CNC Sliding Head Lathe Operator

Thorlabs Ltd; Ely; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Private Health Care

Group Life Cover

Group Income Protection

Job summary

Thorlabs Ltd in Ely is seeking a skilled CNC Sliding Head Lathe operator to set up, load and machine components for production and R&D use. You will schedule high-mix batches, minimise machine downtimes and ensure components meet dimensional requirements with precise measurements.

The role requires apprenticeship training or equivalent, a minimum of 3 years on Sliding Head Lathes, and strong understanding of GD&T and Fanuc controls. A proactive, team-oriented mindset is essential.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship training or equivalent experience required.
• Minimum 3 years' experience on Sliding Head Lathes in manufacturing.
• Proficient in setting up, operating and daily maintenance of Sliding Head Lathes.
• Good understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Working knowledge of Fanuc controls.
• Experience with micron-level precision.
• Experience in process improvement and Lean manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set up, load and machine components on Sliding Head Lathe.
• Schedule high-mix, low/medium-volume batches to meet turnaround times with minimal setup changes.
• Ensure parts meet specs using accurate measurements and inspection tools.
• Help optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues.
• Support R&D requests and liaise with planning and R&D teams.
• Share best practices in setup and operation of Sliding Head Lathes to boost team competency.
• Assist with SMED-driven setup changes to reduce machine downtime.
• Contribute to Lean initiatives to improve operations.
• Operate other CNC machines when required and perform basic hand finishing.

Skills

Sliding Head Lathe

SMED

Lean manufacturing

GD&T

Fanuc controls

Micron precision

Problem solving

Education

Apprenticeship trained or equivalent experience

Tools

3-axis milling

Wire EDM

Programming Sliding Head Lathes

Job description

Support the Machine Shop operation to provide precision machined components for production and R&D use by setting up, operating and maintaining CNC Sliding Head Lathe.,

• To set up, load and machine components on a Sliding Head Lathe
• To successfully schedule and load high mix, low/medium volume batches by strategically grouping components together to meet turnaround times whilst minimising machine set up changes
• Ensure the quality of components produced meets requirements by taking accurate measurements utilising the most appropriate inspection tools and documenting the results
• Help optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues
• Respond to ad-hoc R&D requests when needed, meeting required deadlines through close liaison with production planning and R&D teams
• Share best practices in set up and operation of Sliding Head Lathes to enhance team competency and knowledge
• Utilise colleagues to assist in set up changes to reduce machine down time (SMED methodologies)
• Active contribution to process improvement initiatives to enhance Lean operations
• Support the Machine Shop operation by setting, loading and operating other CNC machinery when required, including unloading and hand finish components if necessary
• Maintaining high levels of attention to detail at all times
• Perform daily and weekly 5S tasks and machine maintenance, following Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) regimes
• Ensure that all machining activities are carried out in accordance with the company's safe working practices and environmental requirements

What is essential to us…

• Apprenticeship trained or similar experience considered
• Minimum 3 years' experience on Sliding Head Lathes in a manufacturing environment
• Proficient in setting up, operating and daily maintenance of Sliding Head Lathes
• Experienced in minimising down time between set up changes (SMED methodologies)
• Good understanding of engineering drawings and an ability to interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T)
• A working knowledge of Fanuc based controls
• Experience working with micron level precision
• Experienced in process improvement and Lean manufacturing
• Knowledge of programming Sliding Head Lathes highly desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of 3-axis milling and Wire EDM is desirable but not essential
• Must have a good attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Ability to work in a team as well as independently
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly
• Ability to teach others and share knowledge
• Adhering to core values and driven positive attitude, In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture or a range of innovative photonics products. We use these products in manufacturing and research, from fibre optics to piezo motors. We are the gold standard with optics laboratories worldwide. There are now 22 facilities across the world in 9 countries. Here in Ely, we are responsible for the Motion Control and Optical Tables product line.

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays., Contributed Pension Scheme -Group Life Cover -Private Health Care -Group Income Protection & more.