CNC Programmer Setter Operator (Continental Shifts – 177 Days a Year)

Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd; Denham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension

Shift premium

Life Assurance

Training & development

Healthcare plan

Cycle to work

Nursery benefit

Job summary

Martin-Baker Aircraft Company Ltd in Denham is seeking a CNC Programmer Setter Operator to master machine shop stations, delivering components for life-saving aerospace systems.

You'll work 177 days a year on continental shifts (50% 6am–4pm, 50% 12pm–10pm) with a strong shift premium and attendance bonus, within a safety-focused, highly skilled team. This role offers career development in UK aerospace engineering.

Qualifications

• CNC experience across Milling, Turning and Setting (essential).
• Able to read and interpret complex engineering drawings.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment where precision is critical.
• Experience with CMM/inspection reports and conformance documentation.
• Demonstrates a commitment to Martin-Baker values.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate CNC and manual machines to tight tolerances.
• Inspect own work using conventional tools and CMM reports.
• Maintain workshop flow and perform basic TPM tasks during cycles.
• Collaborate with a supportive, highly engaged team.
• Uphold high standards of workspace safety and quality.

Skills

CNC machine experience

Reading drawings

Fast-paced environment

CMM experience

Quality mindset

Tools

CMM machines

Job description

CNC Programmer Setter Operator (Continental Shifts – 177 Days a Year) RB1025

Location Denham, Buckinghamshire Salary Competitive Salary + Shift Premium + Attendance Allowance + Bonus + Benefits Application Deadline Monday, November 2, 2026 Job Summary

Machine it. Perfect it. Trust it with lives!

Find your future in a role where manufacturing precision meets real-world impact. As a CNC Programmer Setter Operator within our Machine Shop team at Denham, you’ll join a tight-knit group of engineering experts ensuring the components behind life‑saving aerospace technology are flawlessly machined. From the bench to the cockpit, your craftsmanship will power cutting‑edge ejection seat systems built to perform in the most extreme, safety‑critical environments.

Direct Impact, Global Scale. Life-Saving Mission.

At Martin‑Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life‑saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.

We’re proud of our long history in aerospace and defence, also focused on the future. Joining Martin‑Baker means becoming part of a business with a clear purpose, strong engineering capability and a long‑term commitment to its people, products and customers.

Whether you work in engineering, operations, commercial, finance, supply chain or support functions, your contribution helps deliver equipment that protects lives. It is challenging work, but it is also meaningful, and with over 7,700 lives saved, it gives our people the opportunity to be part of something with real impact.

The Opportunity

As a CNC Programmer Setter Operator, you will work in our world‑class Machine Shop, acting as the master of your station to ensure components are flawlessly engineered. You will enter a unique, highly detailed environment where you work just 177 days a year. Our continental shift pattern (50% 6am–4pm and 50% 12pm–10pm) offers the ultimate work‑life balance, giving you more time for yourself without sacrificing your engineering career.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a world‑class British engineering legacy, setting and operating machines to elite tolerances. You’ll gain exposure to high‑integrity aerospace manufacturing while operating within a highly engaged, supportive, and safety‑focused team.

This role is based at our Denham site, offering excellent earning potential alongside an industry‑leading shift premium.

What You’ll Do

• Machine Operation: Set and operate CNC and manual machines to elite tolerances with complete technical precision.
• Quality Inspection: Inspect your own work using conventional engineering kit and detailed CMM reports to guarantee conformance.
• Workflow Efficiency: Keep the workshop workflow smooth by completing basic TPM tasks and deburring components during machine cycles.
• Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with a workshop team that takes genuine collective pride in British engineering.
• Workspace Standards: Maintain a sharp, safe, and efficient workspace by actively aligning with high‑quality manufacturing standards.

What We’re Looking For

• CNC Experience: Solid, proven experience knowing your way around a CNC machine, specifically across Milling, Turning, and Setting (essential).
• Technical eye: Demonstrated ability to accurately read and interpret complex technical engineering drawings like a second language (essential).
• Speed & Precision: Proven capability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment where "good" enough" is never enough (essential).
• Quality Mindset: Practical experience utilising CMM machines and working with strict conformance reports (essential).
• Share and demonstrate the Martin‑Baker values.

Our Values

At Martin‑Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.

What We Offer

• Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin‑Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non‑contributory to the employee), with further employer contributions that grow as you increase your own
• Top‑Tier Shift Allowance & Premium including a competitive base salary, attendance allowance, and an annual bonus scheme.
• Life Assurance
• Personalised training and development plan
• Healthcare plan
• Martin‑Baker + (retail discounts platform)
• Occupational Health team
• Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work.

Martin‑Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.

This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS).

The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements.