methodical approach with the ability to work independently and take ownership of the machining process.


• Highly desirable: Experience working with Mazak CNC milling machines or similar CNC machining equipment.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.


• 34 days' annual holiday (including 8 Bank Holidays)


• Flexible working hours between 6.00am and 5.00pm.


• Early finish on Fridays.


• Simplyhealth benefits.


• Employee Assistance Programme.


• Company pension scheme.


• Free on-site parking.


• The opportunity to work on complex, high-precision engineering projects within a specialist manufacturing environment.