Manufacturing Setter / Operator

Howmet Aerospace; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace manufacturing company located in Shrewsbury is looking for a Manufacturing Setter / Operator. This role involves setting up and operating multi-station heading machinery to produce high-quality fasteners. Candidates should have a strong mechanical aptitude and experience in operating technical machinery while ensuring quality control. The position requires effective communication, flexibility in problem-solving, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team. Competitive benefits, including a pension scheme and private healthcare, are offered.

Benefits

Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution

Life cover 6 X base salary

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Private Healthcare Insurance

Disability Insurance

Holidays starting at 22 days per annum

Cash plan for employees and their families

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Friendly culture with a strong emphasis on safety and inclusion

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to solve problems of a technical or mechanical nature.
• Experience of setting and operating technical machinery.
• Experience of working to automotive quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate multi-die cold heading machines and rolling machinery.
• Monitor product quality and make necessary adjustments during production.
• Perform routine machine maintenance for optimal performance.

Skills

Effective verbal and written communication skills

Mechanical aptitude with logical approach to problem solving

Ability to read & effectively interpret technical drawings

Forklift operation

Team player with a flexible approach

Experience of training others

Job description

Essential Functions

The main function of the Manufacturing Setter / Operator position is to correctly set and operate multi station heading machinery, which produces high quality, premium fasteners. A flexible and responsive approach is essential, together with the ability to effectively solve problems and identify areas where improvements can be made to existing processes and methods. This role is on rotating morning and afternoon shift, mornings to, afternoons to.

Machine Setup & Operation

• Set up and operate multi-die cold heading machines and rolling machinery according to work orders.
• Install tooling, dies, punches, and related components.
• Adjust machine settings to achieve proper part dimensions and specifications.
• Forklift driving and operation.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision instruments.
• Monitor product quality throughout production runs and make necessary adjustments.
• Perform first‑piece (catch pan) and in‑process inspections following company quality standards.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control) as required.

Quality Control

• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, gauges, and other precision instruments.
• Monitor product quality throughout production runs and make necessary adjustments.
• Perform first‑piece (catch pan) and in‑process inspections following company quality standards.
• SPC (Statistical Process Control) as required.

Maintenance & Troubleshooting

• Diagnose and correct machine malfunctions or tooling issues.
• Perform routine machine maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
• Replace worn or damaged tooling as needed.

Production & Efficiency

• Read and interpret technical drawings, work instructions, and production schedules.
• Record production data, part counts, scrap, and machine performance.
• Maintain efficient workflow and minimize downtime.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all safety procedures related to machinery, tooling, and material handling.
• Keep work area clean, organized, and compliant with 5S.

Company Responsibilities

• Maintain full compliance with all company policies and procedures and conduct all activities in accordance with Howmet’s Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of and commitment to Continuous Improvement principles and techniques.
• Able to train and impart knowledge onto others once trained.

Experience & Background

• Demonstrated ability to solve problems of a technical or mechanical nature.
• Experience of setting and operating technical machinery.
• Experience of working to automotive quality standards.
• Experience of operating a forklift truck.

Competencies & Skills – Person Specification

• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read & effectively interpret technical drawings.
• Mechanical aptitude with logical approach to problem solving.
• Experience of training others.
• Able to work under own initiative.
• Team player with the ability to work with people at various levels within the organisation.
• Flexible approach with capacity to adapt to advancing environment.
• Able to identify improvements.
• Excellent time keeping & attendance.

IT Skills – MS Office

able to email, use excel and enter data into ERP system

Benefits

• Pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• Life cover 6 X base salary.
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Private Healthcare Insurance.
• Disability Insurance.
• Holidays starting at 22 days per annum.
• Cash plan for employees and their families.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Online savings platform and employee assistance programme.
• Friendly culture with a strong emphasis on safety and inclusion.