Manual Machinist

Adecco; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Overtime rate

Flexible hours

Early finish on Fridays

Career progression

Job summary

Adecco is recruiting a skilled Manual Machinist in Maidstone, Kent, to join a growing engineering manufacturer. The role involves producing precision components on manual lathes and milling machines, with involvement across manufacturing, assembly and specialist projects.

You will read drawings, set machines, inspect with gauges, and contribute to continuous improvement. The package includes a salary of £35,000–£40,000 DOE plus overtime, flexible hours, and an early finish every Friday.

Qualifications

• Experience operating manual lathes and milling machines.
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specs.
• Knowledge of machining techniques, tooling and workshop best practice.
• Experience using measuring equipment such as verniers, micrometers and gauges.
• A strong eye for quality and attention to detail.
• Proactive, hands-on approach and ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Operate manual lathes and milling machines to produce high-quality components.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Set machines and select appropriate tooling for machining operations.
• Manufacture components to required tolerances and quality standards.
• Use hand tools and workshop equipment to support production activities.
• Carry out assembly and finishing work on specialist engineered products.
• Inspect completed work using measuring equipment and quality control processes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the workshop.

Skills

Manual lathe operation

Milling machine operation

Reading drawings

Measuring with gauges

Quality inspection

Independent & team work

Problem solving

Education

Mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship/City & Guilds/NVQ)

Tools

Manual lathes

Milling machines

Job description

Manual Machinist

Location: Maidstone, Kent
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 DOE + Overtime Available at enhanced rate
Hours: Monday to Friday | Flexible Start & Finish Times | Early Finish Friday

Join a Growing Engineering Business Where Your Skills Matter

We're looking for an experienced Manual Machinist to join a well-established and growing engineering manufacturer in Maidstone.

This is a genuinely varied workshop position offering the opportunity to utilise your machining expertise while working across manufacturing, assembly and specialist engineering projects. Unlike traditional machine shop roles, you'll be involved in the complete production process, giving you plenty of variety and the opportunity to further develop your engineering skillset.

This position would suit a skilled machinist who takes pride in producing quality work, enjoys problem-solving and is looking to become part of a close-knit team where their contribution is genuinely valued.

The Role

Working within a busy engineering workshop, you'll be responsible for producing precision components using manual machining equipment, whilst supporting wider manufacturing and assembly activities.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating manual lathes and milling machines to produce high-quality components
• Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications
• Setting machines and selecting appropriate tooling for machining operations
• Manufacturing components to required tolerances and quality standards
• Using hand tools and workshop equipment to support production activities
• Carrying out assembly and finishing work on specialist engineered products
• Inspecting completed work using measuring equipment and quality control processes
• Supporting continuous improvement initiatives within the workshop

Maintaining a safe, organised and efficient working environment

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role, you'll ideally have:

• Previous experience operating both manual lathes and milling machines
• Strong engineering workshop or manufacturing experience
• Ability to read and work from engineering drawings
• Knowledge of machining techniques, tooling and workshop best practice
• Experience using measuring equipment such as verniers, micrometers and gauges
• A strong eye for quality and attention to detail
• A proactive and hands‑on approach to work
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team

Desirable Skills

• Welding or fabrication experience
• Mechanical engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, City & Guilds, NVQ or equivalent)
• Experience working within low‑volume or bespoke manufacturing
• Assembly or fitting experience

What's In It For You?

• Salary of £35,000 - £40,000 DOE
• Overtime opportunities available at enhanced rate
• Flexible working hours
• Early finish every Friday
• Stable, long-term employment with a growing business
• Varied and interesting engineering work
• Opportunity to broaden your technical skills
• Supportive and experienced team environment
• Genuine opportunities for progression as the business continues to expand

If you're an experienced machinist looking for a role that offers more than standing at the same machine every day, we'd like to hear from you.

Whether you're currently working as a Manual Machinist, Toolmaker, Turner, Miller, Mechanical Technician or Workshop Engineer, this could be an excellent opportunity to join a growing business where your skills will be recognised and rewarded.

The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.