Senior CNC Programmer & Technical Lead - 5-Axis, 4 Day Week

TXM Recruit; Ampthill; On-site; GBP 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading defence engineering company in Ampthill is seeking a Senior CNC Programmer / Machining Specialist. This role offers a 4-day work week and the chance to step into a technical leadership position while remaining hands-on. Key responsibilities include programming multi-axis CNC machines and providing mentorship to a small team. Candidates should possess a solid background in CNC milling, preferably with 5-axis experience, and active SC clearance is preferred. Join to contribute to long-term defence programmes in a stable environment.

Benefits

4-day work week (Mon-Thurs)

Long-term defence programme stability

Clear progression pathway into formal Team Lead responsibility

Qualifications

• Strong CNC milling background with a preference for 5-axis.
• Experience in precision machining and mentoring less experienced machinists.
• Active SC clearance preferred; eligible for DV clearance.

Responsibilities

• Program, set and prove-out multi-axis CNC machines.
• Lead on 5-axis milling strategies and optimization.
• Support daily coordination of machining activities.
• Act as the go-to technical specialist for complex components.
• Provide mentoring to other machinists and apprentices.

Skills

CNC milling background (5-axis preferred)

Experience in complex one-off or precision machining

Fanuc and/or Heidenhain programming

Mentoring or supporting other machinists

Background in defence, aerospace or advanced engineering

Job description

A leading defence engineering company in Ampthill is seeking a Senior CNC Programmer / Machining Specialist. This role offers a 4-day work week and the chance to step into a technical leadership position while remaining hands-on. Key responsibilities include programming multi-axis CNC machines and providing mentorship to a small team. Candidates should possess a solid background in CNC milling, preferably with 5-axis experience, and active SC clearance is preferred. Join to contribute to long-term defence programmes in a stable environment.