Cnc Machine Setter

Reed; Margaretting; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with overtime

Pension scheme

Comprehensive training and development

Career progression

Employee benefits package

Job summary

Reed in Chelmsford is seeking a skilled CNC Setter / Programmer (Milling) to join our manufacturing team. You will set, program, and operate CNC milling machines to produce precision components, optimise cycle times, and maintain high productivity.

The role requires reading engineering drawings, using precision measuring tools, and driving continuous improvement projects within a Lean environment. Competitive salary and strong development opportunities are on offer.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a CNC Setter in a precision engineering/manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience in setting and operating CNC Milling machines.
• Able to read and interpret engineering drawings and use precision measuring equipment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Program CNC milling machines using CAM software and/or machine controls.
• Set and prepare machines for production runs, selecting tooling, fixtures and cutting parameters.
• Prove out new programs and optimise cycle times and quality.
• Operate CNC milling machines safely and in line with drawings and specs.
• Perform first-off inspections and in-process checks to meet schedules.
• Read drawings and use micrometers, verniers, and gauges to ensure quality.
• Identify quality issues and support root cause investigations.
• Identify and implement improvements in programming, tooling, and machining processes.
• Maintain routine machine maintenance and housekeeping; report issues promptly.
• Adhere to Health & Safety policies and PPE requirements.

Skills

CNC Milling

CNC Setting

Engineering Drawings

Measuring Equipment

Problem Solving

Education

Time-served apprenticeship

NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds (advantageous)

Tools

Fanuc controls

Heidenhain controls

Siemens controls

Fusion 360

Edgecam

Mastercam

Job description

CNC Setter / Programmer (Milling)

• Location: Chelmsford
• Job Type: Full-time
• Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

We are seeking a skilled CNC Setter / Programmer (Milling) to join our team. This role is crucial for setting, programming, and operating CNC milling machines to produce precision components. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in machining, capable of optimising processes, reducing setup times, and ensuring maximum machine efficiency and productivity.

Day-to-Day of the Role:

• CNC Programming & Setting:

  • Program CNC milling machines using CAM software and/or machine controls.
  • Set and prepare machines for production runs, selecting appropriate tooling, fixtures, and cutting parameters.
  • Prove out new programs, make adjustments to optimise cycle times and quality, and edit existing programs to enhance performance.
  • Ensure program storage and control align with company procedures.

• Machine Operation:

  • Operate CNC milling machines safely and effectively, adhering to engineering drawings, specifications, and customer requirements.
  • Perform first-off inspections and in-process checks, monitoring machine performance and maintaining production output to meet schedules.

• Quality Control:

  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
  • Utilise measuring equipment such as micrometers, verniers, and gauges to ensure components meet quality standards.
  • Identify quality issues, support root cause investigations, and implement corrective actions.

• Continuous Improvement:

  • Identify and implement improvements in programming, tooling, and machining processes.
  • Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives to enhance production efficiency.

• Maintenance & Housekeeping:

  • Conduct routine machine maintenance and daily checks, maintaining high standards in machinery, tooling, and work areas.
  • Report any equipment issues or breakdowns promptly.

• Health & Safety:

  • Adhere to all Health & Safety policies, ensuring safe operation of machinery and maintaining appropriate PPE.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Essential:

  • Proven experience as a CNC Setter in a precision engineering or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong experience in setting and operating CNC Milling machines.
  • Proficient in reading and interpreting engineering drawings and using precision measuring equipment.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

• Desirable:

  • CNC programming experience with controls like Fanuc, Heidenhain, or Siemens.
  • Familiarity with CAM software such as Fusion 360, Edgecam, or Mastercam.
  • Experience with 3, 4, and 5-axis milling machines and knowledge of Lean Manufacturing techniques.

• Qualifications:

  • Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent CNC machining experience required.
  • Higher qualifications like NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds, HNC in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering are advantageous.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with overtime opportunities.
• Pension scheme.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Career progression within a growing manufacturing business.
• Employee benefits package.