CNC Machinist

Prattwhitney; Leighton Buzzard; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Employee assistance programme

Cycle to work scheme

Employee discounts

Job summary

RTX in Leighton Buzzard seeks an experienced CNC Machinist to operate and program 5-axis milling machines, delivering high-precision components to tight tolerances while maintaining safety and quality standards.

You will mentor operators, support continuous improvement, and work within a fast-paced manufacturing environment, contributing to throughput targets and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating and programming 5-axis CNC milling machines in a high-precision engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong commitment to EH&S and Quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Operate and set up 5-axis CNC milling machines to produce high-precision components from drawings and specifications.
• Adjust machine settings and tooling to optimise performance and quality.
• Execute the tactical day plan and ensure throughput targets are met by coordinating resources and bottlenecks.
• Act as the primary focal point for the machining cell, addressing challenges and escalation as needed.
• Mentor and guide operators to promote skill development and best practices.
• Deputise for the supervisor during their absence and participate in planning and quality meetings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet production goals, quality standards, and safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes and efficiency.
• Monitor and report KPIs to align with organisational objectives.

Skills

5-axis CNC milling

GD&T

Problem solving

EH&S & Quality

Independent and team work

Aerospace standards

Education

Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in fabrication or mechanical engineering

Job description

CNC Machinist – Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire

Location: Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. Shift: Day. Company: Collins Aerospace.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced CNC Machinist with expertise in operating and programming 5‑axis CNC milling machines to join our Machining team in Leighton Buzzard. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering precision‑engineered components to exacting specifications while ensuring adherence to quality, safety, and efficiency standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate and set up 5‑axis CNC milling machines to produce high‑precision components in line with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Adjust machine settings and tooling to optimise performance and ensure product quality.
• Execute the tactical day plan and ensure throughput targets are met by coordinating resources, addressing bottlenecks, and maintaining a smooth flow of operations.
• Act as the primary focal point for the machining and extrusion cell, ensuring operational excellence and addressing challenges.
• Assess and resolve issues on the floor promptly, knowing when to escalat concerns to the supervisor as needed.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to operators, promoting skill development and best practices.
• Deputise for the supervisor during their absence, including participating in relevant meetings, such as planning and quality discussions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure production goals, quality standards, and safety protocols are met.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise processes and enhance overall efficiency within the cell.
• Monitor and report on KPIs, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in operating and programming 5‑axis CNC milling machines, preferably in a high‑precision engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning, and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a focus on detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge of aerospace industry standards is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong commitment to EH&S and Quality standards.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Time‑served apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in fabrication or mechanical engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience working with fabrication equipment in a production or manufacturing environment.

What We Offer

• 25 days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
• Fantastic Pension Scheme
• Private Medical Insurance
• Employee Assistance Programme for personal support
• Cycle to Work Scheme and other employee discounts

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.