CNC Programmer - 5 Axis / Mill-Turn

Major Forces; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An aerospace manufacturer is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer with robust 3, 4, and 5-axis programming capabilities. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of programming experience, primarily with multi-axis CNC machines and proficiency in Edgecam and/or Alphacam. You will create and optimize CNC programs while ensuring quality in machining complex aerospace components. Enjoy a competitive salary, a 4-day working week, and validation in an established aerospace environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending on experience

4-day working week (Mon–Thurs, 37 hours)

Overtime at enhanced rates (Fri–Sun)

Long-term stability with an established aerospace business

Progression and continuous improvement involvement

Employee benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years programming experience (not just operating).
• Strong experience with multi-axis CNC machines.
• Proficiency in Edgecam and/or Alphacam.
• Experience machining aluminium and aerospace-grade materials.
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T and work from 3D models.

Responsibilities

• Creating and optimising CNC programs for 3, 4 & 5-axis machining centres.
• Programming mill-turn operations.
• Developing efficient machining strategies for aluminium aerospace parts.
• Interpreting drawings, CAD models and GD&T.
• Running simulations (e.g. VERICUT) to validate tool paths.
• Selecting tooling, feeds/speeds, and workholding solutions.
• Supporting FAI activities and quality audits.
• Troubleshooting issues on the shop floor and improving processes.
• Mentoring operators/machinists on new programs.

Job description

Are you an experienced CNC Programmer with real 3, 4, and 5-axis programming capability? I'm supporting a major aerospace manufacturer who are expanding their machining team and looking for someone who can hit the ground running.

This role isn't for machinists who occasionally program or know "bits of Edgecam." They’re looking for someone who can fully own the programming process from CAD/CAM, to tooling strategy, to simulation, through to FAI.

If you've got strong programming experience on Edgecam and/or Alphacam, and you know how to optimise multi-axis machining for aluminium aerospace components, this will be a brilliant step up.

The Opportunity

You'll be joining a well-established aerospace engineering business supplying complex components into major OEMs and primes. They invest heavily in machining technology, run premium multi-axis centres (including mill-turn), and you'll be programming genuinely complex parts, not basic production work.

You’ll be given autonomy, support, and the space to innovate - they want someone who can help drive machining quality, reduce cycle times, and improve tooling strategies.

What You'll Be Doing

• Creating and optimising CNC programs for 3, 4 & 5-axis machining centres
• Programming mill-turn operations
• Developing efficient machining strategies for aluminium aerospace parts
• Interpreting drawings, CAD models and GD&T
• Running simulations (e.g. VERICUT) to validate tool paths
• Selecting tooling, feeds/speeds, and workholding solutions
• Supporting FAI activities and quality audits
• Troubleshooting issues on the shop floor and improving processes
• Mentoring operators/machinists on new programs

What You Need to Bring

Essential

• Minimum 5 years programming experience (not just operating)
• Strong experience with multi-axis CNC machines
• Proficiency in Edgecam and/or Alphacam
• Experience machining aluminium and aerospace-grade materials
• Ability to read drawings, GD&T and work from 3D models

Desirable

• Aerospace experience
• Knowledge of AS9100 / NADCAP standards
• Experience with tight tolerances and complex geometries

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience
• 4-day working week (Mon–Thurs, 37 hours)
• Overtime at enhanced rates (Fri–Sun)
• Long-term stability with an established aerospace business
• Progression and continuous improvement involvement
• Employee benefits package