Workshop Machinist

NMS Recruit Ltd; Braintree; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

NMS Recruit Ltd is seeking an experienced Workshop Machinist for an expanding hydraulic engineering business. The role covers manual machining, component refurbishment and hydraulic repairs, with responsibility for organising the workshop's day-to-day workload.

You will influence workshop operations, improve processes and help develop the department as the business grows, working with customers and suppliers to ensure quality workmanship.

Qualifications

• Experience operating manual lathes and general workshop equipment.
• Welding experience and understanding of workshop practices.
• Ability to diagnose faults and complete repairs.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose faults and repair hydraulic rams and cylinders.
• Strip, refurbish and reassemble hydraulic components.
• Test repairs to ensure safe operation.
• Operate manual lathes and other workshop tools.
• Plan and prioritise workshop jobs and timelines.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers for quotations and parts.
• Order parts, manage stock and coordinate outsourced work.
• Maintain a safe, tidy workshop and report hazards.

Skills

Manual machining

Welding

Fault diagnosis

Independent working

Quality workmanship

Education

NVQ/City & Guilds in machining

Tools

Colchester lathe

Band saws

Job description

Are you an experienced machinist who enjoys practical engineering, solving problems and taking pride in a job done properly?

An expanding hydraulic engineering business is looking for a Workshop Machinist to play a key role in its machining and repair operation. This is a varied, hands‑on position combining manual machining, component refurbishment and hydraulic repairs with responsibility for organising the workshop's day-to-day workload.

You’ll have the opportunity to influence how the workshop runs, improve processes and help develop the department as the business grows.

The Role

From inspecting worn components to machining parts and testing completed repairs, you’ll see jobs through from initial assessment to completion. Your responsibilities will include:

• Diagnosing faults and repairing hydraulic rams, cylinders and associated components.
• Stripping, inspecting, refurbishing and reassembling hydraulic cylinders.
• Testing completed repairs to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Operating manual lathes, including Colchester machines, pillar drills and band saws.
• Carrying out welding work as required.
• Planning and prioritising workshop jobs to keep work moving efficiently.
• Liaising with customers to understand their requirements and prepare quotations.
• Ordering parts and materials, managing workshop stock and sourcing competitive prices.
• Coordinating outsourced work and communicating with suppliers.
• Maintaining a safe, tidy and well‑organised workshop, reporting equipment faults and hazards.
• Identifying practical ways to improve workshop processes, efficiency and quality.

What You’ll Bring

You’ll be a practical, reliable engineer with strong machining skills, good attention to detail and the confidence to organise your own workload.

We’re looking for:

• Experience operating manual lathes and general workshop equipment.
• Welding experience and a sound understanding of workshop practices.
• The ability to assess faults, dismantle components and complete accurate repairs.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a commitment to quality workmanship.
• Clear communication skills and confidence dealing with customers, colleagues and suppliers.
• The ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and contribute to a team.
• A responsible approach to health and safety.

Experience repairing hydraulic rams or cylinders would be a strong advantage. An engineering qualification, such as an NVQ or City & Guilds, and experience ordering parts or managing stock would also be beneficial.