Fitter Machinist

Omega Plc; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Omega Plc seeks a Mechanical Fitter / Machinist to support production and prototype/R&D activities. You will perform mechanical fitting, assemble prototypes, and run basic CNC milling/turning to tight tolerances for aerospace/defence components.

Ideal candidates have 3–5+ years in precision machining or fitting, with the ability to read drawings, GD&T, and work safely in a small, fast-paced subcontract environment dedicated to high-integrity components.

Qualifications

• Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or Precision Engineering.
• 3-5+ years' experience in machining, fitting, or hybrid roles.
• Aerospace/defence sector experience highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Mechanical fitting & assembly - Build, align, assemble, and test mechanical systems, sub-assemblies, and prototypes to engineering 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 problem-solving - 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

GD&T interpretation

Tolerance analysis

Inspection mindset

Education

Time-served apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering/Precision Engineering

Tools

CMM

Micrometers

Height gauges

Bore gauges

Verniers

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

The Mechanical Fitter / CNC Machinist provides dual-discipline capability across mechanical assembly/fitting, CNC machining, and manual machining, supporting both production and prototype/R&D activities. The role ensures high-integrity 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, sub-assemblies, and prototypes to engineering 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 problem-solving - 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.

Required Skills & Technical Competencies

• Mechanical fitting experience in precision engineering, aerospace, defence, or similar high-integrity 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 hands-on 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 small, fast-paced subcontract environment with varied daily tasks.
• Takes pride in producing high-accuracy, safety-critical components for aerospace and defence.
• Strong communicator who collaborates well with engineers, machinists, and quality teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Time-served apprenticeship or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, or Precision Engineering.
• 3-5+ years' experience in machining, fitting, or hybrid roles.
• Aerospace/defence sector experience highly desirable.
• Additional training in CNC programming, metrology, or advanced machining advantageous.

Compliance & Safety Requirements

• Adherence to AS9100, ISO9001, and internal quality procedures.
• Commitment to safe working practices, PPE use, and risk-based decision-making.
• Ability to complete required documentation for traceability and compliance.

Outputs & Deliverables

• High-integrity machined components meeting drawing and tolerance requirements.
• Fully assembled and tested mechanical systems/prototypes.
• Accurate inspection records, build documentation, and non-conformance reports.
• Continuous improvement suggestions for machining, assembly, and workflow.