CNC Machinist - Twilight Shift

Recruitment South East Ltd; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training support

Long-term opportunity

Benefits package

Job summary

Recruitment South East is recruiting a skilled CNC Machinist to join a busy engineering environment in Hailsham, offering twilight shifts and a competitive base salary with a 20% uplift for late hours.

The role involves setting, operating, and turning/milling CNC machines, reading engineering drawings, and ensuring parts meet specifications. Excellent benefits and long-term opportunities are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience working with CNC machinery (Setter, Operator, or Turner level).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Understanding of machining processes, tooling, and materials.

Responsibilities

• Set, operate, and/or run CNC machines (lathes/milling).
• Read from engineering drawings to produce parts to tolerances.
• Load and run programs, adjust offsets as needed; monitor quality and report issues.
• Carry out basic maintenance and housekeeping to keep machines reliable.
• Support other areas of the business as required.

Skills

CNC experience

Reading drawings

Machining processes

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Health & safety

Education

Engineering/manufacturing qualification

Apprenticeship trained

Hands-on experience

Tools

Inspection equipment

ISO programming

CNC controls

Job description

CNC Machinist (Setter / Operator / Turner)

Location

Hailsham, East Sussex

Hours

Twilight shift (40 hours per week)
Mon Thurs 1:30pm 10:00pm
Friday 8:00pm 2:00pm

Salary

Competitive basic salary plus 20% uplift for late hours

Excellent benefits package

For over 60 years, our client has been driving innovation in ultra-high vacuum (UHV) technology, supporting cutting-edge research across the globe. From NASA and the European Space Agency to CERN, our high-precision products are trusted by world-leading institutions and researchers to deliver results.

About the Role

Overview

We are currently recruiting on behalf of our client for skilled CNC Machinists to join a busy and growing engineering environment. We are interested in candidates with experience as Setters, Operators, and/or Turners, offering flexibility depending on your level of expertise.

This role involves working with CNC machinery to produce high-quality precision components in line with engineering specifications.

Key Responsibilities

• Set, operate, and/or run CNC machines (including lathes and/or milling machines depending on experience)
• Work from engineering drawings to produce components to required tolerances
• Set tooling and fixtures and produce accurate first-off parts
• Load and run proven programs, with the ability to make offsets and minor adjustments where required
• Monitor machine performance and identify/report any issues
• Carry out basic machine maintenance and housekeeping
• Inspect components to ensure quality standards are met
• Work to production deadlines without compromising quality
• Support other areas of the business as required

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Experience working with CNC machinery (Setter, Operator, or Turner level)
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Understanding of machining processes, tooling, and materials
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Good awareness of health and safety practices

Desirable

• Experience with CNC turning and/or milling
• Knowledge of ISO or conversational programming
• Experience with different control systems
• Background in precision engineering or manufacturing
• Experience with inspection equipment and quality processes

Qualifications

• Relevant engineering or manufacturing qualification preferred
• Apprenticeship-trained candidates highly desirable
• Equivalent hands-on experience will also be considered

Personal Attributes

• Reliable with good timekeeping
• Positive and proactive attitude
• Willingness to learn and develop skills
• Strong team player with good communication skills
• Able to follow instructions and work with minimal supervision

What s on Offer

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• Training and development support
• Stable, long-term opportunity within a growing business