General Machinist - Prototype

Futura Design Ltd; Lutterworth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Futura Design Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking a General Machinist – Prototype to join the permanent team. You will be hands-on in a prototype development environment, operating manual lathes, mills, and drills to produce one-off and low-volume components for our motorcycle models.

The role requires interpreting complex engineering drawings, maintaining strict tolerances and process optimization, and collaborating with prototype engineers.

Qualifications

• 6+ years hands-on experience in general machining.
• Competent in operating lathes, mills, drills and hand tools.
• Confident reading detailed technical drawings.
• CAD experience would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Precision Machining – operate lathes, milling machines, drilling machines and hand tools.
• Engineering Interpretation – read and interpret complex drawings to meet requirements.
• Quality & Attention to Detail – inspect finished parts with precision instruments.
• Technical Problem Solving – troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and optimize processes.
• Collaboration – work with prototype engineers and design teams to meet timelines.
• Workshop Maintenance – keep a clean, safe workspace and maintain equipment.
• Documentation – record machining operations and materials.

Skills

Machining experience

Engineering drawings

Manual machines

CAD experience

Education

BTEC or engineering qualification

Engineering apprenticeship

Tools

Manual lathes

Milling machines

Drilling machines

Hand tools

CAD software

Job description

Our OEM Motorcycle Client based on the Bruntingthorpe, Lutterworth is searching for a General Machinist – Prototype to join their team on a permanent basis.

Job Purpose:

As a Manual Machinist, you will play a critical role in our prototype development team, creating high-quality, one-off , and low-volume components that bring our new motorcycle models to life. You will utilize your extensive hands‑on experience and solid engineering knowledge to interpret complex designs and transform raw materials into precision parts, ensuring the high standards required for our premium motorcycle line‑up.

Within the prototype function, this role acts as the essential bridge between theoretical design and physical realization. You are responsible for the end‑to‑end execution of machining tasks, beginning with the interpretation of complex engineering drawings and technical specifications to ensure that every dimension and tolerance is understood.

Beyond the physical machining, where you will operate lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and various hand tools, the role demands a high level of critical thinking. You are expected to apply your deep engineering knowledge to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges on the fly, optimizing processes to ensure that prototype components are not only accurate but delivered within strict project timelines.

This position requires close collaboration with prototype engineers and various design teams, acting as a technical consultant who helps refi ne component manufacturability. Furthermore, you will take ownership of the workshop environment by maintaining a clean, organized, and safe space in line with 5S principles, while keeping records of machining operations, materials, and quality control data to support the formalised processes employed within our business.

This role requires the candidate to possess hands‑on experience in general or manual machining environments, with demonstrated competency in the use of manual lathes, mills, and drills. You must possess a solid understanding of manufacturing processes and demonstrate the ability to work independently from CAD models and engineering drawings. Proficiency in the use of standard measuring tools and conventional machining equipment is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Precision Machining – Perform all general manual machining activities, including operation of lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and other specialised hand tools (files, hacksaws, hand grinders).
• Engineering Interpretation – Read and interpret complex engineering drawings and technical specifications to ensure machining requirements are accurately met.
• Quality & Attention to Detail – Inspect all finished parts for defects using precision measuring instruments such as vernier calipers, micrometers, height gauges, and bore gauges. Maintain an uncompromising focus on detail to ensure all components meet exact tolerances.
• Technical Problem Solving – Apply solid engineering knowledge to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and optimise machining processes for prototype components.
• Collaboration – Work closely with prototype engineers and design teams to clarify drawings and models, ensuring prototype requirements are achieved within project timelines.
• Workshop Maintenance – Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment (5S), ensuring all equipment is in optimal working condition to minimise downtime.
• Documentation – Keep accurate records of machining operations, materials used, and quality control data.

Essential Skills, Experience and Knowledge Required:

• 6+ years hands on experience in all general machining activities within a workshop environment.
• Competent in operating lathes, milling machines, drilling machines, and use of hand tools like fi les, hacksaw, hand grinding machine etc.
• Confident in reading detailed technical drawings.
• CAD experience would be beneficial.

Essential Education Required:

• BTEC or equivalent in engineering.
• Formal engineering apprenticeship or equivalent.