CNC Programmer and Prototype machinist

DCA Design International; Warwick; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as a CNC Machinist, where your expertise in programming and operating 3-axis and 5-axis machines will be highly valued. This role offers a friendly yet professional environment, focusing on producing high-quality, complex parts. You'll collaborate closely with project managers and engineers, ensuring efficiency and creativity in your work. With a competitive salary, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive team culture, this is an excellent opportunity to advance your career in machining while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.

Benefits

Competitive salary with paid overtime

22 days holiday plus increments

Half-day Fridays

Discretionary profit-related annual bonus

Fixed holiday bonuses

Pension scheme

Convenient location

Subsidised sports and team events

Cycle to work scheme

Paid parking permit

Qualifications

• Proven experience in CNC programming and operating 3-axis and 5-axis machines.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to work within a small team.

Responsibilities

• Programming and operating CNC machines for prototype parts.
• Maintaining high accuracy and quality in machining tasks.

Skills

CNC Programming

3-axis Machining

5-axis Machining

CAM Software

Manual Machining

Time Management

Health and Safety Awareness

Microsoft Office 365

Tools

Hypermill

Lathe

Mill

Surface Grinder

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organised and professional CNC Machinist with proven experience in programming and operating 3-axis and 5-axis machines. Join a successful, forward-thinking organisation that offers an informal, friendly, yet professional and hardworking environment.

This role reports directly to the Technical Director and requires close collaboration with workshop colleagues, project managers, designers, and engineers.

Duties and Responsibilities include:

1. Programming and operating 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machines.
2. Producing one-off or low-volume prototype parts, often small and complex, using materials such as stainless steel, aluminium, brass, and engineering plastics.
3. Approaching each job with efficiency and creativity, selecting appropriate machining strategies and programming cycles.
4. Producing parts to high accuracy, taking responsibility for work quality and self-checking end results.
5. Assisting with external cost data collection for CNC machining to support the annual departmental budget.
6. Operating manual machines including lathe, mill, and surface grinder.
7. Renewing and supervising maintenance contracts for CNC and manual machines.
8. Performing scheduled maintenance tasks as per health and safety guidelines.
9. Setting machines to run unattended, often overnight, with pallet loader.
10. Supporting project managers with quotes, solutions, and time estimates for machining work.
11. Attending quarterly workshop forums, contributing actively, and completing assigned actions timely.
12. Raising health and safety concerns proactively.
13. Ensuring workshop equipment is calibrated off-site when required.
14. Maintaining a clean, tidy, and safe work environment with the Facilities team.
15. Delivering 'Safe Working Procedure' training on equipment such as pillar drills, bandsaws, and disc sanders.
16. Adhering to health and safety policies and promoting safe machinery operation among colleagues.
17. Willingness to learn new machining strategies and seek improvements in CNC services.
18. Undertaking additional tasks as assigned by the DCA Board.

Personal Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Self-motivation and initiative, working effectively within a small CNC team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise.
• A strong work ethic and a positive attitude.
• Rapid learning and application of new skills and knowledge.
• Awareness of health and safety issues, including risk assessments.
• Proven CNC programming and machining skills.
• Confident use of CAM software; experience with Hypermill is advantageous.
• Experience with manual lathes and mills, as well as CNC machines.
• 3-axis experience is essential; 5-axis experience is highly desirable.
• Heidenhain programming experience is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, including Teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with paid overtime (time and a half).
• 22 days holiday plus long service increments up to 32 days.
• 37-hour workweek with a half-day on Fridays for better work-life balance.
• Discretionary profit-related annual bonus.
• Additional fixed holiday bonuses in July and December (totaling 3% of base pay).
• Pension scheme.
• Convenient Warwick town centre location.
• Activities and social fund, including subsidised sports and team events.
• Cycle to work scheme and paid parking permit.