Process Technician

hireful; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

25 days of paid holiday

Professional Development

Subsidised Canteen

Engagement and Rewards platform

Free Parking

Job summary

HQW Aerospace UK is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Process Technician to join their shopfloor team in Plymouth, working in multi-axis high-precision CNC turning and milling. This hands-on role suits engineers with an apprenticeship, formal training, or strong shopfloor experience who enjoy solving technical challenges at the machine level.

The position offers clear progression, mentorship for apprentices, and exposure to process improvements in a demanding manufacturing environment

Qualifications

• Technical apprenticeship or hands-on engineering background.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and shopfloor experience (toolmaking, machine setup).
• Proven problem-solving ability grounded in engineering principles.
• Experience with mill turning and 5 axis machining; Swiss style lathe experience is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced production environment.
• Desirable: complex milling or turning environments; engineering graduates with practical experience.

Responsibilities

• Support daily production processes in their agile CNC Turning & Milling cells to ensure optimal machine performance and product quality
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues on the shopfloor using engineering fundamentals and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements
• Assist in tooling selection, setup, and maintenance to ensure efficient operations
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and safety
• Contribute to the development and documentation of process control methods and standard work instructions
• Support the integration of apprentices and new technicians through mentoring and knowledge sharing

Skills

Shopfloor experience

5 axis machining

Mill turning

Swiss style lathe experience

Engineering mindset

Problem-solving

Job description

Location: Plymouth (PL6 7LH), onsite role

Job Type: Full time, Permanent

Our client is a world-renowned manufacturer of super precision bearings, pushing the boundaries of innovation and precision engineering for over 75 years. They're committed to nurturing talent. Situated in the vibrant city of Plymouth, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Cornwall, they offer not only a stimulating work environment but also a lifestyle that blends work with leisure seamlessly. With stunning beaches, vibrant culinary scenes, and a plethora of social and sporting activities, Plymouth and its surroundings provide an exceptional backdrop for both personal and professional growth.

Why Join Them:

• Competitive Salary
• 25 days of paid holiday, plus bank holidays
• Professional Development
• Subsidised Canteen
• Engagement and Rewards platform, with access to discounts at over 100 retailers
• Free Parking

Please Note:

• Our client currently does not hold a sponsorship license. Therefore, all candidates must have the right to work in the UK.
• Due to the nature of their business, security clearance may be required.

Job Purpose:

Our client is seeking a motivated and technically skilled Process Technician to join their dynamic shopfloor team in the multi axis high precision CNC Turning & Milling. This hands-on role is ideal for individuals with an engineering mindset and a passion for solving technical challenges at the machine level.

The ideal candidate will bring a solid foundation in engineering, whether through apprenticeship, formal education, or in-depth shopfloor experience. This position offers exciting opportunities for career progression and technical development within a high-precision manufacturing setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support daily production processes in their agile CNC Turning & Milling cells to ensure optimal machine performance and product quality
• Diagnose and resolve technical issues on the shopfloor using engineering fundamentals and root cause analysis
• Collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and production teams to implement process improvements
• Assist in tooling selection, setup, and maintenance to ensure efficient operations
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, quality, and safety
• Contribute to the development and documentation of process control methods and standard work instructions
• Support the integration of apprentices and new technicians through mentoring and knowledge sharing

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Technical apprenticeship or hands-on engineering background
• Strong mechanical aptitude and shopfloor experience (e.g., toolmaking, machine setup, etc.)
• Proven problem-solving ability grounded in engineering principles
• Experience with or a strong interest in mill turning and 5 axis machining, preferably with Swiss style lathe experience also
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, hands-on production environment

Desirable:

• Prior experience in complex milling or turning environments
• Engineering graduates with prior practical experience

Career Development Path

• Internal Development: Clear stage/level progression tied to skills assessments and performance
• Apprenticeship Support: Opportunities to mentor and coach junior technicians
• External Talent Development: Training pathways at machine manufacturers for machine type conversion as well as off line programming training

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement:

Our client is committed to fostering a workplace that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. They believe that embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation, creativity, and success in their future endeavours.

At HQW Aerospace UK, we are committed to fostering a workplace that values and respects the diversity of all individuals. We believe that embracing equality, diversity, and inclusion is not only the right thing to do but also essential for driving innovation, creativity, and success in our future endeavours.