Fitter Machinist

Staffline; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Staffline is seeking a Mechanical Fitter / Machinist for a permanent role in Cheltenham. The role covers mechanical fitting, CNC and manual machining, supporting production and R&D with high-integrity aerospace/defence standards.

You will interpret engineering drawings, set and run basic CNC programs, and produce tight-tolerance components while contributing to prototype builds and tooling development. A versatile engineer comfortable switching tasks is preferred.

Qualifications

• Mechanical fitting experience in precision engineering, aerospace, defence, or similar high-integrity sectors.
• CNC machining competence — setting and operating.
• Strong manual machining capability for bespoke and prototype work.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and aerospace specifications.
• Experience working to tight tolerances (±0.01 mm typical).
• Proficiency with inspection tools: micrometers, verniers, height gauges, bore gauges; CMM familiarity beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical fitting & assembly — Build, align, assemble, and test mechanical systems, subassemblies, and prototypes to drawings and specifications.
• CNC machining operations — Program (basic), set, and operate CNC mills/turns to produce tight-tolerance components for aerospace/defence applications.
• Manual machining — Manufacture one-off parts, tooling, fixtures, and rework items using manual lathes, mills, grinders, and hand tools.
• Engineering problemsolving — Diagnose assembly issues, machining inaccuracies, tolerance conflicts, and prototype build challenges; propose and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Quality assurance & inspection — Conduct first-off inspections, dimensional checks, and verification against aerospace/defence standards (AS9100 aligned).
• R&D and prototype support — Work with design and engineering teams to develop prototypes, experimental assemblies, fixtures, and tooling.

Skills

Mechanical fitting

CNC machining

Manual machining

Engineering drawings

Tolerances

Inspection tools

Job description

Mechanical Fitter / Machinist

Permanent

Salary competitive

Working hours: Monday to Thursday 7:45 am to 04:30 pm and 7:45 am to 1:00 on Fridays

Role Purpose

The Mechanical Fitter / CNC Machinist provides dualdiscipline capability across mechanical assembly/fitting, CNC machining, and manual machining, supporting both production and prototype/R&D activities. The role ensures highintegrity components and assemblies are manufactured, assembled, tested, and delivered to aerospace/defence standards.

Core Responsibilities

• Mechanical fitting & assembly — Build, align, assemble, and test mechanical systems, subassemblies, and prototypes to engineering drawings and specifications.
• CNC machining operations — Program (basic), set, and operate CNC mills/turns to produce tighttolerance components for aerospace/defence applications.
• Manual machining — Manufacture oneoff parts, tooling, fixtures, and rework items using manual lathes, mills, grinders, and hand tools.
• Engineering problemsolving — Diagnose assembly issues, machining inaccuracies, tolerance conflicts, and prototype build challenges; propose and implement practical engineering solutions.
• Quality assurance & inspection — Conduct firstoff inspections, dimensional checks, and verification against aerospace/defence standards (AS9100 aligned).
• R&D and prototype support — Work with design and engineering teams to develop prototypes, experimental assemblies, fixtures, and tooling.

Required Skills & Technical Competencies

• Mechanical fitting experience in precision engineering, aerospace, defence, or similar highintegrity sectors.
• CNC machining competence — Setting & operating
• Strong manual machining capability for bespoke and prototype work.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and aerospace specifications.
• Experience working to tight tolerances (±0.01 mm typical).
• Proficiency with inspection tools: micrometers, verniers, height gauges, bore gauges; CMM familiarity beneficial.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• A versatile engineer comfortable switching between handson fitting, CNC machining, and manual machining depending on workload.
• Analytical mindset with a natural ability to troubleshoot and resolve engineering challenges.
• Enjoys prototype work, iterative development, and supporting R&D innovation.
• Works effectively in a