Lead Machining Technician – Mechanical Test Specimen Extraction

TWI; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

TWI Ltd in Cambridge is seeking a Lead Machining Technician to head mechanical test specimen extraction and precision manufacture of metallic components. You will lead a hands-on workshop, translating standards into manufacturable geometries using CNC, EDM and grinding processes.

The role requires independent, high-precision machining, process leadership, and collaboration with engineers and clients. A strong focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement is essential.

Qualifications

• Substantial hands‑on experience independently setting and operating CNC milling, turning and/or EDM equipment to machine metallic and other engineering materials.
• Demonstrable experience machining high‑precision components to close tolerances and verifying their conformity using calibrated dimensional‑inspection equipment.
• Experience interpreting mechanical‑testing standards, engineering drawings and technical specifications, and translating them into practical machining plans.

Responsibilities

• Planning the extraction of mechanical test specimens from engineering components, weldments, plate and other engineering‑material stock by interpreting applicable test standards and specifications.
• Setting and operating CNC mills and lathes, EDM equipment and relevant cutting, grinding or finishing equipment.
• Technical Leadership of specimen extraction activities and machining operations.
• Liaising with internal teams and clients to define technical requirements.
• Supporting quotation preparation and planning work allocation.
• Inspecting completed specimens and confirming compliance with dimensional, surface‑finish, orientation, identification and traceability requirements.
• Maintaining technical documentation, records and traceability.
• Leading safe working practices, risk assessments and adherence to procedures.
• Driving continuous improvement, efficiency and good housekeeping practices.

Skills

CNC machining

EDM

Precision machining

Quality assurance

Safety compliance

Tools

CNC milling

CNC turning

EDM equipment

Grinding equipment

Inspection equipment

Job description

Lead Specimen Extraction Laboratory Technician

Lead Machining Technician – Mechanical Test Specimen Extraction

MPL

Location : Cambridge

Contract : Permanent

Hours : Full time

Job Profile : Up to Lead Laboratory Technician

Salary/annum : £30,000-£50,000.

Reference number : JR100862

Closing Date : 04 October 2026

Security requirements: Security Clearance, BPSS and DBS may be required.

Note : Applicants might receive offers and undergo interviews before the deadline, although the position will remain available for at least seven days. We recommend submitting your application for this role as soon as you can during the recruitment process, prior to the closing date.

Description of role:

Are you an experienced machinist who can independently produce close-tolerance metallic components from engineering drawings?

Do you have experience in mechanical specimen preparation and an understanding of testing requirements?

We are seeking an experienced precision machinist to lead the extraction and manufacture of engineering-material specimens used for mechanical testing. This is a hands‑on precision‑engineering workshop role. In this context, “specimens” means machined test pieces manufactured from engineering materials for destructive mechanical testing; it does not refer to pharmaceutical, biological, clinical or analytical samples. Typical work may include the manufacture of tensile, Charpy impact, fracture‑toughness, fatigue, bend and weld test specimens.

You will work closely with Engineers, Scientists and project teams to translate testing standards and specifications into accurate, manufacturable specimen geometries using manual, CNC and electrical‑discharge machining processes, including:

• Turning and milling
• Surface or cylindrical grinding
• Sawing and sectioning
• Wire EDM and/or spark erosion
• CNC machining

You will act as the technical focal point for specimen machining, selecting appropriate extraction and machining methods, planning work, resolving practical manufacturing issues and verifying that completed specimens meet dimensional, surface‑finish, orientation and traceability requirements. You will also support quotations, client discussions, safe systems of work and continuous improvement within the machining area.

