Skilled Machinist

Howden, A Chart Industries Company; Peterborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Howden Turbo UK is seeking an experienced Heavy Machinist to join our Peterborough manufacturing team, tackling large-scale, precision components with set-up and operation of heavy milling machines from detailed drawings.

You will select tooling, set datums, perform roughing and finishing, and inspect with micrometers and bore gauges, while maintaining safety and high workmanship standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a machinist in heavy engineering/manufacturing.
• Strong milling experience, conventional and/or CNC.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and technical specs.
• Experience machining large, heavy components.
• Good understanding of tooling, cutting parameters, and techniques.
• Able to work to tight tolerances and high-quality standards.
• Competent with precision measuring equipment.
• Awareness of workshop health and safety requirements.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate heavy milling machines per drawings and specs.
• Machine large components to tight tolerances and required finishes.
• Read and interpret detailed drawings and work instructions.
• Select tooling and set speeds/feeds for various materials.
• Set workpieces and establish datums/offsets.
• Carry out roughing and finishing operations.
• Perform in-process and final inspections with precision gauges.
• Maintain machinery, tooling and workshop cleanliness and safety.
• Collaborate with colleagues to meet production schedules.

Skills

Machinist experience

Milling experience

How to read drawings

Tooling selection

Tight tolerances

Precision measuring

Health & safety

Teamwork

Education

Engineering apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

Fanuc controls

Heidenhain controls

Siemens controls

Job description

Location: Peterborough , England, United Kingdom, PE4 5HG

Company: Howden, a Chart Industries company

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Heavy Machinist to join our manufacturing team in Peterborough. This is an excellent opportunity to work on large-scale, technically challenging components within a highly skilled engineering environment.

As a Heavy Machinist, you will be responsible for setting and operating heavy-duty milling machinery to manufacture complex components to exact engineering specifications. Working from detailed drawings, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality products while maintaining the highest standards of safety, accuracy, and workmanship.

This role would suit an experienced machinist who enjoys working on large components, solving engineering challenges, and taking pride in producing precision work.

About Us

Howden Turbo UK, formerly Peter Brotherhood, is a long-established engineering business with more than 150 years of heritage in the design, manufacture and servicing of steam turbines and high-integrity rotating equipment. From our Peterborough site, we support customers across power generation, defence, marine and industrial markets, delivering engineered solutions where reliability and performance are critical.

Today, as part of Howden, Chart Industries and the wider Baker Hughes organisation, we combine deep local expertise with the scale, investment and innovation of one of the world's leading industrial technology and energy businesses. This brings exciting opportunities for our employees to work on complex, high-value projects that support critical infrastructure and energy systems around the globe.

Joining our Peterborough operation means becoming part of a skilled and collaborative team where engineering heritage meets innovation. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to advanced rotating equipment solutions while helping shape the future of sustainable industrial technology.

What You'll Do

• Set and operate heavy milling machines to manufacture components in line with engineering drawings and specifications.
• Machine large and complex components to tight tolerances and required surface finishes.
• Read and interpret detailed engineering drawings, work instructions, and technical specifications.
• Select appropriate tooling, cutting parameters, speeds, and feeds for a range of materials.
• Set workpieces accurately and establish machine datums and offsets.
• Carry out both roughing and finishing operations.
• Perform in-process and final inspections using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, verniers, and bore gauges.
• Make machine adjustments to maintain dimensional accuracy throughout production.
• Safely handle large components using overhead cranes and lifting equipment where required.
• Troubleshoot machining and tooling issues to minimise downtime and maintain quality standards.
• Maintain machinery, tooling, and work areas to the highest standards of housekeeping and safety.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to meet production schedules and customer requirements.

What Do You Bring?

Essential

• Proven experience as a machinist within a heavy engineering, manufacturing, or industrial environment.
• Strong milling experience, including conventional and/or CNC machining.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Experience machining large, heavy, and complex components.
• Good understanding of tooling selection, cutting parameters, and machining techniques.
• Ability to work accurately to tight tolerances and high-quality standards.
• Competent in the use of precision measuring and inspection equipment.
• Strong awareness of health and safety requirements within a workshop environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience operating large-bed or heavy-duty milling machines.
• CNC programming or editing experience.
• Familiarity with Fanuc, Heidenhain, Siemens, or similar CNC control systems.
• Experience machining castings, forgings, fabrications, or other heavy engineered components.
• Experience working with stainless steel and other challenging materials.
• Overhead crane or lifting equipment certification and experience.
• Engineering apprenticeship, NVQ, City & Guilds, BTEC, or equivalent engineering qualification.