CNC Miller / Toolmaker

Workforce Recruitment and Training; Brighton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a CNC Miller/Toolmaker to join a growing toolroom in Huntingdon. The ideal candidate will have proven CNC milling experience and knowledge of Heidenhain and Fanuc controls. Responsibilities include programming and operating CNC machines, creating toolpaths, and performing inspections. This is a full-time, permanent position offering immediate starts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CNC milling within a toolroom or precision engineering environment.
• Confident operating Heidenhain and Fanuc controls.
• Ability to achieve tight tolerances and high-quality finishes.

Responsibilities

• Programme, set and operate CNC milling machines to manufacture tooling.
• Read and interpret technical drawings and achieve tight tolerances.
• Conduct inspections using manual metrology tools.

Skills

CNC milling experience

Heidenhain controls

PowerMill CAD/CAM skills

Tolerance management

Problem-solving skills

Tools

CNC milling machines

PowerMill

Job description

Overview

Role: CNC Miller / Toolmaker

Location: Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire

Department: Toolroom / CNC Machining

Contract: Full-time, permanent

The client is expanding their in-house toolroom and seeking a skilled CNC Miller/Toolmaker to produce, modify, and maintain precision tooling, mould components, jigs and fixtures that support our plastics manufacturing operations. You’ll programme and machine predominantly on CNC mills with Heidenhain controls and XYZ machines with Fanuc, using PowerMill for offline CAD/CAM.

What you’ll do

• Programme, set and operate CNC milling machines (Heidenhain; XYZ with Fanuc) to manufacture new and replacement tooling to drawing and 3D models.
• Create efficient toolpaths in Autodesk PowerMill; select tooling, work-holding and cutting strategies for plastics mould tooling and hard metals.
• Read and interpret technical drawings, 3D CAD, and GD&T to achieve tight tolerances and high-quality surface finishes.
• Perform toolmaking activities: fitting, assembly, repair and modification of injection mould tools, inserts, cores/cavities, electrodes, jigs and fixtures.
• Implement best practice for datum setting, probing, work offsets and in-process verification.
• Conduct first-off, in-process and final inspection using manual metrology (micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges; CMM exposure a plus).
• Contribute to DFM/DFX reviews with design, tooling and production teams; suggest process improvements and cycle-time reductions.
• Maintain machines, tooling and programmes; ensure safe working practices and 5S standards.
• Accurately complete job cards, tooling logs and programme archives.

What you’ll bring

• Proven CNC milling experience within a toolroom, precision engineering or mould-tooling environment.
• Confident with Heidenhain controls (e.g., conversational and ISO) and Fanuc on XYZ mills (set, prove-out, adjust).
• Strong PowerMill CAD/CAM skills (strategy selection, rough/finish, rest-machining, 3+2; basic post edits an advantage).
• Ability to hold tolerances typically ±0.01 mm (or better where required) and achieve high-quality finishes on hardened steels and aluminium.
• Solid understanding of feeds/speeds, cutter engagement, workholding, datum strategies and tool life management.
• Able to work from drawings and 3D models; comfortable with GD&T and datum schemes.
• Hands-on toolmaking skills: bench fitting, polishing, spotting, assembly and fault-finding.
• Good problem-solving, communication and teamwork; proactive, quality-driven mindset.

Nice to have

• Experience with injection mould tool build/maintenance in a plastics environment.
• Basic EDM knowledge (wire/sinker) and electrode manufacture.
• CMM use or inspection programming; familiarity with MSA.
• Basic CAD skills (e.g., Autodesk PowerShape, SolidWorks, or similar).
• Overhead crane and forklift tickets; IOSH/health & safety training.

What next?

Do you have the experience? The company welcome a site visit to ensure you are happy with the role, the environment and the people you will work with!

If you would like to speak to someone regarding being booking an interview then please contact Daniel Waite on 07799588461 for more information or send an email to [e-mail]

Immediate starts are available!

About the agency

WF Tech are responsible for placing skilled and in demand people on both a permanent and contract basis into the Precision & Advanced Manufacturing sectors, from skilled Machining Personnel and Specialist Engineers to Supervisory and Management positions. Our Specialist Consultants have an in-depth understanding of your skills and offer best advice on your next step. We are always searching for the best talent, so if you know anyone, why not recommend someone to one of our professional team who will be more than happy to help.