CNC Miller / Toolmaker

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

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a skilled CNC Miller/Toolmaker in Huntingdon, England to produce and maintain precision tooling and components. The role involves programming and operating CNC mills, using PowerMill for CAD/CAM, and conducting inspections. Candidates should have proven CNC milling experience and strong PowerMill skills. Immediate starts are available.

Qualifications

• Proven CNC milling experience within a toolroom, precision engineering or mould-tooling environment.
• Confident with Heidenhain controls and Fanuc on XYZ mills.
• Strong PowerMill CAD/CAM skills.

Responsibilities

• Programme, set and operate CNC milling machines.
• Create efficient toolpaths in Autodesk PowerMill.
• Read and interpret technical drawings.

Skills

CNC milling experience

Heidenhain controls proficiency

PowerMill CAD/CAM skills

Tolerances expertise (±0.01 mm)

Problem-solving and teamwork skills

Tools

CNC mills

Autodesk PowerMill

Job description

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 welcomes 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 booked for an interview, contact Daniel Waite on 07799588461 or email [e-mail]. Immediate starts are available.