CNC Programmer

McLaren Racing; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Enhanced pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Discretionary annual bonus

Job summary

McLaren Racing is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer at our Composite Technology Centre in the UK. You will convert CAD models into machine-ready toolpaths, optimise toolpaths for cycle time and tool life, and ensure quality and dimensional accuracy across multi-axis CNC operations.

The role requires proficiency in CAD/CAM, experience with Mastercam/PowerMill, and strong knowledge of composites. You will document, validate, and support first-off manufacture while driving standardisation of

Qualifications

• Proven experience creating and optimising CNC programs in a production machining environment.
• High proficiency with CAD/CAM packages; Mastercam and PowerMill advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, including 5-axis equipment.
• Experience programming CNC machining of composite materials.
• Ability to interpret drawings, tolerances, datum structures, and surface finishes.
• Experience using VERICUT or similar simulation tools to ensure safe, collision-free programs.
• Understanding of cutting tools, tool holding, offsets, feeds, speeds, and machining strategies.
• Experience with post-processors and CNC machine controls; strong data management skills.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs and multi-axis toolpaths using approved CAD/CAM software.
• Interpret engineering drawings and CAD models to define machining strategies and tolerances.
• Select cutting tools, holders, work offsets, probing routines, and safe machining sequences.
• Post-process, simulate, and verify programs to identify collisions and over-travel.
• Support prove-out and first-off manufacture; revise programs to meet requirements.
• Optimise toolpaths, feeds, speeds, and sequences to improve cycle time and tool life.
• Create and maintain controlled programming documentation and revision records.
• Troubleshoot program and toolpath issues and implement robust corrections.

Skills

CNC programming

CAD/CAM software

5-axis machining

Composite materials

VERICUT simulation

G-code/M-code

Toolpath optimisation

Documentation management

Tools

Mastercam

PowerMill

VERICUT

Job description

To create, validate, maintain, and optimise safe, accurate CNC programs for composite machining processes at the McLaren Composite Technology Centre. The role converts CAD models into efficient, machine-ready toolpaths that achieve the required quality, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, cycle time, and tool life.

What You’ll Do:

• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs and multi‑axis toolpaths using approved CAD/CAM software.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, datum structures, material specifications, and surface‑finish requirements to define appropriate machining strategies.
• Select cutting tools, holders, machining parameters, work offsets, probing routines, and safe machining sequences.
• Post‑process, simulate, and verify programs to identify collisions, over‑travel, gouging, and other machining risks before release.
• Support program prove‑out and first‑off manufacture, analyse measured results, and revise programs until requirements are achieved.
• Optimise toolpaths, feeds, speeds, stepovers, and machining sequences to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and process reliability.
• Create and maintain controlled CNC programming documentation, including program files, setup sheets, tooling lists, work offsets, revision records, and machining instructions.
• Troubleshoot CNC program and toolpath issues, implementing robust programming corrections where required.
• Maintain approved program libraries, naming conventions, revision control, and data integrity.
• Contribute to the standardisation and continuous development of CNC programming methods, templates, post‑processors, and best practice.

Proven experience creating and optimising CNC programs in a production machining environment.

High proficiency in at least one recognised CAD/CAM package, with experience generating and validating complex toolpaths; experience using Mastercam and PowerMill is advantageous. Strong knowledge of multi‑axis CNC machining, including 5‑axis equipment. Experience programming CNC machining of composite materials is highly advantageous. Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, geometric tolerances, datum structures, and surface‑finish requirements. Sound understanding of cutting tools, tool holding, workholding, probing, offsets, feeds, speeds, depths of cut, and machining strategy. Experience using simulation and verification software, such as VERICUT, to produce safe, collision‑free programs. Working knowledge of G‑code, M‑code, post‑processors, and relevant CNC machine controls. Experience preparing clear setup sheets, tooling lists, program notes, and revision‑controlled programming records. Strong troubleshooting skills with a methodical approach to program prove‑out, correction, and optimisation. Excellent IT proficiency and disciplined management of CNC program data.

Self‑motivated and capable of working effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team. Adaptable to a dynamic and fast‑paced environment. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Effective in influencing, negotiating, and resolving conflicts. Flexible and open‑minded approach to tasks and responsibilities.

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath‑taking performance road cars. It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks. McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.

We offer a wide - ranging benefits package, which includes:

• Structured career development framework
• 25 days' holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days
• Enhanced company pension scheme
• Discretionary annual bonus award
• Private medical insurance and health cash plan
• Life assurance benefit
• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years' service
• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping
• Generous parental leave policies
• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice