CNC Machining Manager

DK Recruitment; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking a CNC Applications Manager to lead a team of engineers in Plymouth. The role requires advanced CNC programming knowledge, proven leadership in technical teams, and the ability to optimize machining strategies. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 8-10 years of experience in CNC machining. This position offers opportunities for process improvement and team development in a dynamic environment, focusing on quality and innovation.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in CNC machining and applications engineering.
• Advanced proficiency in 3-, 4-, and 5-axis CNC programming.
• Experience in precision manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of CNC applications engineers.
• Demonstrate hands-on CNC programming across multiple platforms.
• Define capital investment strategies for machining equipment.

Skills

CNC programming expertise

Leadership and team development

Problem-solving skills

Process optimization

Collaboration across departments

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

CAM software

CNC automation systems

Job description

Position Summary

The CNC Applications Manager will lead and develop a team of highly skilled machining application engineers to drive world‑class CNC programming, process optimization, and machining strategy development. This hands‑on leadership role requires deep technical expertise in CNC programming, tooling, and process design, as well as the ability to define investment strategies that align with business goals for productivity, project commitments, and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Create, Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team of CNC applications engineers.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence and commitment to deadlines.
• Identify skill gaps and implement training and development programs for the team.

Technical & Programming Expertise

• Demonstrate hands‑on CNC programming expertise across multiple platforms (e.g., Fanuc, Mazak).
• Establish right solution approach for runners, repeaters and stranger projects.
• Develop and validate machining programs for complex components using CAM software.
• Establish machining standards, best practices, and process documentation for setup, tooling, and inspection.
• Lead troubleshooting and problem‑solving efforts for complex machining challenges.

Machining Strategy & Process Optimization

• Develop and implement machining strategies that improve RFT and efficient manufacturing.
• Evaluate and optimize cutting tools, work holding, and process flow to enhance productivity and reduce cycle times.
• Collaborate with product design and manufacturing engineering to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability (DFM).
• Analyse and standardize machining parameters and methods to ensure consistency and scalability.
• Able to appraise drawings for cycle and process times for quotation creation.

Investment & Capability Development

• Define capital investment strategies for machining equipment, tooling, and technology upgrades.
• Build business cases for new equipment acquisitions.
• Stay abreast of advancements in CNC technology, tooling, automation, and Industry 4.0 applications to maintain competitive advantage.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, quality, and design teams to deliver robust and optimised, cost‑effective machining solutions.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) with efficient and scalable machining processes.
• Ensure alignment of CNC capability development with organisational goals and customer requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 8-10 years of experience in CNC machining, programming, and applications engineering.
• Proven leadership experience managing or mentoring technical teams.
• Advanced proficiency in 3-, 4-, and 5‑axis CNC programming and CAM software.
• Strong knowledge of cutting tools, materials, speeds/feeds, and machining process optimisation.
• Experience with fixture design, process validation, and continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).

Preferred:

• Experience in a precision manufacturing environment (e.g., aerospace, medical, automotive, energy).
• Knowledge of CNC automation systems (robotic tending, pallet pools, tool management systems).
• Familiarity with ERP/MES integration and digital manufacturing tools.

Key Competencies

• Hands‑On Leadership - Leads by example with strong technical proficiency.
• Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops long‑term machining and investment strategies.
• Collaboration - Works effectively across departments and with leadership teams.
• Innovation - Drives technology adoption and continuous improvement.
• Results Orientation - Focused on performance, quality, and business outcomes.