CNC Programmer

AWD online; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Aerospace project exposure

Challenging environment

Training opportunities

Job summary

AWD online in Birkenhead is seeking a time-served CNC Programmer with offline CAM experience (EdgeCam and/or HyperMill) to support multi-axis machining in a precision environment. You will generate, prove and optimise programs, read engineering drawings and GD&T, and collaborate with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure first-off and continuous improvement.

There is a strong emphasis on accuracy and process control.

Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent formal trade qualification in CNC machining.
• Hands-on experience as Offline NC Programmer in aerospace or high-precision manufacturing.
• Competency using EdgeCam and/or HyperMill CAM software, HyperMill preferred.
• Strong multi-axis machining knowledge and GD&T interpretation.
• Ability to read complex drawings and 3D models.
• Experience with AS9100 or equivalent aerospace quality standards.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines and provide references.

Responsibilities

• Offline CNC programming: develop, prove and optimise CNC programs using EdgeCam and/or HyperMill for multi-axis machining.
• Interpret engineering drawings, 3D models and GD&T to produce accurate toolpaths.
• Choose tooling, speeds and feeds aligned with materials and quality standards.
• Perform virtual simulation, collision checks and first‑article inspection support.
• Collaborate with shop, quality and engineering teams to ensure programs meet requirements.
• Maintain NC program library with revision control and traceability per AS9100.
• Identify improvements to reduce cycle times and improve surface finish and tool life.
• Ensure programming activity aligns with customer specs and aerospace standards.

Skills

Multi-axis CNC machining

GD&T understanding

Reading engineering drawings

Problem-solving

Pressure handling

Education

Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

EdgeCam

HyperMill

G‑Code / post-processor basics

Job description

CNC Programmer

Excellent opportunity for a time-served CNC Programmer with offline CAM, EdgeCam and/or HyperMill experience to support complex multi‑axis machining in a precision manufacturing environment.

If you have also worked as an offline NC Programmer, offline CNC programmer, NC programmer, CAD CAM programmer, CAM programmer, CNC programmer machinist, multi‑axis CNC programmer, CNC manufacturing engineer, CNC machinist programmer, we’d also like to hear from you.

Salary: up to £55,000 per annum + Benefits

Location: Birkenhead, Merseyside, North West England

Job type: Full‑Time, Permanent

Working hours: 8am – 4.30pm Monday to Thursday and 8am – 2pm Friday

Job overview

We have a fantastic new job opportunity for a CNC Programmer with strong offline CAM programming experience using EdgeCam and/or HyperMill.

As the CNC Programmer you will generate, prove and optimise multi‑axis CNC programs for complex precision components, working to tight tolerances, engineering drawings, 3D models and GD&T.

The CNC Programmer will work closely with manufacturing, quality and engineering teams, supporting first‑off requirements, program prove‑out and continuous improvement within a technically skilled environment.

Duties

• Offline CNC Programming: develop, prove and optimise CNC programs using EdgeCam and/or HyperMill CAM software for multi‑axis machining operations.
• Technical Interpretation: interpret complex engineering drawings, 3D models and GD&T to produce accurate, efficient toolpaths.
• Machining Strategy: select suitable cutting tools, speeds, feeds and machining methods in line with material requirements and customer quality standards.
• Simulation and Prove‑Out: carry out virtual simulation, collision checking and technical support during program prove‑out and first‑article inspection.
• Team Collaboration: work closely with machine shop, quality and engineering teams to ensure programs are fit for purpose and meet first‑off requirements.
• Program Control: manage and maintain the NC program library, supporting revision control and document traceability in line with AS9100 requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: support improvements that reduce cycle times, improve surface finish and optimise tool life.
• Compliance Standards: ensure programming activity follows customer specifications, quality management systems and relevant aerospace standards.

Candidate requirements

Essential

• Time‑served apprenticeship or equivalent formal trade qualification in CNC machining, mechanical engineering or a related discipline.
• Proven hands‑on experience as an Offline NC Programmer, ideally within an aerospace or high‑precision manufacturing environment.
• Competency using EdgeCam and/or HyperMill CAM software, with HyperMill preferred.
• Strong understanding of multi‑axis CNC machining, tooling selection and cutting parameters.
• Ability to read and interpret complex engineering drawings and 3D models.
• Solid understanding of GD&T.
• Experience working to aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 or equivalent.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a methodical, detail‑focused approach.
• Able to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.
• Able to complete satisfactory references and, where applicable, security clearance checks.

Desirable

• Experience programming for five‑axis, turning, mill‑turn or EDM operations.
• Familiarity with post‑processor configuration and editing, with a basic understanding of G‑Code.
• Knowledge of aerospace surface treatment processes such as cadmium plating, PVD coatings or anodising.
• Experience with CMM programming or first‑article inspection support.
• Familiarity with PLM/PDM systems for model and program management.
• HNC, HND or degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
• CAM software certification in EdgeCam or HyperMill.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for professional development and further training.
• Exposure to complex, high‑value aerospace programmes.
• Supportive and technically skilled working environment.