Machine Tool Operator

Solutions Engineering Recruitment; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment agency is seeking a Machine Tool Operator to work on-site in Coylton, Ayrshire. The ideal candidate will have a proven CNC machining background, particularly with Heidenhain and/or Hurco. Responsibilities include setting, programming, and operating CNC milling equipment, primarily in the oil & gas industry. Candidates must have their own transport and be able to work shifts, with a strong safety-first approach.

Qualifications

• Proven CNC machining background with Heidenhain and/or Hurco.
• Confident programming the control from engineering drawings.
• Able to read drawings and maintain quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set, program and operate CNC milling equipment.
• Produce first-offs, run in-process checks, and hold tolerances.
• Interpret drawings and record results accurately.

Skills

CNC machining background

Heidenhain programming

Hurco programming

Reading engineering drawings

Use of measurement tools

Quality standards maintenance

Fusion 360 exposure

Job description

Machine Tool Operator (Set/Program/Operate)

Location: Coylton, Ayrshire (on‑site)

Rate: from £19.00 per hour DOE

Shifts: 2-week rotation

Days (2 weeks): Mon-Thu 06:00-14:30, Fri 06:00-13:00

Backs (2 weeks): Mon-Wed 14:30-01:00, Thu 14:30-00:00

(No Friday on backshift unless overtime)

Overtime: x1.5 Mon‑Sat, x2 on rare Sundays

Travel: Public transport limited. Own transport essential.

Equipment/Controls

• New Ibarmia with Heidenhain controls
• Additional machine on Hurco controls
• Materials: primarily steel and alloys
• Working from dimensional reports and engineering drawings

Role overview

Hands‑on operator able to set, program and run CNC milling equipment. You'll own the cell on shift, producing quality parts to spec, keeping tight tolerances and accurate records. Work is mainly oil & gas, with some aerospace projects.

Key responsibilities

• Set, program and operate via Heidenhain (Ibarmia) and/or Hurco
• Produce first‑offs, run in‑process checks, and hold tolerance
• Adjust tooling/offsets; complete basic maintenance and housekeeping
• Interpret drawings and dimensional reports; record results clearly
• Work safely and efficiently across day and back shifts

Requirements

• Proven CNC machining background with Heidenhain and/or Hurco
• Confident programming the control from drawings
• Able to read drawings, use measurement tools, and maintain quality standards
• Reliable, safety‑first approach; right to work in the UK
• Own transport due to limited public transport to site

Nice to have

• Fusion 360 for offline programming (advantage, not essential)
• Exposure to oil & gas and/or aerospace standards