CNC Sliding Head Machinist

Syntech Recruitment Ltd; Watford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £45,000-£50,000pa

Overtime 1.5x

Annual bonus

Early finish Fridays

Pension

Free on-site parking

Stable permanent role

Development opportunities

Job summary

Syntech Recruitment Ltd is seeking an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter/Programmer in Watford to join a precision engineering manufacturer producing high‑quality aerospace components. You will set and program Citizen or Star sliding head lathes for prototypes and small-to-medium batches.

The role requires hands-on experience with sliding head machinery, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to read complex drawings. A formal engineering apprenticeship is advantageous but not essential.

Qualifications

• Previous experience setting and programming CNC sliding head lathes.
• Experience with Citizen or Star machines.
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.
• Experience producing precision components to tight tolerances.
• Experience machining a range of metals and specialist alloys.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• A completed engineering apprenticeship would be beneficial but is not essential.

Responsibilities

• Setting, programming and operating Citizen or Star sliding head CNC lathes.
• Manufacturing intricate components across small-to-medium production batches.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Producing components to aerospace tolerances.
• Working with stainless steel, aluminium, brass, titanium and other materials.
• Completing first-off inspections and quality checks.
• Producing prototype and repeat-batch components to production schedules.
• Troubleshooting machining issues and optimising processes.
• Collaborating with production and engineering teams.
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment.

Skills

CNC Lathes

Citizen/Star

Reading drawings

Precision machining

Metals & alloys

Attention to detail

Engineering apprenticeship beneficial

Education

Engineering apprenticeship

Tools

Citizen/Star CNC lathes

Job description

CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer

Location: Watford, Hertfordshire

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm | Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm

Job Type: Permanent

Syntech Recruitment are supporting a well-established precision engineering manufacturer in their search for an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, quality‑driven engineering business producing intricate, high‑precision components for the aerospace industry. You'll be setting and programming Citizen or Star sliding head lathes, working across prototypes and small‑to‑medium batch production.

Benefits

• Salary of £45,000-£50,000, depending on experience
• Overtime available at 1.5x
• Annual performance‑related bonus
• Early finish every Friday
• Company pension
• Free on‑site parking
• Stable, long‑term permanent position
• Development opportunities within a growing business

Duties and Responsibilities

• Setting, programming and operating Citizen or Star sliding head CNC lathes
• Manufacturing intricate components across small‑to‑medium production batches
• Reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings and specifications
• Producing components to tight aerospace tolerances
• Working with stainless steel, aluminium, brass, titanium and other specialist materials
• Completing first‑off inspections and quality checks
• Producing prototype and repeat‑batch components to production schedules
• Troubleshooting machining issues and optimising manufacturing processes
• Working closely with the wider production and engineering teams
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

Skills and Experience Required

• Previous experience setting and programming CNC sliding head lathes
• Experience with Citizen or Star machines
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings
• Experience producing precision components to tight tolerances
• Experience machining a range of metals and specialist alloys
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• A completed engineering apprenticeship would be beneficial but is not essential

If you are an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer looking to join a successful precision engineering business, please apply today.