Lead Sliding Head CNC Programmer

AMA Admin; Dudley; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

20 days annual leave

Job summary

Aspion is recruiting for a Lead Sliding Head CNC Programmer/Setter/Operator for a Dudley-based precision engineering client. You will lead setup and programming on Star and Citizen sliding head machines, ensuring tight tolerances and efficient production.

Experience with Fanuc controls is advantageous; strong GD&T interpretation, measuring accuracy, and a focus on quality are essential. This role requires close collaboration with multiple teams and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience setting and operating Star and/or Citizen sliding head CNC lathes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and quality inspections.
• Knowledge of tooling selection and tool life management.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Health and safety awareness in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate Star and Citizen sliding head CNC machines.
• Load programs, tooling and materials for efficient production.
• Read drawings and technical specifications.
• Carry out first-off inspections and in-process checks.
• Make offsets and minor program adjustments to maintain tolerances.
• Monitor performance and troubleshoot downtime.
• Change tooling and perform routine machine maintenance.
• Record production data and inspection results.
• Maintain clean, safe working environment.
• Collaborate with programmers, engineers and quality personnel to improve quality.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC turning

GD&T

Quality inspection

Tooling management

Safety awareness

Fanuc experience

Education

Apprenticeship or formal qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

Fanuc controls

Job description

Lead Sliding Head CNC Programmer/Setter/Operator - Star & Citizen Machines

Location: Dudley

Salary: £45,000-£51,000 per annum depending on experience

Reference: ASPLIV

Industry: Fasteners

Our client, a well-established precision engineering business based in Dudley, is looking to recruit an experienced Lead Sliding Head CNC Setter/Operator to join their growing manufacturing team.

Responsibilities

• Setting and operating Star and Citizen Sliding Head CNC machines.
• Loading programs, tooling, and materials to ensure efficient production runs.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings, technical specifications, and work instructions.
• Carrying out first-off inspections and in-process quality checks using measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers, gauges, and shadowgraphs.
• Making offsets and minor program adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy and process capability.
• Monitoring machine performance and troubleshooting production issues to minimise downtime.
• Changing tooling and carrying out routine machine maintenance where required.
• Manufacturing components to tight tolerances and exact customer specifications.
• Recording production data, inspection results, and machine performance information accurately.
• Maintaining a clean, organised, and safe working environment.
• Working closely with programmers, engineers, quality personnel, and production supervisors to improve quality and efficiency.

Requirements

• Previous experience setting and operating Star and/or Citizen Sliding Head CNC lathes.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining principles and precision engineering practices.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and carrying out quality inspections.
• Knowledge of tooling selection, tool life management, and machine optimisation techniques.
• Ability to identify and resolve machining and quality issues independently.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high‑quality components.
• Experience with Fanuc controls and programme edits would be advantageous.

Desirable Experience:

• Apprenticeship or formal qualification in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience working within aerospace, medical, automotive, oil & gas, or other precision engineering sectors.
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.

Package Details:

• £45,000-£51,000 per annum
• 07:00-16:00 Monday to Thursday / 07:00-15:00 Friday
• Overtime x1.25 Weekdays / x2 Saturdays
• 20 days annual leave + Bank Holidays
• Company pension

To Contact Direct:

Daniel Barnett

Managing Consultant

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