Lead Sliding Head Programmer

Aspion Search; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 51,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

20 days annual leave + BH

Overtime opportunities

Job summary

Aspion Search is seeking a Lead Sliding Head CNC Programmer/Setter/Operator for Star & Citizen machines in Dudley. You will lead the setup and operation of high-precision CNC lathes, load programs and tooling, and ensure products meet tight tolerances through GD&T interpretation and strict quality checks.

The role offers 07:00-16:00 Monday to Thursday and 07:00-15:00 Friday, with overtime at x1.25 weekdays and x2 Saturdays. Benefits include 20 days’ leave plus bank holidays and a company pension.

Qualifications

• Previous experience setting and operating Star and Citizen Sliding Head CNC lathes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and GD&T requirements.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment and carrying out quality inspections.
• Health and safety awareness within a manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Setting and operating Star and Citizen Sliding Head CNC machines.
• Loading programs, tooling and materials for efficient production runs.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Carry out first-off inspections and in-process checks using measuring equipment.
• Make offsets and minor program edits to maintain accuracy.
• Monitor machine performance and troubleshoot issues to minimise downtime.
• Maintain a safe, clean and well-organised workspace.

Skills

CNC turning

Sliding Head lathe

GD&T

Precision measurement

Education

Apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Fanuc controls

Tooling management

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