CNC Setter Operator

NP Aerospace Limited; Coventry; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

25 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Life cover

Health plan

Career development

Supportive team

Job summary

NP Aerospace is seeking a CNC Setter Operator to set up, operate and optimise CNC machinery, producing precision components from engineering drawings. You will install tooling, calibrate offsets and monitor production to meet tolerances and quality standards.

Responsibilities include loading materials, running multiple machines as required, inspecting parts with micrometers and gauges, and maintaining accurate production records while adhering to health and safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience setting and operating CNC machinery.
• Able to read engineering drawings and set up tooling.
• Proficient with micrometers, verniers and gauges.
• Strong health and safety awareness.

Responsibilities

• Set up CNC machines for production runs.
• Load materials and monitor machining processes.
• Inspect components using precision measuring equipment.
• Maintain production records and adhere to safety procedures.
• Support other production areas when required.

Skills

CNC machinery experience

Tooling setup

Reading engineering drawings

Quality inspection

Safety compliance

Tools

Precision measuring tools

Job description

Job Title: CNC Setter Operator

Location: Coventry, UK

Hours: Days -08:00-16:35 (Mon - Thu) 08:00-15:10 (Fri)

Vacancy Type: Full-time and Permanent

Salary: circa £29,000

Permanent Position | Day Shift | Coventry | Immediate Start

The role

As a CNC Setter Operator, you will be responsible for setting up, operating and optimising CNC machinery to manufacture precision components in line with engineering drawings, quality standards and production requirements. The role involves selecting and installing the correct tooling, fixtures and offsets, carrying out machine set‑up and calibration, and ensuring production runs are completed safely, efficiently and accurately.

You will operate CNC machines, monitor machining processes and inspect finished components using precision measuring equipment such as micrometres, verniers and gauges. You will ensure all parts meet the required tolerances and quality specifications, while identifying and resolving machining or tooling issues to minimise downtime and maintain productivity.

You will also carry out routine machine maintenance, maintain accurate production records and work in line with Health and Safety and quality procedures. The role may involve operating multiple machines, loading materials, identifying tooling or equipment replacement needs and supporting machine maintenance plans.

Flexibility is important, as you may also be required to support other Production areas and workstations to meet operational and business needs, subject to appropriate training and competency.

Do you want to know more about NPA? Visit our LinkedIn page and NPA Careers Page to find out more about us!

What you'll get in return

At NP Aerospace, we know our success comes from our people. That's why we invest in benefits that support your health, reward your hard work, and help you grow your career:

Performance rewards - discretionary bonus opportunities

Time to recharge: 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays

Support for Defence - two weeks' paid leave for Reservists and Cadets, plus paid leave for Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) - subject to approval

Future security - competitive pension scheme (9% combined employer/employee contributions)

Peace of mind - life cover at 3x base salary

Health & wellbeing first - BHSF Cash Healthcare Plan to support everyday health costs

Grow with us - career development and advancement opportunities within a global business

Supportive environment - a team culture built on innovation, collaboration, and purpose

Responsibilities

In this role, you will set up, operate and monitor CNC machinery to produce precision components safely, accurately and in line with production requirements. The key duties and responsibilities are outlined below.

CNC set-up and operation

• Set up CNC machines, including lathes, mills or multi-axis machines, for production runs.
• Use and operate CNC machines to produce precision components in line with engineering drawings, Manufacturing Instructions and production requirements.
• Load materials into machines and monitor machining processes throughout production.
• Operate multiple CNC machines where required, including loading materials, setting tools and running production jobs.
• Perform machine set‑up and tooling selection to support efficient production runs.
• Carry out proper set‑up and calibration procedures for all equipment and accessories.

Tooling, fixtures and machine preparation

• Load, fit and adjust tooling, fixtures and offsets.
• Fit the correct tools to active machines in line with the production requirement.
• Identify any tooling, fixture or equipment requirements, including items that may need repair or replacement.
• Support efficient production by ensuring machines, tooling and equipment are correctly prepared before production starts.

Quality and inspection

• Inspect components using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, verniers and gauges.
• Ensure parts meet required quality standards, tolerances and specifications.
• Monitor component quality during production and take appropriate action if issues are identified.

Troubleshooting, maintenance and efficiency

• Troubleshoot machining, tooling or set‑up issues to minimise downtime and improve overall efficiency.
• Perform routine machine maintenance and housekeeping.
• Help maintain machine maintenance plans and highlight any issues with machinery, tooling or equipment.
• Escalate production, quality or equipment concerns promptly where further support is required.

Production records, safety and wider support

• Maintain accurate production records and documentation.
• Follow all Health and Safety and quality procedures at all times.
• Ensure all CNC operations are carried out in full compliance with Health and Safety, quality standards and operational procedures.
• Support safe, efficient and reliable production by maintaining accurate records, following procedures and completing routine checks.
• Provide operational support across other Production areas and workstations where required by the needs of the business.
• Undertake production activities outside of the CNC area where workload or operational requirements require additional support, subject to appropriate training and competency.

The above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities.

Our team embraces modern technologies, including AI-assisted tools, to work smarter and deliver better results. Candidates should either have experience using AI tools or demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply them in their role.

Experience

Essential

• Previous experience setting and operating CNC machinery within a manufacturing or production environment.
• Experience carrying out machine setup, calibration, tooling selection, fixture setup and offset adjustments.
• Able to work from engineering drawings, Manufacturing Instructions, process specifications or technical documentation.
• Experience producing precision components to required tolerances and quality standards.
• Confident using precision measuring equipment, such as micrometers, verniers and gauges.
• Able to monitor machining processes, identify issues and resolve machining or tooling problems.
• Good understanding of Health and Safety and quality requirements within a machine shop or production environment.
• Able to complete production records, quality checks and documentation accurately.
• Good attention to detail, with a clear commitment to quality, traceability and right-first-time production.
• Able to work independently when required, while also supporting the wider production team.
• Experience using AI tools, or a willingness to learn and apply AI in the role.

Desirable

• Experience setting and operating CNC lathes, mills or multi-axis machines.
• Experience operating multiple CNC machines or supporting more than one production process.
• Experience loading materials, setting tools and running production jobs.
• Basic machine maintenance or first-line maintenance experience.
• Experience identifying tooling, fixture or equipment replacement requirements.

What do we do at NP Aerospace?

NP Aerospace is a global leader in armour technology manufacturing and vehicle integration, delivering high-performance, lifesaving solutions for the defence and security industry.

Our mission is to improve and protect lives, and our vision is to be a leading provider of innovative solutions that solve our customers' complex challenges. Our values - Respect, Collaboration, Integrity, and Dedication form the bedrock of our culture.

Our extensive range of combat-proven body armour, from ballistic helmets, plates, and shields to bomb disposal suits, highlights some of the most advanced composite materials. With a team of R&D engineers working on next-generation solutions, we also excel in highly engineered vehicle systems and armour platforms used by some of the world's largest defence organisations.

Founded in 1926, NP Aerospace has served the defence industry for over 40 years, evolving into an agile and diverse company. Our Business Development team is expanding both in the UK and North America.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

NP Aerospace is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, colour, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are also fully committed to supporting the Defence Community and actively advertise roles on Defence specific platforms such as CTP, Force Families, Forces Employment Charity, and Veterans Job Board.

Data Privacy:

NP Aerospace respects the privacy of all applicants. Personal information provided during the application process will be treated in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable data protection laws.

Please note:

If successful, you will be required to sign the Official Secrets Act and successfully pass the necessary checks before you can begin your employment with NP Aerospace.