CNC Setter / Programmer (Turning & Milling) Engineer

Adecco Portugal; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is seeking an experienced CNC Setter / Programmer with turning and milling expertise to join a precision engineering and manufacturing business in Birmingham. You will take ownership of programming, machine set-up, process optimisation and continuous improvement activities to ensure components are produced efficiently, accurately, and to high quality standards.

Key responsibilities include programming, setting and operating CNC Turn/Mill machines, first-off

Qualifications

• Proven experience as CNC Setter / Programmer within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Program, set, and operate CNC Turning and Milling machines.
• Produce first-off components and carry out dimensional inspections to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Select and manage tooling, fixtures, and machining strategies for a range of components.
• Troubleshoot machining and production issues, implementing effective solutions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation.
• Complete machine set-ups for low, medium, and high-volume manufacturing runs.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to ensure manufacturing requirements are achieved.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
• Monitor tooling performance and recommend improvements to maximise machine utilisation and output.
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in accordance with quality and operational standards.

Skills

CNC Turning

CNC Milling

CNC Programming

CNC Machine Setting

Fanuc Controls

Heidenhain Controls

Mazatrol Controls

CAD/CAM Programming

Tool Selection & Optimisation

First-Off Inspection

Engineering Drawing Interpretation

Precision Machining

Root Cause Analysis

Process Improvement

Quality Inspection

Continuous Improvement

Lean Manufacturing Principles

Tools

CAD/CAM Software

ERP / MRP Systems

CMM Equipment

Quality Management Systems

Production Planning Systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Experienced CNC Setter / Programmer (Turning & Milling)

Location: Birmingham

Salary: Competitive + Benefits

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced CNC Setter / Programmer with strong Turning and Milling experience to join a growing precision engineering and manufacturing business.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled machinist who enjoys a hands-on role, taking ownership of programming, machine set-up, process optimisation, and continuous improvement activities. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring components are produced efficiently, accurately, and to the highest quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set, and operate CNC Turning and Milling machines.
• Produce first-off components and carry out dimensional inspections to ensure compliance with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs to improve efficiency and reduce cycle times.
• Select and manage tooling, fixtures, and machining strategies for a range of components.
• Troubleshoot machining and production issues, implementing effective solutions.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, and technical documentation.
• Complete machine set-ups for low, medium, and high-volume manufacturing runs.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, and Production teams to ensure manufacturing requirements are achieved.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, and waste reduction.
• Monitor tooling performance and recommend improvements to maximise machine utilisation and output.
• Ensure all work is completed safely and in accordance with quality and operational standards.

About You

• Proven experience as a CNC Setter / Programmer within a precision engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong experience with both CNC Turning and CNC Milling machinery.
• Ability to independently programme, set, and optimise CNC machines.
• Experience manufacturing precision-engineered components to tight tolerances.
• Strong understanding of tooling, feeds, speeds, cutting parameters, and machining best practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Excellent fault-finding, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to producing quality components.
• Self-motivated, organised, and capable of managing multiple priorities.

Preferred Experience

• Experience working with multi-axis CNC machines.
• CAD/CAM programming knowledge.
• Background within precision engineering, aerospace, automotive, medical, or other high-specification manufacturing sectors.
• Experience supporting continuous improvement and process optimisation projects.
• Understanding of Lean Manufacturing principles.

Core Skills

• CNC Turning
• CNC Milling
• CNC Programming
• CNC Machine Setting
• Fanuc Controls
• Heidenhain Controls
• Mazatrol Controls
• CAD/CAM Programming
• Tool Selection & Optimisation
• First-Off Inspection
• Engineering Drawing Interpretation
• Precision Machining
• Root Cause Analysis
• Process Improvement
• Quality Inspection
• Continuous Improvement
• Manufacturing Best Practices

Tools & Systems

• Fanuc
• Heidenhain
• Mazatrol
• CAD/CAM Software
• ERP / MRP Systems
• CMM Equipment
• Quality Management Systems
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Production Planning Systems

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work with advanced CNC technology and complex precision components.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative manufacturing environment.
• Long-term career progression opportunities into Senior Programmer, Manufacturing Engineer, Team Leader, or Management positions.

Ideal Candidate

A highly skilled CNC Setter / Programmer with strong Turning and Milling expertise, capable of delivering high-quality precision components while driving improvements in machining performance, productivity, and quality. You will take pride in your craftsmanship, technical knowledge, and ability to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement and manufacturing excellence.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.