Skilled Toolmaker

Forward Assist Recruitment; Nelson; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing training

Permanent role

Hands-on machining

Job summary

Forward Assist Recruitment Ltd. in Nelson, Lancashire, is seeking an experienced Skilled Toolmaker / Manual Machinist to join a precision engineering business.

The role focuses on producing one-off components and small batches from engineering drawings using manual lathes, milling machines and surface grinders. You will set up operations, interpret tolerances, perform first-off inspections, and support quality and on-time delivery.

Qualifications

• Time-served engineer with precision engineering background.
• Experience setting and operating manual lathes and milling machines.
• Experienced with interpreting engineering drawings and tolerances.
• Skilled in first-off and in-process inspections.

Responsibilities

• Set and operate manual lathes, milling machines and surface grinders.
• Manufacture precision components from engineering drawings.
• Produce one-off components and small batches to high quality standards.
• Plan and set up machining operations and select tooling.
• Carry out first-off inspections and ensure quality.

Skills

Manual machining

Lathe operation

Milling operation

Surface grinding

Engineering drawings interpretation

Tolerances and precision measurement

Quality inspection

Problem solving

Independent work

Tools

XYZ Machine Tools

Job description

Skilled Toolmaker / Manual Machinist - Precision Engineering

Location: Nelson, Lancashire

Salary: £33,000-£43,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Forward Assist Recruitment is looking for an experienced Skilled Toolmaker / Manual Machinist to join an established precision engineering business based in Nelson, Lancashire.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a time-served engineer who enjoys hands-on, precision machining and takes pride in producing high-quality components from engineering drawings.

Unlike high-volume production environments, this role involves manufacturing one-off components and small batches, offering plenty of variety and the opportunity to put your engineering skills to good use.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in aerospace, defence or high-precision manufacturing, although skilled engineers from other relevant backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

For candidates bringing strong technical expertise and aerospace experience, a highly competitive salary is available.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and operate manual lathes, milling machines and surface grinders, including XYZ Machine Tools equipment.
• Manufacture precision turned and milled components from technical engineering drawings.
• Produce one-off components and small production batches to demanding quality standards.
• Independently plan and set up machining operations, selecting appropriate methods and tooling.
• Interpret engineering drawings, dimensions and tolerances to ensure components meet customer specifications.
• Carry out first-off and in-process inspections, taking responsibility for the quality of completed work.
• Deburr and finish components to the required specifications.
• Support the assembly of precision components and fasteners where required.
• Complete relevant production documentation, including works orders and non-conformance reports.
• Carry out routine machine checks and support preventative maintenance activities.
• Work closely with colleagues to maintain production quality, efficiency and delivery schedules.
• Contribute ideas to improve manufacturing processes and working practices.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

• A time-served engineer, Toolmaker or experienced Manual Machinist with a strong precision engineering background.
• Proven experience setting and operating manual lathes and milling machines.
• Ability to manufacture components from scratch using engineering drawings.
• Good understanding of machining techniques, tolerances and precision measurement.
• Experience working with one-off components or small-batch production.
• A practical, methodical approach to setting up machining operations.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to work.

Highly Desirable:

• Previous experience within aerospace, defence or high-precision engineering.
• Experience operating XYZ Machine Tools equipment.
• Surface grinding experience.
• Experience manufacturing complex or close-tolerance components.
• Background in toolroom engineering or subcontract precision machining.
• Experience inspecting finished components using precision measuring equipment.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary of £33,000-£43,000, dependent on experience and technical capability.
• A permanent opportunity within an established precision engineering business.
• Varied and interesting work producing one-off and small-batch components.
• The chance to utilise traditional machining skills in a specialist manufacturing environment.
• Opportunities for ongoing technical training and development.
• A hands-on engineering position where quality, craftsmanship and attention to detail are genuinely valued.

We recognise that experienced manual machinists and toolmakers are highly skilled professionals. Candidates with strong aerospace, defence or precision engineering expertise will be considered towards the upper end of the salary range.