Production Operative

Solid State Group PLC; Crewe; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

EV Salary Sacrifice

26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holiday

Pensions Plan

Company Sick Pay Scheme

Life Assurance Scheme

Profit Share Scheme

All Employee Share Plan

Job summary

Gateway Electronic Components, part of Solid-State plc, is expanding its machine shop in Nantwich and seeks a hands-on Production Operative. You will operate CNC equipment to produce precision components, set up machines, inspect parts, and help drive improvements in processes and workflow.

You will work as part of a collaborative manufacturing team, reading drawings, maintaining tight tolerances, and contributing ideas that enhance quality and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience operating CNC milling machines or CNC-controlled equipment.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and work to tight tolerances.
• Practical, solutions-focused approach to problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Operate CNC milling machines, NC surface grinders, lapping machines and laser equipment to manufacture precision components.
• Set, run and adjust machines to achieve tolerances and output rates.
• Perform in-process inspection with micrometers, gauges and CMM where applicable.
• Carry out basic machine maintenance and tool changes.
• Produce high-quality components per drawings and customer specs.
• Collaborate with the Machine Shop Manager to improve methods and workflow.
• Identify tooling or process issues and suggest improvements.
• Participate in process reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

CNC milling experience

Read engineering drawings

Tolerance control

Teamwork

Problem solving

Communication skills

Tools

CMM

Micrometers & Gauges

Job description

Gateway Electronic Components is a specialist distributor of electronic components, providing high-quality products and tailored solutions to customers across industries such as industrial, aerospace, defence, and manufacturing.

Part of the Solid-State plc group (Solsta), Gateway brings together the agility and close-knit feel of a specialist business with the strength, stability, and global reach of a wider technology organisation. This means we’re able to support both cutting‑edge engineering and strong commercial delivery, working in partnership with our customers to solve real‑world challenges.

At Gateway, you will be part of a collaborative team where technical expertise, innovation, and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do—offering real opportunities to develop and grow your career.

Precision work. Specialist manufacturing. Be part of a machine shop that's growing.

Gateway’s machine shop has built a strong reputation as a specialist in precision ferrite machining, and we’re now expanding our capability across a wider range of materials and production processes. As part of this growth, we are looking for a hands‑on, proactive Production Operative to join our team in Nantwich.

As a Production Operative, you will work within our specialist machine shop, operating a variety of precision manufacturing equipment to produce high‑quality components to exacting standards. You’ll also have the opportunity to contribute ideas, solve practical problems and help us continuously improve the way we work.

This is an ideal opportunity if you already have experience operating CNC‑controlled equipment, enjoy hands‑on precision work and want to develop your skills within a growing specialist manufacturing environment.

What you will be doing

As a Production Operative, you will be responsible for:

• Operating CNC milling machines, NC surface grinders, lapping machines and laser equipment to manufacture precision components.
• Setting, running and adjusting machines to achieve required tolerances, finishes and output rates.
• Carrying out in‑process inspection using measurement equipment including micrometers, gauges and CMM equipment where applicable.
• Completing basic machine maintenance, cleaning, tool changes and routine checks.
• Producing consistently high‑quality components in line with engineering drawings and customer requirements.
• Working closely with the Machine Shop Manager to improve machining methods, cycle times and workflow.
• Identifying issues with tooling, fixtures, programs or processes and suggesting practical solutions.
• Taking part in process reviews and continuous improvement initiatives as our manufacturing capability expands.
• Following Quality standards and documentation and escalating any issues promptly.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider Production team.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a Production Operative who takes pride in producing accurate, high‑quality work and approaches problems in a calm, practical and logical way.

You will need:

• Experience operating CNC milling machines or other CNC‑controlled equipment.
• A good understanding of precision machining principles.
• The ability to read engineering drawings and work to tight tolerances.
• A practical, solutions‑focused approach to problem‑solving.
• Good communication skills and the willingness to contribute ideas for improvement.
• A positive and proactive approach to your work.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a supportive production team.

It would be great if you also have...

• Experience in any of the following would be an advantage:
• Ferrite, ceramics or other fragile materials.
• Lapping.
• Laser processing.
• Toolpaths, offsets, feeds and speeds.
• Lean, 5S or another continuous improvement environment.

This is an exciting time to join Gateway as we continue to develop and expand our machine shop capability.

As a Production Operative, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work with unique materials, including ferrites, and specialist manufacturing equipment.
• Develop experience across a variety of machines and manufacturing processes.
• Build your skills as we invest in new technologies and capabilities.
• Contribute ideas that can genuinely influence how we work.
• Be part of the continued growth of our manufacturing operation.
• Join a supportive team where quality, accuracy and problem‑solving are valued.

Working hours

37 hours per week - Core hours: Monday to Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00 Friday: 09:00 – 16:30

Flexible working and shift working options are also available.

If you are an experienced Production Operative who enjoys precision manufacturing, takes pride in getting things right and wants to develop as part of a growing specialist operation, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits For You

• EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• 26 Days Annual Leave Plus Bank Holidays + More For Length of Service
• Pensions Plan
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Profit Share Scheme
• All Employee Share Plan

We are an equal opportunity employer fostering an inclusive recruitment experience for all candidates.