CNC Miller / Offline Programmer

Optical Precision; Dartford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Lots of Benefits

Overtime

Early finish on Fridays

Job summary

Optical Precision in Dartford is seeking an experienced 3-Axis CNC Machinist to join the engineering team. You will lead the 3-axis machining department, set up, operate and programme CNC mills, and mentor junior staff while driving improvements in methods, tooling and productivity.

The role requires CADCAM experience and familiarity with Heidenhain controls, working closely with the Engineering Manager to balance workloads and meet delivery schedules.

Qualifications

• Experience in 3-axis CNC milling.
• CADCAM programming experience.
• Mentoring or developing junior machinists.

Responsibilities

• Set, operate and program 3-axis CNC milling machines. CADCAM programming when needed.
• Coordinate workloads with Engineering Manager and assist with production scheduling.
• Mentor and develop younger machining team members.

Skills

3-axis CNC machining

Leadership / mentoring

Production scheduling

Troubleshooting

Tools

CADCAM

Heidenhain control

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and proactive 3-Axis CNC Machinist (Heidenhain Control Preferred) with Offline / CADCAM experience to join our engineering team.

Working closely with the Engineering Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day operation of the 3-axis machining department, developing the skills of younger members of staff and driving continuous improvements in machining techniques, programming methods, tooling, and overall productivity.

This is a hands‑on working leadership role, with the successful candidate expected to actively set, operate, and programme CNC machines alongside their team leadership and departmental responsibilities.

CNC Miller / CADCAM / Offline Programmer - Key Responsibilities

• Set, operate and programme 3-axis CNC milling machines, including CADCAM programming when required.
• Work closely with the Engineering Manager to coordinate workloads, assist with production scheduling, and prioritise jobs to meet delivery requirements.
• Support, mentor and develop younger members of the machining team, sharing knowledge and improving technical skills.
• Identify and implement improvements to machining methods, programming strategies, tooling, and work holding to increase productivity and reduce cycle times.
• Develop improved fixtures and tooling solutions, recording photographs, and documenting proven set‑ups for future reference.
• Improve departmental systems, procedures, and working practices to achieve greater consistency, efficiency, and repeatability.
• Proactively identify manufacturing issues and bring forward practical solutions and improvement ideas.
• Help monitor machine utilisation, workflow, and production performance, identifying opportunities to make better use of available capacity.
• Promote high standards of quality, housekeeping, and organisation throughout the 3-axis department.

CNC Miller / CADCAM / Offline Programmer - Salary

£40,000 - £45,000 Per Annum

• Lots of Benefits and Overtime
• Days / Early finish on Fridays