CNC Machinist (1 Week Early/1 Week Late)

First Achieve Ltd; Caddington; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm is seeking experienced CNC Machinists to join their expanding machining department. The role involves operating CNC and manual machines to produce high-quality components. Candidates should have a strong background in CNC operations and a minimum of 5 years' experience in engineering. This position offers a competitive salary with a 33% shift premium and long-term development opportunities within a growing team in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary with shift allowance

Long-term development opportunities

Access to modern CNC and manual machinery

Qualifications

• Proven CNC Machine Operator background with over 5 years of experience.
• Ability to interpret and work to ISO engineering drawings.
• Basic IT competency and understanding of 5S principles.

Responsibilities

• Set, program, and operate CNC machinery to specified requirements.
• Manufacture precision components from engineering drawings.
• Ensure safety measures and equipment handling follow H&S procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Communication

Consistency in tight tolerances

Education

5+ years engineering experience as CNC Machine Operator

Tools

CNC Vertical Mills

CNC Lathes

Measuring equipment (micrometers, Vernier calipers)

Job description

CNC Machinist - Operator

Salary: £33,545 basic + 33% shift premium (Total package: £44,614)

Shifts: Weekly rotation - earlies & lates

Location: Luton

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview

First Achieve Engineering are supporting a long-established engineering manufacturer that is expanding its machining department. Due to growth and internal progression, we are recruiting two skilled CNC Machinists to join their team.

This role involves low-volume, high-quality production work, covering both new components and aftermarket parts. You'll operate across manual and CNC machining to support continuous improvement across the workshop.

Key Responsibilities

• Set, program, and operate CNC milling or turning machinery to produce parts to exact specifications.
• Manufacture precision components from engineering drawings in a low-volume production environment.
• Produce or modify tooling such as jigs, fixtures, and moulds.
• Use precision measuring equipment to verify dimensions, applying sound knowledge of trigonometry.
• Meet production times set by Engineering and record all activity within the Epicor (ERP) system.
• Contribute to ongoing improvements in workshop layout, processes, and 5S standards.
• Participate in continuous improvement and structured problem-solving (LEAN methodologies).
• Maintain a safe working environment by identifying hazards, reporting incidents/near misses, and following all H&S procedures.
• Ensure machinery and equipment are safely shut down and secured when not in use.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Excellent attention to detail and self-motivation.
• Strong communication and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work accurately and consistently within tight tolerances.

Essentials

• Minimum 5 years' engineering experience with proven CNC Machine Operator background.
• Ability to interpret and machine to ISO engineering drawings.
• Skilled with measuring equipment (micrometers, Vernier calipers, etc.).
• Basic IT competency.
• Understanding of 5S principles.

Desirable

• Time-served engineering apprenticeship.
• Experience programming/setting/operating:
• CNC Vertical Mills (Winmax 5 / Hurco or Fanuc)
• CNC Lathes (Mazatrol / Mazak or Siemens / Doosan Puma)

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with 33% shift allowance.
• Long-term development opportunities within a growing team.
• Work with modern CNC and manual machining equipment.