CNC Sliding Head Lathe Programmer/Operator - 1365

Thorlabs Ltd; Ely; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative optical technologies company in Ely is seeking a CNC Sliding Head Lathe Programmer Operator to support precision machined components for production and R&D. Responsibilities include setting up, programming, and maintaining CNC Sliding Head lathes, optimising programs, and ensuring quality. This role offers competitive salary and excellent benefits including healthcare and paid holidays.

Benefits

Onsite training and development

Free onsite parking

Free refreshments

Entertainment area in canteen

Competitive benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience on Sliding Head lathes in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to teach others and share knowledge.
• Must have good attention to detail and ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Set up, program, and operate components predominantly on Sliding Head lathes.
• Optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues.
• Ensure quality of components produced meets requirements.

Skills

Setting up, programming, operating Sliding Head lathes

Minimising downtime (SMED methodologies)

Interpreting engineering drawings (GD&T)

Working with micron level precision

Teamwork and knowledge sharing

Education

Apprenticeship or similar experience

Tools

Fanuc based controls

CAD/CAM software

Job description

Overview

As a CNC Sliding Head Lathe Programmer Operator, you will support the Machine Shop operation to provide precision machined components for production and R&D use by setting up, programming, operating and maintaining CNC Sliding Head lathes.

Working hours

Monday to Thursday 6.00 am – 2.30 pm and Friday 6.00 am – 1.00 pm

Department

Engineering, Tables

Interview process

2 stage process following shortlisting – First stage: 60 minute Teams interview. Second stage: OnSite 2 hour interview

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, programming, operating and maintaining Sliding Head lathes
• Experienced in minimising down time (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
• Machine loading and operation experience
• Knowledge of 3-axis milling and Wire EDM desirable but not essential
• Knowledge of multi-pallet, high mix, low volume machining centres 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 and teach others and share knowledge
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly

What we would like you to do / to see

• To program, set up, load and machine components predominantly on Sliding Head lathes
• Using CAD/CAM software or by programming directly on the console, interpret engineering drawings to write programs that incorporate appropriate machining strategies to produce precision components to the required fit and finish
• Optimise existing programs and troubleshoot production issues
• Ensure machines are scheduled and loaded to meet production Kanban demand and respond to ad-hoc R&D requests when required
• Ensure the quality of components produced meets requirements by taking accurate measurements, utilising the most appropriate inspection tools
• Support the Machine Shop operation by setting, loading and operating other CNC machinery when required
• Unload and hand finish components if required
• Assist the Machine Shop operation to prove out and produce first-off components for production or R&D use
• Perform daily 5S tasks and weekly machine maintenance, following Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) regimes

Who we are

Thorlabs is a global, industry leading optical technologies company. We are experts in the design and manufacture of 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.

Where you will be working

You will be working in our new purpose-built facility in Witchford, Ely. Our purpose-built facility is just 12 miles from Cambridge, within the beautiful medieval city of Ely. There are train and bus links to Ely from Kings Cross and Liverpool Street London, and our site is within distance of Ely train station and Ely Bus station.

What will you get

At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for inhouse customised training and development that accelerates your career progression. We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, as well as an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.

And the benefits are

Competitive Salary to attract the best, plus an excellent benefits package including pension, health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays.

Job Reference: THOR-VC-1368

This is a rolling campaign, so we will actively interview applicants. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old.

*This is a legal requirement, further information is here School leaving age - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa we are therefore unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.

We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position.