CNC Operator and Toolmaker

The Best Connection; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible shift patterns

Career development and training

Long-term opportunities

Supportive team environment

Job summary

The Best Connection is seeking an experienced CNC Toolmaker to join a growing manufacturing team in Doncaster. You will be involved in toolmaking, CNC programming, machining, maintenance, and continuous improvement in a modern production setting.

You will manufacture and service tooling, interpret engineering drawings, and work closely with production to optimise processes, ensure quality, and support safety standards. A strong background in milling, turning, and tooling is essential.

Qualifications

• Level 3 Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• Proven CNC machining and toolmaking experience.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience with tooling to tight tolerances.
• Strong problem-solving and fault-finding abilities.
• Able to work independently and in a team.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to processes.

Responsibilities

• Manufacture, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, jigs, fixtures, and attachments.
• Set, operate, and programme CNC mills and lathes.
• Optimise machining programmes through tooling selection, speeds, feeds, and strategies.
• Produce tooling and components from engineering drawings.
• Carry out preventative maintenance on tooling and production equipment.
• Diagnose and repair tooling to minimise downtime.
• Maintain tooling stock levels and databases.
• Interpret drawings and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Level 3 qualification

CNC tooling & milling

Read engineering drawings

Toolmaking & maintenance

Problem solving

Teamwork & independence

Education

Mechanical Engineering qualification (Level 3)

Tools

CNC mills

CNC lathes

Measurement tools

Job description

CNC Toolmaker

• Salary: Competitive & Negotiable DOE
• Hours: 40 Hours Per Week
• Shifts: Flexible

Join a Growing Manufacturing Business

We are recruiting on behalf of a successful and expanding manufacturing company that continues to invest in its people, equipment, and production capabilities. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced CNC Toolmaker who enjoys a varied role combining toolmaking, CNC programming, machining, maintenance, and continuous improvement.

Working within a modern production environment, you will play a key role in supporting manufacturing operations, improving tooling performance, and ensuring production runs efficiently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Manufacture, modify, repair, and maintain tooling, jigs, fixtures, and attachments.
• Set, operate, and programme CNC mills and lathes.
• Optimise machining programmes through tooling selection, speeds, feeds, and machining strategies.
• Produce new tooling and components from engineering drawings.
• Carry out preventative maintenance on tooling, dies, and production equipment.
• Diagnose and repair tooling and die-casting equipment to minimise downtime.
• Manufacture replacement machine and tooling components through milling, turning, grinding, and bench fitting.
• Test and validate tooling prior to production release.
• Monitor tooling life cycles and organise the manufacture or procurement of replacement parts.
• Change tool and work offsets as required.
• Maintain tooling stock levels, Kanban systems, and tooling databases.
• Polish dies and manufacture replacement ejector pins, sleeves, and associated components.
• Interpret engineering drawings and identify opportunities for product and process improvements.
• Work closely with production and planning teams to achieve manufacturing targets and KPIs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the department.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety procedures, risk assessments, and PPE requirements.
• Assist with supervising team activities and maintaining high standards of housekeeping and workplace organisation.
• Attend production meetings and contribute technical expertise to operational improvements.
• Carry out gas safety inspections on furnaces up to the point external specialist support is required.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Level 3 qualification in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven experience within a CNC machining and toolmaking environment.
• Strong milling, turning, grinding, and bench fitting skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience producing and maintaining tooling to tight tolerances.
• Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.

Desirable

• Experience within a die-casting or precision manufacturing environment.
• CNC programming experience.
• Supervisory or team-leading experience.
• Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies and lean manufacturing principles.

Personal Qualities

• Reliable, punctual, and professional.
• Positive, flexible approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and quality standards.
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Willingness to undertake further training and development.

What's On Offer?

• Competitive salary with negotiable pay based on experience.
• Flexible shift patterns.
• Stable, long-term opportunity with a growing manufacturer.
• Opportunity to work on a wide variety of tooling and engineering projects.
• Ongoing training and career development.
• Supportive team environment where your technical expertise is valued.
• A role where you can make a genuine impact on production performance and continuous improvement.

If you're an experienced CNC Toolmaker looking for your next challenge within a forward-thinking manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.