CNC Machinist

Babcock International; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defense contractor in Bristol is seeking a CNC Skilled Machinist to operate various machine tools and manufacture complex components. This full-time position offers opportunities for development, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package, including holiday allowance and a matched pension scheme. Candidates should have 2 years of CNC machining experience, primarily within the Defence or Aerospace industries. The successful applicant will also require Security Check clearance for this role.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Matched contribution pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Payment of Professional Fees

Access to Digital GP and health consultations

Qualifications

• 2 years’ experience in CNC machining in Defence or Aerospace.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Ability to operate small to large CNC machinery.

Responsibilities

• Operate small/large CNC machine tools to manufacture components.
• Capture manufacturing issues to minimize delivery impact.
• Adhere to health & safety policies.

Skills

CNC machining

Milling techniques

Quality assurance

Programming (Heidenhain)

Job description

Job Title: CNC Skilled Machinist

Location: Ashton Vale, Bristol

Compensation: Competitive Salary + Benefits

Role Type: Full time / Permanent

At Babcock we’re working to create a safe and secure world, together, and if you join us, you can play your part as a CNC Skilled Machinist at our Ashton Vale, Bristol site.

Mission Systems is engaged in long‑term contracts to supply critical components for submarine weapon handling equipment, supporting both current and future fleets. This 10+ year project plays a vital role in global defence and security.

The Role

As a CNC Skilled Machinist, you’ll have a role that’s out of the ordinary. Day to day, you will be operating small to large machine tools whilst manufacturing complex components ranging in size from small (less than a kilo) to large (up to 5 tonnes), across a variety of different materials. You will carry out the machining activities in line with best practice and procedures completing operations safely on time to quality requirements. You’ll also:

• Capture issues during manufacturing and elevate appropriately to minimise impact to delivery
• Be a team player and active participant in supporting continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure next job readiness and preparations are taken ahead of requirement
• Adhere to health & safety policies including risk assessments, check sheets, start of shift checks etc

This full‑time role at Ashton Vale, Bristol, offers a 36‑hour workweek on days, or 37‑hour early and late shift pattern with shift premium.

Experience of the CNC Skilled Machinist

• Time served Machinist in Defence or Aerospace Industry or equivalent, manufacturing small/large components on CNC machines with 2 years’ experience in role alongside:
• Knowledge in various Milling machining techniques and processes and equipment
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes (machining, Inspection, welding & assembly)
• Experience with Heidenhain programming, and use of overhead cranes – advantageous but training will be arranged if required

Security Clearance

The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain Security Check (SC) security clearance for this role.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to national security clearance and Trade Control restrictions. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by your place of birth, nationality, current or former citizenship, and any residency you hold or have held. Further details are available at United Kingdom Security Vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

What we offer

• Excellent development opportunities and benefits package including an employee assistance programme supporting physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
• Generous holiday allowance
• Matched contribution pension scheme, with life assurance
• Access to a Digital GP, annual health check, and nutritional consultations through Aviva DigiCare+
• Employee share scheme
• Employee shopping savings portal
• Payment of Professional Fees
• Reservists in the armed forces receive 10‑days special paid leave
• Holiday Trading is a benefit that allows the majority of employees to buy additional leave or to sell up to one working week of annual leave from their annual entitlement
• Be Kind Day enables employees to take one working day’s paid leave a year (or equivalent hours) to undertake volunteering work with their chosen organisation or registered charity

Babcock International

For over a century Babcock has helped to defend nations, protect communities and build a better world. To continue, we must adapt, advance and be a sustainable business with a shared goal.

We are a disability confident committed employer. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please email [e-mail] with the subject header ‘Reasonable adjustments requirement’. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone’s free to thrive. We are happy to talk about flexible working – please ask about alternative patterns of work at interview.

Closing Date: 09/01/2026