CNC Machine Shop Engineer

Ambitek Recruitment; Trafford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Permanent role

Advanced CNC milling tech

Hands-on role

Impact on performance

Job summary

Ambitek Recruitment is seeking an experienced CNC Machine Shop Engineer – Milling in Manchester to join a well-established manufacturing business. You’ll work across 3, 4 and 5-axis vertical milling machines, owning set-ups, proving out jobs and delivering parts to exacting standards.

You’ll edit CNC programs at the machine, troubleshoot issues and drive production efficiency. A strong team player who can work independently will thrive in this role.

Qualifications

• Experience setting and operating CNC milling on 3-5 axis machines.
• Ability to edit CNC programs directly at the machine.
• Experience with Fanuc controls and interpretation of drawings.
• Strong machining techniques, engineering principles and tolerances.
• Proficient with basic IT file navigation and network drives.
• Methodical, logical approach to troubleshooting and improvements.
• Capable of independent ownership and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Set up and prove out jobs on 3-5 axis milling machines with first-off approval.
• Operate CNC milling machines with accuracy and consistency.
• Edit CNC programs at the machine to optimise processes.
• Ensure correct tooling, fixtures and documentation is ready.
• Inspect components against drawings using CNC and CMM equipment.
• Perform routine machine maintenance to keep equipment safe and reliable.
• Run multiple machines as production demands.
• Escalate technical or production issues to Team Leaders and Engineering.
• Participate in continuous improvement to boost productivity and quality.

Skills

CNC milling (3-5 axis)

Edit CNC programs

Fanuc controls

Machining techniques

Engineering drawings

Reading tolerances

IT literacy

Problem-solving

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced CNC Machine Shop Engineer – Milling to join a well-established and successful manufacturing business in Manchester.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled CNC machinist who enjoys working with advanced multi-axis machinery and takes real pride in producing precision-engineered components.

You'll be working across 3, 4 and 5-axis vertical milling machines, taking ownership of machine set-ups, proving out jobs and delivering components to exacting engineering standards. You'll also have the opportunity to edit CNC programmes at the machine, troubleshoot machining challenges and contribute to improving production efficiency.

Reporting to the Machine Shop Team Leader, you'll be a key part of the manufacturing operation, helping ensure production runs smoothly, quality remains consistently high and customer requirements are met.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Setting up and proving out jobs on 3, 4 and 5-axis vertical milling machines, obtaining first-off approval before commencing production.
• Operating CNC milling machines, maintaining accuracy, consistency and quality throughout production runs.
• Editing CNC programmes at the machine to optimise machining processes and resolve issues where required.
• Ensuring the correct tooling, fixtures and job documentation are ready to keep production running efficiently.
• Inspecting completed components against engineering drawings using CNC and manual CMM equipment.
• Carrying out routine machine maintenance to ensure equipment remains safe, reliable and operational.
• Operating multiple machines where production demands allow.
• Identifying and escalating technical or production issues, working closely with Team Leaders, Planning, Maintenance and Engineering.
• Getting involved in continuous improvement activities to drive productivity, quality and manufacturing efficiency.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience setting and operating CNC milling machines across 3, 4 and 5-axis applications.
• The ability to edit CNC programmes directly at the machine.
• Experience working with Fanuc CNC controls.
• A good understanding of machining techniques, engineering principles and manufacturing processes.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and work to tight tolerances.
• Confidence using basic IT systems, including navigating file directories and network drives.
• A methodical, logical approach to problem-solving, with the ability to identify and resolve machining challenges.
• A strong team ethic, alongside the confidence to work independently and take ownership of your work.

What’s In It For You?

• Competitive salary of £30,000 – £44,000, depending on experience.
• A permanent position with an established manufacturing business.
• The chance to work with advanced 3, 4 and 5-axis CNC milling technology.
• A varied, hands-on role where no two machining challenges need be the same.
• The opportunity to develop your technical expertise and make a genuine contribution to manufacturing performance.

Shifts are:

• Monday – Friday 06:00 – 14:00
• Alternate week Monday – Thursday 13:45 – 22:15 and Friday 13:00 – 18:30
• 37.5 hours a week