CNC Setter Operator

Syntech Recruitment Ltd; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable engineering firm in Southend-on-Sea is seeking a skilled CNC Setter Operator to join their production team. The ideal candidate will have over 2 years of aerospace engineering experience, adept in setting and running CNC machines, and a keen eye for detail to ensure quality standards. Responsibilities include managing first-operation machining tasks, conducting inspections, and collaborating with team members. This role offers a competitive salary and a four-day work week is a possibility.

Benefits

16 days holiday + 8 bank holidays

Pension plan

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Shopping discounts

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in aerospace engineering required.
• Must have experience setting and running CNC machinery.
• Strong measurement and inspection skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Set and run CNC machinery including fixed-head and sliding-head lathes.
• Support 2nd operation machining when needed.
• Conduct first-off inspections and job-run checks.

Skills

Interpreting engineering drawings

CNC machinery operation

Reducing scrap

Measurement and inspection

Education

Minimum 2 years in aerospace engineering

Tools

Fanuc controls

Seiki controls

Job description

CNC Setter Operator

Salary: Up to £35,000 (DOE)

Hours: Mon–Thurs, 06:45–16:30 (37 hrs)

Location: 5 miles from Southend On Sea

Benefits: 16 days holiday + 8 bank holidays, pension plan, health cash plan, life assurance, EAP, shopping discounts

We’re working with a long-established engineering business that produces high-precision, high-tolerance components for the aerospace sector. They’re now looking for an experienced CNC Setter & Operator to support their production team across a range of first-operation machining activities.

If you’re confident working to aerospace standards, enjoy improving efficiencies, and take pride in producing zero-defect components — this is an excellent opportunity to join a business that values quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

CNC Setter Operator Duties

• Setting and running CNC machinery, including fixed-head, sliding-head, lathes, turning mills and bar feeders (Doosan, Hardinge, Mori, Star).
• Supporting 2nd operation machining when needed — thread rolling, grinding, drilling, deburring, torque testing and more.
• Programming, setting and coordinating machining activities in collaboration with existing setters.
• Conducting first-off inspections and job-run checks.
• Working confidently with aluminium, stainless steel and Inconel.
• Reducing scrap, improving productivity, and supporting a zero-defect philosophy.

CNC Setter Operator Profile

• Background in aerospace engineering (minimum 2 years).
• Experience setting and running 1st and 2nd op machining tools, with some programming capability.
• Strong ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Experience with Fanuc and Seiki controls.
• Comfortable with bar feed machines.
• Strong measurement and inspection skills.

Interested in a 4 day week? Please APPLY today!