CNC Machinist (Late Shift)

Vacgen Ltd; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life insurance

EV scheme

Cycle to Work

Training & development

Job summary

Vacgen Ltd in East Sussex is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist for our late shift to set and operate CNC lathes, produce precision components from engineering drawings, and ensure first‑off parts meet exacting tolerances. You will prove out programs, adjust tooling, inspect parts, and support continuous improvement in a state‑of‑the‑art manufacturing facility near Hailsham.

The role offers a competitive package with benefits, ongoing training, and a chance to contribute to high‑tech projects used

Qualifications

• Proven experience setting and operating CNC machine tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Experience reading ISO and conversational CNC programs.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate CNC lathes to drawing specification.
• Run programs, adjust tooling and coordinates as required.
• Produce and inspect first-off components to ensure quality.

Skills

Setting CNC lathes

Reading drawings

GD&T interpretation

ISO CNC programs

Tooling selection

Machining issue resolution

On-time delivery mindset

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or recognised machining qualification

Tools

AlphaCAM

FARO Arm

MS Office

Job description

CNC Machinist (Late Shift)

Location: Hailsham, East Sussex (BN27 4EL)

Salary: Competitive, DOE + Excellent Benefits

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday to Friday, 1:30pm to 10:00pm (Late Shift)

Benefits Competitive salary, Private medical insurance, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, Salary sacrifice pension scheme, Life insurance, Electric Vehicle Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, State-of-the-art manufacturing facility and Ongoing training and development opportunities

Machine Components That Help Shape the Future

At VACGEN, we manufacture world-leading ultra-high vacuum (UHV) products used in some of the most advanced scientific and technological applications on the planet.

Our components support pioneering work within the semiconductor, space, research and scientific sectors, with products used by organisations including NASA, the European Space Agency and CERN's Large Hadron Collider.

As we continue our exciting growth journey, we're looking for a skilled CNC Machinist to join our machining team at our purpose-built manufacturing facility near Hailsham.

If you take pride in producing high-precision components, enjoy working with advanced machinery and want to be part of a company pushing the boundaries of engineering excellence, we'd love to hear from you.

The Role

Working within our machining department, you'll be responsible for setting and operating CNC lathes to manufacture precision-engineered components to exacting standards.

You'll work from engineering drawings, set tooling, prove out programs, inspect first-off parts and ensure production runs efficiently while maintaining the highest levels of quality.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a collaborative and highly skilled team producing components for cutting-edge technologies used around the world.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and operate CNC lathes to manufacture components to drawing specification.
• Run both proven and unproven programs, making adjustments to tooling and coordinates as required.
• Produce and inspect first-off components to ensure quality standards are met.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, tolerances and GD&T requirements.
• Monitor machining operations and proactively address potential issues before they arise.Set tooling and optimise machine performance to achieve quality and productivity targets.
• Carry out routine machine maintenance and preventative checks.
• Work across different machining centres as required.
• Ensure components are manufactured to agreed quality, cost and delivery targets.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
• Maintain a safe, organised and professional working environment.

About You

You're a motivated and quality-focused CNC professional who enjoys working with precision components and takes ownership of your work.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Proven experience setting and operating CNC machine tools.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T specifications.
• Experience reading and understanding ISO and conversational CNC programs.
• Knowledge of multiple CNC control systems.
• Strong understanding of machining processes, tooling and material behaviour.
• Ability to identify and resolve machining issues proactively.
• Commitment to delivering quality work while meeting production deadlines.
• Understanding of the importance of On Time Delivery and customer requirements.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience machining vacuum chambers, fabricated components or precision-engineered assemblies.
• Offline programming experience, ideally AlphaCAM (training available).
• Experience using FARO Arm or electronic inspection equipment.
• Manual turning experience.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
• Engineering apprenticeship or recognised machining qualification.
• Minimum of five years' machining experience.
• Additional engineering or manufacturing qualifications would be advantageous.

Why Join VACGEN

VACGEN has spent more than 60 years building a reputation for innovation, quality and engineering excellence.

Our people are at the heart of our success. We offer a collaborative working environment where skilled individuals are trusted to make an impact, contribute ideas and develop their careers.

You'll be joining a business investing heavily in its future, with modern facilities, advanced equipment and ambitious growth plans.

Most importantly, you'll have the opportunity to manufacture precision components that support some of the world's most important scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs.

JBRP1_UKTJ