CNC Diamond Turning Operator

Gooch & Housego; Ilminster; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift uplift 20%

Overtime pay 1.5x after 39h

Overtime pay 2x on Sundays/Bank Hols

25 days holiday

Pension contributions 6%

Company bonus scheme

Health Cash Plan

£500 referral bonus

Job summary

Gooch & Housego in Ilminster, Somerset, is seeking a skilled CNC Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) Operator. You will set up and run 5-axis diamond turning machines to produce ultra-precision optical components to tight tolerances and finishes.

The role is full-time, Monday to Friday, with rotational shifts after training and a 20% shift premium. You will interpret drawings, select diamond tooling, and perform inspections to ensure nanometre-level finishes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating CNC SPDT machines or other CNC turning.
• CNC programming skills, including G-code or machine-specific controls.
• Experience with ultra-precision materials like aluminium, copper, nickel-phosphorus, optical polymers.
• Strong understanding of tolerances, form accuracy, and surface roughness.
• Detail-oriented and able to work methodically in a clean environment.
• Ability to work independently in a controlled setting.

Responsibilities

• Interpret drawings, CAD data and surface finish specs.
• Select and handle diamond tooling with care to maintain tool integrity.
• Achieve nanometre-level finishes and sub-micron tolerances.
• Conduct first-off, in-process and final inspections with precision metrology.
• Monitor environmental conditions (temp, vibration, cleanliness).
• Adjust machine parameters to optimise surface quality and cycle times.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks and fault diagnosis.
• Collaborate with engineering, metrology and QA teams for improvements.
• Maintain accurate production and inspection records.

Skills

CNC turning experience

CNC programming

Ultra-precision materials

Tools

G-code controls

Job description

CNC Single Point Diamond Turning Setter/OperatorG&H Ilminster, SomersetFull-Time, Permanent | Monday to FridayRotational shift work after training (with a 20% shift premium)Are you experienced in CNC turning?Looking for a role in a cutting-edge, world-class optics company? If so, we want to hear from you!We are seeking a highly skilled CNC Single Point Diamond Turning (SPDT) Operator to manufacture ultra-precision components to extremely tight tolerances and surface finish requirements. The successful candidate will be responsible for setting up, and operating CNC diamond turning machines to produce high-quality optical and precision-engineered parts.

About Us

G&H is a global leader in optical design, testing, and manufacturing. As experts in the technology of light, we provide high-performance optical systems, assemblies, and components for a wide range of demanding applications.

In our Diamond Turning department, we produce custom lenses for imaging, focusing, collimation, and illumination.

Our work involves crafting spherical, semi-spherical, and aspheric lenses using state-of-the-art 5-axis grinding and polishing machines.

As a CNC Diamond Turning Operator, you will:

• Interpret ultra-precision engineering drawings, CAD data, and surface finish specifications
• Select and handle diamond tooling with extreme care to maintain tool integrity
• Achieve nanometre-level surface finishes and sub-micron tolerances
• Conduct first-off, in-process, and final inspections using precision metrology equipment
• Monitor and control environmental conditions (temperature, vibration, cleanliness)
• Adjust machine parameters to optimise surface quality, accuracy, and cycle times
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration checks, and fault diagnosis
• Work closely with engineering, metrology, and quality teams to support continuous improvement
• Maintain accurate production and inspection records

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience operating CNC Single Point Diamond Turning machines; or experience in other CNC turning
• CNC programming skills, including G-code and/or machine-specific controls (desirable, but not essential)
• Experience working with ultra-precision materials (e.g. aluminium alloys, copper, nickel-phosphorus, optical polymers)
• Exceptional understanding of tolerances, form accuracy, and surface roughness
• High level of attention to detail and methodical working approach
• Ability to work independently in a clean, controlled environment

What We Offer

• Competitive salary with a 20% uplift for rotating shift work.
• Generous overtime pay: 1.5x after 39 hours and 2x on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
• 25 days of holiday plus Bank Holidays.
Pension contributions: Company pays 6%.
• Company bonus scheme.
• Health Cash Plan to cover medical expenses.
• £500 referral bonus for recommending friends (terms apply).

Notes: This job description

is not intended to be exhaustive in every respect, but rather to clearly define the fundamental purpose, responsibilities and dimensions for the role. Therefore, this job description does not describe any individual role holder. In addition to the contents of this job description, employees are expected to undertake any and all other reasonable and related tasks allocated by their line manager.

The Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. The Company does not discriminate in employment opportunity or practices on the grounds of gender, race, religion or belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by national laws under which the Company operates.

Potential candidates should be aware that many of the employment roles at Gooch & Housego are subject to government security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean

that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities that you may have previously held and your place of birth, could restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation.

All UK applicants must, as a minimum, be able to successfully complete security vetting to the UK government's Baseline Personnel Security Standard, which includes a criminal record check being performed. Many roles may also require higher levels of security vetting to be completed, where applicants must typically have been continuously resident within the UK for the past five to ten years.