CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator

Interaction Recruitment; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Interaction Recruitment is seeking an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator to join a precision engineering company in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. The role involves setting, operating and adjusting sliding head machines to produce high-quality components, maintaining accuracy and efficiency.

The position is full-time and permanent with rotating early and late shifts; salary ranges £30,000–£40,000 including shift allowance.

Qualifications

• Experience setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
• Reading engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Setting tools and offsets and making adjustments to CNC programmes.
• Using precision measuring equipment and ensuring tight tolerances.

Responsibilities

• Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications.
• Setting tools, offsets and making necessary machine adjustments.
• Reading, understanding and adjusting CNC programmes.
• Producing precision-engineered components to tight tolerances.
• Carrying out first-off inspections and ongoing quality checks.
• Using measuring equipment such as micrometers and gauges.
• Monitoring machine performance and resolving machining issues.
• Ensuring production targets and quality standards are met.
• Maintaining a clean, safe working environment.
• Collaborating with production and engineering teams.

Tools

Fanuc controls

Job description

CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator

Location: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Salary: £30,000 – £40,000 per annum (including shift allowance)
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Shift Pattern: Rotating Early and Late Shifts

About the Role

Interaction Recruitment is currently recruiting for an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Operator to join a well-established precision engineering and manufacturing company based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled CNC engineer with experience setting and operating sliding head machines to join a successful manufacturing business offering long-term stability and career development.

The successful candidate will be responsible for setting, operating and adjusting CNC sliding head machines to produce high-quality precision components while maintaining excellent standards of accuracy and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.

• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.

• Setting tools, offsets and making necessary machine adjustments.

• Reading, understanding and making adjustments to CNC programmes.

• Producing precision-engineered components to tight tolerances.

• Carrying out first-off inspections and ongoing quality checks.

• Using measuring equipment, including micrometers, verniers and gauges.

• Monitoring machine performance and resolving machining issues.

• Ensuring production targets and quality standards are consistently achieved.

• Maintaining a clean, organised and safe working environment.

• Working closely with the production and engineering teams.

Skills & Experience Required

• Previous experience setting and operating CNC sliding head machines.

• Good understanding of CNC turning and precision machining.

• Experience working with Fanuc controls would be advantageous.

• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

• Confident setting tools, offsets and adjusting CNC programmes.

• Good knowledge of cutting tools, machining processes and tolerances.

• Experience using precision measuring equipment.

• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Reliable, hardworking and committed to producing quality work.

Desirable Experience

Experience with any of the following would be beneficial:

• Citizen sliding head machines.

• Star sliding head machines.

• Fanuc CNC controls.

• CNC programming and programme editing.

• Precision engineering and small component manufacturing.

• High-volume or batch production.

• Machine troubleshooting and process improvements.

Working Hours

Rotating Shift Pattern:

• Early Shift: 6:00am – 2:00pm

• Late Shift: 1:30pm – 10:00pm

• Monday to Friday

• Early finish on Fridays when working the late shift

Salary & Benefits

• £30,000 – £40,000 per annum, including shift allowance.

• Permanent, full-time employment.

• Established and stable engineering environment.

• Opportunity to work with precision CNC machinery.

• Long-term career prospects.

• Supportive and experienced engineering team.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in candidates who have previously worked as:

• CNC Sliding Head Setter

• CNC Sliding Head Operator

• CNC Sliding Head Programmer

• CNC Turner / Setter

• Citizen CNC Setter

• Star CNC Setter

• Precision CNC Machinist

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with CNC sliding head machines and be confident setting up and running machines with minimal supervision.

We are looking for someone who takes pride in their work, has a strong understanding of precision engineering and is keen to join a business offering long-term stability.