Machine Shop Technician

Octagon Group; Tring; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Octagon Group is seeking a hands-on Machine Shop Technician near Tring to manufacture precision components for prototype and low-volume production. You will program, set, and operate 3-4 axis CNC mills and 2-axis lathes, reading engineering drawings and maintaining tight tolerances.

You will also create jigs/fixtures, collaborate with engineers, and contribute to design reviews using HyperMill and other CAD/CAM tools. A background in 5S and continuous improvement is valued.

Qualifications

• Experience in precision CNC milling and turning.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and inspect own work.
• Experience with prototype and low-volume production.
• Familiarity with CAD/CAM tools such as HyperMill is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Program, set and operate 3- and 4-axis CNC mills.
• Program, set and operate 2-axis CNC lathes.
• Manufacture prototype and low-volume components.
• Inspect own work and maintain tight tolerances.
• Create and modify CNC programmes.
• Manufacture jigs, fixtures and tooling.
• Support new product and part development.
• Work with CAD/CAM software such as HyperMill.
• Support process improvements and ISO 9001 standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and subcontractors.

Skills

CNC Machining

CNC Milling

CNC Turning

Reading Drawings

Precision Measurement

Quality Standards

Tools

HyperMill

Mazatrol/ISO

Hurco WinMax

Job description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Machine Shop Technician to join a specialist engineering business based just off the A41 near Tring. This is a hands‑on role within a small machine shop, working on prototype and low‑volume components for highly technical industrial equipment.

As a Machine Shop Technician, you will manufacture precision parts using CNC mills and lathes, working from engineering drawings and supporting new part development from initial concept through to completion. You will also have the opportunity to make jigs and fixtures, contribute to design reviews and work closely with the wider engineering team.

The Role

• Program, set and operate 3 and 4-axis CNC mills
• Program, set and operate 2-axis CNC lathes
• Manufacture prototype, one-off and low-volume components
• Work to tight tolerances and inspect your own work
• Create and modify CNC programmes
• Manufacture jigs, fixtures and tooling
• Support new product and part development
• Work with CAD/CAM software such as HyperMill
• Contribute to process improvements, 5S and ISO 9001 standards
• Work closely with engineers and subcontractors where required

About You

We are looking for a Machine Shop Technician with a strong background in precision CNC machining. You will ideally have experience across both milling and turning and be confident programming, setting and operating CNC machinery.

You should be comfortable reading engineering drawings, working to tight tolerances and using precision measuring equipment. Experience within a prototype, R&D, low-volume or dynamic precision engineering environment would be highly beneficial.

Experience with Mazak Mazatrol/ISO, Hurco Winmax or HyperMill would be advantageous, but similar CNC and CAD/CAM experience will be considered.

Package

• Salary up to £45,000 DOE
• Monday-Friday
• Based near Tring, Hertfordshire
• Hands‑on prototype and low‑volume machining
• Opportunity to work closely with engineering and product development teams

If you're an experienced Machine Shop Technician looking for a hands‑on role where you can have genuine input into prototype and product development, we'd like to hear from you.