CNC Operator (First Shift) - 2081

Thorlabs; Ely; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free onsite parking

Free refreshments

Canteen area

Pension

Private health care

Job summary

Thorlabs, based in Ely, UK, is seeking a skilled CNC Operator to support the Machine Shop in producing precision components for production use. You will operate the Matsuura MAM72 milling centre and other CNC machines as needed, ensuring Kanban demands are met and parts meet tight tolerances.

The role requires apprenticeship training or equivalent, at least 3 years in a machine shop, and strong proficiency with Fanuc controls and 5-axis milling.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship training or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Machine Shop environment.
• Knowledge of Fanuc based vertical milling machining centres.
• Experience working with micron level precision.
• Machine loading and operation experience.
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings.
• Knowledge of 5-axis milling and Wire EDM desirable but not essential.
• Knowledge of multi-pallet, high mix, low volume machining centres desirable but not essential.
• Must have good attention to detail and ability to multitask.
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently.
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly.
• Adhering to core values and a positive attitude.

Responsibilities

• Load and run multi-pallet, 5-axis milling centres to produce precision components for production use.
• Load and operate CNC machines as required to support Machine Shop operations.
• Ensure CNC machines are scheduled and loaded to meet Kanban demand.
• Unload and process components (deburring, cleaning, stress relieving, etc.).
• Assist Programmers to prove out production and prototype parts.
• Ensure components meet quality requirements using appropriate inspection tools.
• Maintain high levels of attention to detail at all times.
• Perform weekly machine maintenance and 5S tasks.
• Work in line with safe working practices and environmental requirements.
• Support process-improvement initiatives for CNC machines and areas of responsibility.

Skills

CNC machining

Fanuc controls

5-axis milling

Micron precision

Machine loading

Engineering drawings

Problem solving

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Apprenticeship training or equivalent

Tools

Wire EDM

5-axis milling

Multi-pallet machining

Job description

What is the job?

As CNC Operator, you will support the Machine Shop operation to provide precision machined components for production use. You will be required to operate the Matsuura MAM72 milling centre.

Working Hours

Monday to Thursday 6am to 2:30pm and Fridays 6am to 1pm

Department

Manufacturing Engineering

Interview process: 2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 1 hour Teams interview; Second stage: Onsite 3-hour interview

Who we are?

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Where you will be working?

Ourpurpose-built facility isjust 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful mediaeval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What is essential to us…

• Apprenticeship trained or similar experience considered
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Machine Shop environment
• A working knowledge of Fanuc based vertical milling machining centres
• Experience working with micron level precision
• Machine loading and operation experience
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings
• Knowledge of 5-axis milling and Wire EDM desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of multi-pallet, high mix, low volume machining centres desirable but not essential
• Must have a good attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude

What we would like you to do/ to see…

• To predominantly load and run multi-pallet, 5-axis milling centre(s) to produce precision in-house machined components for production use
• When required, load and operate a variety of CNC machines to support the Machine Shop operation, including but not limited to 3 or 5-axis milling centres, multi-pallet milling centres and Wire EDM
• Ensure the CNC machines are scheduled and loaded to meet Kanban demand
• Unload and process components where required, including but not limited to deburring, ultrasonic cleaning, stress relieving, rumbling and vapour honing
• Assist the CNC Programmers to prove out and produce first-off production and prototype components
• Ensure quality of components produced meets requirements by taking accurate measurements, utilising the most appropriate inspection tools
• Maintaining high levels of attention to detail at all times
• Perform weekly machine maintenance and 5S tasks
• Ensure that all machining activities are carried out in accordance with the company’s safe working practices and environmental requirements
• Support the team with process improvement initiatives for the various CNC machines and areas of responsibility

What will you get?

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for in-house customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are?

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference

THOR-VC-2081

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.

-Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.

We are Disability Confident Committed

In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.