Hands-on CNC & Prototyping Workshop Lead

SR2 REC LTD; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunities to lead workshop team

Occasional European travel

Job summary

SR2 REC LTD is seeking a hands-on Workshop Manager for a defence-oriented precision engineering and prototyping workshop in Reading. You will directly machine and fabricate prototype parts, tooling, fixtures and test equipment, while owning the workshop's machines, safety, maintenance and daily operations.

This is a maker/manager role with potential to lead a broader workshop team as the operation grows, plus occasional European travel for equipment and training.

Qualifications

• Must be a time-served machinist or toolmaker with strong precision background.
• Significant hands-on CNC machining experience is required.
• Able to program CNC machines from engineering drawings using Fusion 360 or Mastercam.
• Deep understanding of tooling, workholding, feeds and speeds, and machining strategy.
• Experience with Wire EDM setup and operation.
• Hands-on 3D printing/rapid prototyping experience.
• Confident reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Strong inspection and metrology skills are essential.
• Experience producing precision prototypes, jigs, fixtures and tooling.
• Responsible for workshop equipment, maintenance and consumables.

Responsibilities

• Hands-on machining and fabrication of prototype parts, tooling, fixtures and test equipment.
• Own the machines, safety, maintenance and day-to-day workshop operation.
• As capability grows, build and lead a wider workshop team.
• Ensure risk assessments and COSHH/PUWER compliance.
• Manage external machining suppliers where needed.
• Opportunity to define new equipment and manufacturing capabilities.

Skills

Time-served machinist

Hands-on CNC machining

CNC programming from drawings CAD

Tooling and fixturing understanding

Wire EDM setup and operation

3D printing / rapid prototyping

Reading drawings & GD&T

Metrology & inspection

Prototype tooling & fixtures

Workshop equipment maintenance

Workshop H&S basics (COSHH/PUWER)

Education

IOSH/NEBOSH or similar H&S qualification

Tools

Fusion 360

Mastercam

CMM inspection

Job description

SR2 REC LTD is seeking a hands-on Workshop Manager for a defence-oriented precision engineering and prototyping workshop in Reading. You will directly machine and fabricate prototype parts, tooling, fixtures and test equipment, while owning the workshop's machines, safety, maintenance and daily operations.

This is a maker/manager role with potential to lead a broader workshop team as the operation grows, plus occasional European travel for equipment and training.