Cnc Programmer/machinist

Interaction Recruitment; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Interaction Engineering in Chatteris, Cambridgeshire, invites an experienced 5-Axis CNC Programmer/Machinist to join a precision engineering team in the aerospace and defence sectors. The role focuses on offline programming, machine setting, and process development.

Key tasks include creating 5-axis programs, using Autodesk PowerMill and PowerShape, manipulating CATIA CAD data, and optimising toolpaths for efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Strong 5-axis CNC programming experience essential.
• Proficiency with PowerMill and PowerShape required.
• Experience creating/manipulating CAD data from CATIA.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop robust 5-axis CNC programming strategies.
• Program using PowerMill and PowerShape.
• Set and operate 5-axis CNC machinery and optimise toolpaths.
• Prove out first-off programs and ensure production readiness.
• Develop SOPs and improve CNC processes.

Skills

5-axis CNC programming

PowerMill

PowerShape

CNC setting & operation

CATIA CAD data manipulation

FANUC and HEIDENHAIN controls

Reading engineering drawings

Process improvement

Education

Mechanical engineering/trade qualification

5+ years relevant experience

Tools

Autodesk PowerMill

Autodesk PowerShape

CATIA

Job description

Interaction Engineering

5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist

Location: Chatteris, Cambridgeshire

Contract: Initially 2 months, with potential to extend up to 6 months

Start: Early October

Rate: Competitive – DOE

We’re currently recruiting for an experienced 5-Axis CNC Programmer / Machinist to support a leading engineering business operating within the aerospace and defence sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly skilled CNC professional with strong PowerMill and PowerShape experience, who can hit the ground running in a precision engineering environment.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for offline 5-axis programming, CNC machine setting and operation, as well as supporting the development and optimisation of machining processes.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Creating and developing robust 5-axis CNC programming strategies
• Programming using Autodesk PowerMill and PowerShape
• Creating models and manipulating CAD data from CATIA
• Setting and operating 5-axis CNC machinery
• Creating OMV programmes and probing cycles
• Proving out first-off programmes and ensuring parts are production-ready
• Optimising toolpaths to improve machining efficiency and accuracy
• Troubleshooting and resolving programming and machining issues
• Producing clear and accurate operator instructions
• Supporting fixture design and identifying potential improvements
• Creating inspection instructions and supporting quality requirements
• Managing tooling requirements and liaising with tooling suppliers
• Monitoring machine utilisation and departmental efficiency
• Developing SOPs and improving CNC processes
• Supporting shop-floor teams to ensure efficient manufacture in line with design requirements

Essential Experience

We’re looking for someone with:

• Strong CNC programming experience, particularly 5-axis
• Excellent knowledge of PowerMill and PowerShape
• Experience creating/manipulating CAD data from CATIA
• Previous setting and operating experience
• Experience with FANUC and/or HEIDENHAIN CNC controls
• Ability to read and interpret technical engineering drawings
• Strong process improvement and problem-solving skills
• Experience working within a precision engineering environment
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured, methodical approach
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• A mechanical engineering/trade qualification or 5+ years' relevant experience

Desirable

• Aerospace and/or defence experience
• Programme/project management experience
• Supplier-facing experience
• Hands‑on composites experience

Contract Details

Initial 2-month contract, with the potential to extend to 6 months, subject to business requirements.

Provisional start: Early October, depending on candidate availability.

If you're an experienced 5-Axis CNC Programmer/Machinist with strong PowerMill/PowerShape skills and are available for contract work, we'd be keen to hear from you.