CNC LEAD PROGRAMMER

Rayburn: Precision Engineering in plastics and metals; Walsall; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Rayburn: Precision Engineering in plastics and metals is seeking a CNC Lead Programmer for its Walsall facility to lead milling programming on 3-5 axis machines. You will interpret drawings, set parameters, select tooling, and collaborate with operators to ensure parts meet specifications.

The role emphasizes troubleshooting, cycle-time improvements, and supporting shop-floor continuous improvement, with on-site, full-time work in a quality-driven environment.

Qualifications

• CNC milling and programming for 3-5 axis operations.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
• Experience with CNC controls (Fanuc, HAAS, Heidenhain) and CAD/CAM software.
• Knowledge of ISO 9001 quality standards.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Create, optimize, and maintain CNC programs for milling operations.
• Interpret technical drawings and set machining parameters.
• Select tooling and set up machines; collaborate with operators to meet specs.
• Troubleshoot programming and machining issues; improve cycle times.
• Provide guidance and training to colleagues; support continuous improvement.

Skills

CNC Programming

Milling & Turning

Technical Drawing Interpretation

CNC Controls (Fanuc/HAAS/Heidenhain)

CAD/CAM (SOLIDWORKS/SOLIDCAM)

Education

Vocational CNC apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDCAM

Fanuc/HAAS/Heidenhain controllers

Job description

Company Description

Rayburn is an ISO 9001 accredited precision engineering company founded in 1959 and based in the West Midlands. The business specializes in machined components in plastics, metals, and insulation materials for a wide range of applications. Rayburn offers milling, turning, pressing, and both protective and decorative surface finishing services. The company also operates a highly geared assembly shop, providing end-to-end solutions from component manufacture to finished assemblies. Team members work in a quality-driven environment focused on reliability, accuracy, and long-term customer partnerships.

Role Description

The CNC Lead Programmer is a full-time, on-site role based at our facility in Walsall. This position is responsible for creating, optimizing, and maintaining CNC programs for milling operations, ensuring efficient production of precision components in plastics, metals, and insulation materials. Day-to-day tasks include interpreting technical drawings, setting machining parameters, selecting appropriate tooling, and collaborating with machine operators to ensure parts are produced to specification and within quality standards. The role involves troubleshooting programming and machining issues, improving cycle times, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the shop floor. The CNC Lead Programmer will also provide guidance, training, and technical support to colleagues, helping to maintain safe, organized, and productive manufacturing operations.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong CNC Programming and Programming skills for milling and related machining processes. (3-5 AXIS)
• Candidates should possess solid Machining and Milling skills, including tool selection, machine setup, and process optimization.
• Candidates should possess the ability to read and interpret Technical Drawing and engineering documentation accurately.
• Experience with CNC controls (e.g., Fanuc, HAAS, Heidenhain) and CAD/CAM (SOLIDWORKS / SOLIDCAM) software is highly beneficial.
• Background in precision engineering or manufacturing, ideally with plastics and metals, and familiarity with ISO 9001 quality standards is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize workloads in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with experience supporting or leading small teams on the shop floor.
• Relevant vocational qualifications or apprenticeship in CNC machining/engineering; equivalent practical experience will also be considered.