Manufacturing/Programming Engineer

Optima UK Inc Ltd; Southam CP; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Optima UK Inc Ltd in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Manufacturing / Programming Engineer to develop, improve and support its CNC machining capabilities. The role focuses on Mazak programming and introducing new processes, working with shopfloor teams to drive efficiency from R&D through to production.

You will own manufacturing methods, lead NPI initiatives, and apply Lean practices to reduce waste and costs while maintaining high quality.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as Manufacturing Engineer or CNC Programmer.
• Strong experience programming Mazak CNC machines across different platforms.
• Experience using Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software.
• Good understanding of CNC machining processes, drawings and manufacturing methods.
• Experience developing CNC programmes for prototype, first-off and production components.
• Experience leading process improvements and Lean Manufacturing initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Create, develop and optimise CNC programmes for Mazak machines across platforms.
• Utilise Fusion 360 CAD/CAM to develop machining strategies and generate CNC programmes.
• Produce CNC programmes for R&D prototypes, first‑off components and production.
• Develop and implement new methods of manufacture for machined components per drawings.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining methods, tooling strategies, cycle times and efficiency.
• Provide technical support to machining teams, resolving programming and manufacturing issues.

Skills

CNC programming

Mazak programming

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM

Shopfloor collaboration

Problem-solving

Tools

Mazak CNC machines

Fusion 360 CAD/CAM

Job description

Manufacturing / Programming Engineer

Location: Southam

Salary: £40,000-£45,000 per annum

Hours: Monday to Friday

The Role

We are looking for an experienced Manufacturing / Programming Engineer to join an established engineering and manufacturing business, playing a key role in developing, improving and supporting its manufacturing capabilities.

Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager / Director, you will take ownership of developing new and improved methods of manufacture, with a particular focus on CNC machining, Mazak programming and the introduction of new products and processes.

This is a varied, hands‑on position where you will be involved throughout the manufacturing process, from initial R&D and prototype development through to NPI, first‑off production and ongoing manufacturing optimisation.

Working closely with Engineering, Quality and Production teams, you will help drive manufacturing excellence, improve machining processes, reduce production costs and ensure the business continues to deliver high‑quality products efficiently and consistently.

The successful candidate will combine strong CNC programming knowledge with a practical approach to manufacturing engineering, enjoying the opportunity to work closely with the shopfloor, support production teams and influence improvements across the operation.

Key Responsibilities

CNC Programming & Manufacturing Engineering

• Create, develop and optimise CNC programmes for a range of Mazak machines across different machine platforms.
• Utilise Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software to develop machining strategies and generate CNC programmes.
• Produce CNC programmes for R&D prototypes, first‑off components and ongoing production requirements.
• Develop and implement new methods of manufacture for machined components in line with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining methods, tooling strategies, cycle times and overall production efficiency.
• Provide technical support and guidance to machining teams, resolving programming and manufacturing issues as they arise.

NPI, R&D & Process Development

• Play an active role in R&D activities, new product introduction (NPI) and the introduction of new manufacturing processes.
• Support the transition of new products from initial development and prototyping through to full production.
• Lead process improvement and NPI projects, ensuring successful implementation on the shopfloor.
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality and Production to ensure new processes meet technical and quality requirements.
• Develop machining cells and manufacturing processes to improve capability, consistency and overall performance.
• Proactively identify and recommend new technologies, machining techniques and manufacturing methods.

Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing

• Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives across machining and manufacturing operations.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing techniques to reduce waste, improve workflow and maximise operational efficiency.
• Identify inefficiencies within existing processes and develop practical solutions to eliminate waste.
• Carry out cost‑down analysis and develop project plans to reduce manufacturing and production costs.
• Monitor manufacturing performance and identify opportunities to improve cycle times, productivity and machine utilisation.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging best practice throughout the manufacturing operation.

Production & Shopfloor Support

• Provide day‑to‑day technical support to production teams, helping ensure customer requirements and delivery expectations are achieved.
• Work directly with machining cells to resolve real‑time manufacturing, programming and technical issues.
• Assist with supervising and coordinating shopfloor activities where required.
• Work collaboratively with production and quality teams to maintain manufacturing standards and resolve process‑related issues.
• Support the implementation of new processes and ensure changes are effectively communicated to relevant teams.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation, process instructions and paperwork in line with site manufacturing and quality procedures.
• Deliver internal and external training where required, supporting the development of manufacturing capabilities across the business.

About You

We are looking for a hands‑on Manufacturing / Programming Engineer with a strong background in CNC machining and the ability to develop, implement and improve manufacturing processes.

You will ideally have experience programming Mazak machinery and using Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software, alongside the technical knowledge to support machining operations, introduce new products and drive improvements across the shopfloor.

You should be comfortable working closely with production teams, getting involved in practical problem‑solving and taking ownership of engineering projects from initial concept through to successful production implementation.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience in a Manufacturing Engineer, CNC Programmer or similar engineering position.
• Strong experience programming Mazak CNC machines across different machine platforms.
• Experience using Fusion 360 CAD/CAM software.
• A good understanding of CNC machining processes, manufacturing methods and engineering drawings.
• Experience developing CNC programmes for prototype, first‑off and production components.
• Knowledge of R&D, NPI and new manufacturing process introduction.
• Experience implementing process improvements and Lean Manufacturing techniques.
• The ability to identify manufacturing inefficiencies and develop cost‑reduction initiatives.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to provide hands‑on technical support to production teams.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across Engineering, Quality and Manufacturing departments.
• A proactive approach with the confidence to recommend and implement new manufacturing techniques.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for a Manufacturing / Programming Engineer to take on a varied and influential position within an engineering business, where you will have the opportunity to shape manufacturing processes, develop machining capabilities and make a tangible difference to production performance.

With a combination of CNC programming, manufacturing engineering, NPI and continuous improvement responsibilities, the role offers plenty of scope to get involved in both the technical and operational sides of the business