Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator

Moog Military Aircraft LLC; Wolverhampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave including bank

Private medical insurance

Mental health support

Life assurance

Company pension contribution

Employee share options

Free onsite parking

EV charging

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Moog Military Aircraft LLC in Wolverhampton is seeking a Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator to join our precision manufacturing team. You will set up Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing equipment, machining aerospace components to micron-level tolerances, and interpreting engineering drawings and GD&T.

The role requires experience with precision measurement tools, a strong quality focus, and the ability to work to tight tolerances in a busy aerospace environment.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or Machining.
• Experience reading engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience in aerospace/precision manufacturing is advantageous.
• Ability to work to micron-scale tolerances.
• Familiar with inspection tools: micrometers, calipers, bore gauges, CMM.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing equipment.
• Machining aerospace components to tight tolerances.
• Read and interpret drawings, specifications, and work instructions.
• Select tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and honing stones.
• Perform in-process and final inspections with precision gauges and CMM as applicable.
• Monitor machine performance and adjust to maintain quality standards.
• Complete production and quality documentation accurately.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and maintain a safe environment.

Skills

Lathe operation

Honing operation

Reading drawings

Tolerance control

Machining knowledge

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Team player

Shift flexibility

Education

Apprenticeship / NVQ Level 3

Tools

Colchester lathes

Sunnen honing machines

CMM equipment

Micrometers

Vernier calipers

Job description

Moog is a performance culture that empowers people to achieve great things. In this role you will work as a Lathe & Hone Aerospace Operator in our Wolverhampton, GBR facility.

What You'll Be Doing

• Setting up and operating Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing equipment
• Machining aerospace components to extremely tight tolerances
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, specifications, and work instructions
• Selecting appropriate tooling, fixtures, cutting parameters, and honing stones
• Carrying out in‑process and final inspections using micrometers, Vernier calipers, bore gauges, dial indicators and CMM equipment where applicable
• Monitoring machine performance and making adjustments to maintain quality standards
• Deburring, cleaning, and finishing components
• Completing production and quality documentation accurately
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and productivity
• Maintaining a safe and compliant working environment

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating Colchester lathes and Sunnen honing machines
• Background in precision engineering, aerospace, or high‑specification manufacturing
• Ability to work confidently to tight tolerances, often within microns
• Strong understanding of machining principles and metal‑cutting processes
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T
• Experience using precision measuring and inspection equipment
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Must hold an Apprenticeship, NVQ Level3, City & Guilds, or equivalent qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing or Machining
• Aerospace‑related qualifications or experience are advantageous

Desirable Experience

• Aerospace manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of AS9100 quality standards
• Experience working with aerospace materials including Titanium, Inconel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium alloys

What You'll Bring

• Safety‑focused and quality‑driven attitude
• Reliability, organization, and dependability
• Strong team player with excellent communication skills
• Capacity to work independently and manage workload
• Flexibility with shifts and overtime when required

Benefits & Working Environment

• Flexible benefits package and development opportunities to support career progression
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Private medical insurance, mental health support, and financial advice
• Generous life assurance and company pension contribution (from 6%)
• Employee share options, free onsite parking, and EV charging
• Working on industry‑leading aerospace projects
• Supportive and skilled engineering team
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• Modern manufacturing environment with high‑quality equipment
• Committed to continuous improvement and excellence

Working Environment – This role is based within a busy manufacturing facility and will involve wearing PPE, standing for extended periods, manual handling of components and tooling, and potential shift work depending on business requirements.