CNC Lathe Setter & Operator — Precision Parts, Growth

HR GO Recruitment; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Company pension scheme

Overtime opportunities

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

HR GO Recruitment is seeking an experienced Machine Setter / CNC Lathe Operator to join a growing precision engineering team in Southend-on-Sea. You will set and operate CNC lathes, read drawings, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances with first-off inspections.

The role requires careful tool setting, offsets, and machine adjustments, plus a strong focus on quality and safety. Overtime opportunities and ongoing training are available in a stable, long-term position.

Qualifications

• Previous experience setting and operating CNC lathes within a precision engineering environment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience using measuring equipment including verniers, micrometers, and gauges.
• Strong understanding of tolerances and quality standards.
• Experience with CNC programming or editing programs.
• Multi-axis machining experience.
• Apprenticeship or engineering qualification.
• Experience working in aerospace, automotive, medical, defence, or precision manufacturing sectors.

Responsibilities

• Setting and operating CNC lathes and associated machinery.
• Producing precision engineered components to customer specifications and engineering drawings.
• Tool setting, offsets, and machine adjustments.
• Conducting first-off inspections and in-process quality checks.
• Reading and interpreting technical drawings and specifications.
• Monitoring machine performance and identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Ensuring production targets and quality standards are achieved.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.
• Working in accordance with company health and safety procedures.

Skills

CNC lathe operation

Reading engineering drawings

Measuring equipment (verniers, microms

Tolerances & quality standards

CNC programming/editing

Multi-axis machining

Apprenticeship/engineering qual

Aerospace/Automotive/Defence/Precision

Independent + team work

Education

Apprenticeship or engineering qualification

Tools

Miyano controls

Doosan Puma

Star Machines

Haas

Mazak

Siemens controls

Job description

HR GO Recruitment is seeking an experienced Machine Setter / CNC Lathe Operator to join a growing precision engineering team in Southend-on-Sea. You will set and operate CNC lathes, read drawings, and ensure parts meet tight tolerances with first-off inspections.

The role requires careful tool setting, offsets, and machine adjustments, plus a strong focus on quality and safety. Overtime opportunities and ongoing training are available in a stable, long-term position.