Experienced CNC Drill-Nesting Operator

Lambson Innovate Ltd; Castleford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Lambson Innovate Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced CNC Nesting and Drilling Operator to join our production team. You will load files, set tools, calibrate, and run pre-programmed nesting cycles to ensure accurate parts.

The role focuses on tool setup, quality checks, maintenance duties, and adherence to 5S and safety practices, with responsibility for minimising waste and downtime. You will collaborate with operators and maintenance to resolve faults promptly and support

Qualifications

• Proven experience setting up and operating CNC nesting and drilling machinery in woodworking.
• Ability to select and change tooling and set tool offsets.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM files and nesting layouts preferred.

Responsibilities

• Load manufacturing files into the CNC control unit.
• Select, inspect, and install cutting tools; calibrate tool height.
• Load and align sheet materials; secure workpieces with clamps.
• Configure vacuum pods/clamps to prevent movement; monitor cycles.
• Perform minor on-screen edits to speeds and feeds as needed.
• Conduct in-process inspections and final part checks against drawings.
• Log quality data and report any non-conformities promptly.
• Support maintenance and safety practices with a proactive mindset.

Skills

CNC nesting

Tool setup

Quality checks

Safety compliance

Tools

Dial calipers

Measuring tools

Job description

Key Responsibilities

Machinery Operation, Setup & Calibration:

Retrieve, verify, and load the correct manufacturing files into the CNC control unit.

Select, inspect, and install appropriate cutting tools, router bits, and drill blocks. Calibrate tool height, check for tool wear or damage, and replace tooling when necessary to maintain finish quality.

Safely load sheet materials (e.g., MDF, MFC, plywood) onto the machine bed using manual handling techniques, ensuring precise alignment against machine datums.

Set up and adjust vacuum pods, zones, or mechanical clamps to secure workpieces firmly, preventing part movement or vibration during high-speed nesting and drilling cycles.

Navigate the machine’s user interface to locate pre-programmed nesting files.

Live Program Editing:

Perform minor on-screen adjustments to CNC programs, such as modifying speed, feed rates, depth of cut, and tool offsets to accommodate material variances or grain direction.

Yield Optimization:

Review nesting layouts prior to cutting to maximise material yield, minimise scrap, and report any nesting inefficiencies to the CAD/CAM programming to team leader.

Error Diagnosis:

Identify and resolve minor machine alarms, software glitches, or structural program errors, escalating complex mechanical or electrical faults to the team leader/maintenance team.

Quality Assurance:

Execute trial cuts or ‘dry runs’ when necessary, checking the first part against technical drawings using calipers and tape measures before launching full batch production.

Conduct regular in-process inspections to ensure all drilled holes, pockets, and nested profiles match engineering blueprints and tolerances.

Inspect finished parts for chipping, breakout, or scorching, adjusting machine parameters immediately if quality degrades.

Apply identification labels to finished components, sorting them systematically onto racks for downstream processes (e.g., edgebanding or assembly).

Segregate and log formally all non-conforming materials.

Record quality checks in accordance with company procedures.

Report quality concerns promptly and support corrective actions where required.

Develop a high level of attention to detail and commitment to right-first-time manufacturing.

Production Performance:

Support the production team in achieving planned output, efficiency and delivery targets.

Execute and monitor large-scale and bespoke production runs to meet daily linear-metre targets.

Minimise waste through correct machine operation and material handling.

Assist with reducing downtime by preparing materials and equipment efficiently.

Monitor production performance and report issues affecting productivity.

Identify and correct machining defects during the process to minimize machine downtime.

Assist with reducing downtime by preparing materials and equipment efficiently

Maintenance & Equipment Care:

Perform daily and weekly preventative maintenance, including cleaning extraction hoods, clearing swarf/dust buildup, and lubricating spindle & guide rails.

Carry out basic equipment inspections and identify signs of wear or damage.

Report machine faults to supervisors or maintenance personnel promptly.

Health, Safety & Environmental Responsibilities:

Monitor dust extraction connections constantly to mitigate hazards related to fine dust.

Follow all company health, safety and environmental procedures at all times.

Wear and maintain the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Participate in safety training, risk assessments and toolbox talks.

Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment using 5S and housekeeping standards.

Report hazards, incidents and near misses immediately.

Demonstrate safe working practices around moving machinery, adhesives, heat sources and mechanical equipment.

Complete daily safety checklists, ensuring all safety light curtains, interlocking guards, and emergency stop (E-stop) circuits function perfectly.

Teamwork & Communication:

Work effectively with operators, team leaders, maintenance personnel and quality teams.

Communicate production issues, defects and machine concerns clearly and promptly.

Take an active role in training and personal development activities.

Demonstrate a positive attitude, willingness to learn and commitment to continuous improvement.

Contribute to team objectives and support colleagues where required.

Additional Duties:

Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by management, appropriate with the nature, level and responsibilities of the role.

Demonstrate flexibility in supporting wider operational and business requirements as necessary.

This job description is intended to outline the main duties and responsibilities of the role and is not exhaustive. Duties may be reviewed and amended from time to time to reflect changing business needs, following appropriate consultation where required.

Required:Proven experience setting up and operating CNC nesting and drilling machinery within a woodworking, furniture, joinery or panel-processing environment.Practical experience selecting and changing tooling, setting tool offsets and checking machine set-up.Experience with programming, making minor adjustments and the ability to carry out first off and in process checks.Understanding of safe machinery operation, dust extraction, material handling and routine operator maintenance.Ability to work independently following site-specific training and competency assessment, maintaining quality standards and meeting production targets.Desirable:Previous training on, or experience with, the CNC machinery and control systems used on site.Familiarity with CAD/CAM files, nesting layouts and material-yield optimisation.Experience working to production schedules and contributing to waste reduction, downtime reduction and continuous improvement.