This role is suited to someone who enjoys applying machining expertise to practical challenges, while contributing to continuous improvement and leading best practice within a collaborative laboratory environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Planning the extraction of mechanical test specimens from engineering components, weldments, plate and other engineering‑material stock by interpreting applicable test standards and specifications
• Setting and operating CNC mills and lathes, EDM equipment and relevant cutting, grinding or finishing equipment
• Technical Leadership of specimen extraction activities and machining operations
• Liaising with internal teams and clients to define technical requirements
• Supporting quotation preparation and planning work allocation
• Inspecting completed specimens and confirming compliance with dimensional, surface‑finish, orientation, identification and traceability requirements
• Maintaining technical documentation, records and traceability
• Leading safe working practices, risk assessments and adherence to procedures
• Driving continuous improvement, efficiency and good housekeeping practices

What you bring

• Substantial hands‑on experience independently setting and operating CNC milling, turning and/or EDM equipment to machine metallic and other engineering materials.
• Demonstrable experience machining high‑precision components to close tolerances and verifying their conformity using calibrated dimensional‑inspection equipment.
• Experience interpreting mechanical‑testing standards, engineering drawings and technical specifications, and translating them into practical machining plans
• Strong understanding of quality assurance and documentation requirements
• Confidence working independently and solving practical problems
• Strong commitment to safety, quality and professional standards

Bonus points for

• Experience in a research, laboratory or low‑volume/high‑complexity production environment
• Experience in client‑facing activities or quotation preparation
• Familiarity with continuous improvement tools (e.g. 5S, Lean principles)

Safety First

• You’ll be part of a team that values safety, quality, and collaboration. You will be expected to work to established procedures, contribute to risk and COSHH assessments, and actively promote a strong safety culture within the team, but we’ll support you with the training and tools you need to succeed.

Please note that this is a technical leadership role and does not include direct line-management responsibility

About us:

TWI Ltd is a world expert in engineering, materials and joining technologies with significant property assets. We provide industry with advice and know-how in design, fabrication, failure analysis and prevention.

We offer opportunities to collaborate with inspiring and expert teams and a supportive environment in which you are actively encouraged to share your ideas and continually develop your own skills and knowledge.

If you are looking to join an organisation that is fuelled by innovation, teamwork, and openness, this role could be for you.

Diversity statement:

TWI Ltd is committed to treating all employees fairly and to being an inclusive employer. Our aim is to create a work environment where our employees can reach their full potential. We put Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the heart of our people practices to attract, develop and retain the best talent.

Inclusion:

We recognise that it’s the differences of our people that gives us our competitive edge and enables us to maintain our world leading reputation. This is why we are committed to ensuring there is diversity across every level of our organisation; representative of the Members and societies that serve. We have made Inclusion our number one corporate value to demonstrate our commitment to ensure it is at the core of everything we do at TWI.

Disability Confident Scheme :

We are pleased to confirm that we have achieved the first stage accreditation, which means we are a ‘Disability Confident Employer’. This is a government‑supported scheme that supports organisations like TWI to make the most of the talents that people with disability can bring to our workplace. The scheme helps us recruit and retain great people; draw from the widest possible pool of talent; secure high‑quality employees who are skilled, loyal and hardworking; and improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating that we treat all of our people fairly.

TWI Culture

As one of the world’s leading independent research and technology organisations, we are committed to attracting, motivating and retaining the best talent from around the world. Our goal is to develop the next generation of experts to address future industry challenges.

We are committed to creating a culture that recognises and respects the differences between people while valuing the contribution everyone makes to TWI.

The diversity of our staff and students makes a positive and important contribution to our continuing success.

TWI offers a comprehensive training programme, incorporating both in‑house and external courses to support staff development.

TWI Values:

Our six values provide a point of reference for the way we expect our people to operate and behave.

• Inclusion: Valuing the contribution from every individual, creating value for our customers
• Teamwork: Building effective working relationships, we accomplish more together
• Adaptability: Engaging positively with change to meet the needs of the business
• Taking Responsibility : Achieving our objectives and personal development
• Innovation & Expertise : Championing new ideas and sharing knowledge to solve industry problems
• Customer Focus : Building trusting relationships with our customers