Manual Machinist

Kingdom People; Purbrook; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Company bonus

Company pension

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Training & development

Job summary

Kingdom People in Portsmouth seeks an experienced Manual Machinist / Toolroom Machinist to join a world-class precision engineering environment. You will manufacture high-precision components using manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders from engineering drawings.

You will work closely with Design Engineers and Production teams on prototype development and tooling, ensuring tight tolerances, traceability in ERP, and adherence to quality and Health & Safety standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• Experience working to tight tolerances in a precision engineering environment.
• Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds.
• Experience using precision measuring equipment.
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components.
• Desirable: Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship.
• Desirable: Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• Desirable: NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification
• Experience using ERP systems such as IFS.

Responsibilities

• Operate manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders.
• Manufacture one-off and small batch precision components and tooling.
• Produce components to tight tolerances from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation.
• Select appropriate tooling, workholding methods and machining strategies.
• Carry out machine set-up, alignment and routine maintenance.
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers and dial gauges.
• Work closely with Design Engineering and Production teams to support prototype and tooling requirements.
• Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability using the ERP system.
• Ensure all work is completed in line with company quality standards and Health & Safety procedures.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Toolroom and Manufacturing departments.

Skills

Manual milling machines

Manual centre lathes

Manual surface grinders

Read engineering drawings

Tight tolerances

Machining techniques

Precision measuring equipment

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

One-off and small batch components

Education

Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship

NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification

Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

IFS ERP

Job description

Are you an experienced Manual Machinist, Toolroom Machinist or
Precision Engineer looking for your next opportunity within a
world-class precision engineering environment?

Do you enjoy producing one-off and small batch precision
components while working to tight tolerances using manual machine
tools?

We're supporting a leading precision engineering manufacturer in
Portsmouth who are looking to recruit a Service Centre Operator
(Manual Machinist / Toolroom Machinist) to join their Toolroom
team.

This is an excellent opportunity to work on prototype
development, tooling manufacture and production support within a
business renowned for engineering excellence and innovation.

What's the role all about?

As a Service Centre Operator, you'll be responsible for
manufacturing high-precision components using manual milling
machines, manual lathes and manual surface grinders.

Working closely with Design Engineers and Production teams,
you'll produce tooling, prototypes and precision parts from
engineering drawings, ensuring the highest standards of quality
and accuracy are achieved.

This is a varied, hands-on role where your machining expertise
will directly support new product development and manufacturing
operations.

Key responsibilities

• Operate manual milling machines, centre lathes and surface grinders
• Manufacture one-off and small batch precision components and tooling
• Produce components to tight tolerances from engineering drawings and specifications
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models and technical documentation
• Select appropriate tooling, workholding methods and machining strategies
• Carry out machine set-up, alignment and routine maintenance
• Perform in-process inspections using precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers and dial gauges
• Work closely with Design Engineering and Production teams to support prototype and tooling requirements
• Maintain accurate manufacturing records and traceability using the ERP system
• Ensure all work is completed in line with company quality standards and Health & Safety procedures
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Toolroom and Manufacturing departments

What you'll need

• Proven experience operating:
• Manual milling machines
• Manual centre lathes
• Manual surface grinders
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience working to tight tolerances within a precision engineering environment
• Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds
• Experience using precision measuring equipment
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components
• Desirable
• Mechanical Engineering or Machining Apprenticeship
• NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent Engineering qualification
• Level 3 Diploma in Advanced Manufacturing Engineering
• Experience using ERP systems such as IFS
• Background within aerospace, electronics or precision manufacturing

About you

You're a skilled machinist who enjoys producing high-quality
precision components and takes pride in your craftsmanship.

You'll be:

• Detail-focused and methodical
• Hands-on and technically capable
• Quality-driven
• A proactive problem solver
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team
• Passionate about precision engineering

Why join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing engineering
business where you'll support the manufacture of innovative,
high-precision products supplied to customers worldwide.

Working within a highly skilled Toolroom team, you'll contribute
to prototype development, tooling manufacture and continuous
improvement while enjoying long-term career development
opportunities.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Additional 3 days' leave over the festive period
• Company bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Life Assurance (3x salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and career development

Interested?

• Proven experience operating:
• Manual milling machines
• Manual centre lathes
• Manual surface grinders
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings
• Experience working to tight tolerances within a precision engineering environment
• Strong understanding of machining techniques, cutting tools, feeds and speeds
• Experience using precision measuring equipment
• Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Ability to manufacture one-off and small batch components
• Desirable