Workshop Manager

SR2; Reading; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

SR2 in Reading on-site is seeking a Workshop Manager to lead a precision engineering and prototyping workshop. The role is hands-on and will start with producing prototype components, tooling and fixtures, while taking ownership of machines, tooling, safety and workshop standards.

As the business grows, you'll develop capabilities and eventually build and lead a workshop team around you, shaping processes and ensuring high-quality outputs for advanced technology applications.

Qualifications

• Time-served machinist or toolmaker with precision engineering experience.
• Hands-on; capable of programming and setting CNC from drawings/CAD
• Experience with Wire EDM / wire erosion
• Experience running a workshop or toolroom
• Background in aerospace, motorsport, automotive, robotics, R&D or related high-precision engineering
• Willingness to develop capability and eventually lead a team

Responsibilities

• Manual and CNC machining of prototype and precision components
• 5-axis machining
• Programming, setting and operating CNC machinery using CAM
• Setting and operating Wire EDM / wire erosion equipment
• Producing jigs, fixtures, tooling and bespoke engineering components
• Using 3D printing and rapid prototyping to accelerate development
• Working from engineering drawings and GD&T, with responsibility for inspection and part quality
• Selecting and commissioning new machinery, tooling and workshop equipment
• Managing maintenance, calibration, tooling, consumables and external machining suppliers
• Taking ownership of workshop safety and ensuring machinery and processes are operated correctly
• Developing the workshop capability as engineering requirements and production volumes grow

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis machining

Wire EDM

CAM programming

GD&T

Inspection

Hands-on

Toolmaking

Machining setup

Quality control

Tools

3D printing

Job description

Workshop Manager – Precision Engineering / Prototyping

Reading| On-site | Permanent

I'm working with a fast-growing UK engineering business developing high-performance hardware for advanced technology applications.

They're looking for an experienced Workshop Manager to take ownership of their in-house prototype and precision engineering workshop.

Initially, you'll be responsible for producing high-quality prototype components, tooling, fixtures and test equipment yourself, while also taking ownership of the machines, tooling, safety, maintenance and overall standards of the workshop.

As the business grows, you'll have the opportunity to develop the capability further and ultimately build and lead a workshop team around you.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manual and CNC machining of prototype and precision components
• 5-axis machining
• Programming, setting and operating CNC machinery using CAM
• Setting and operating Wire EDM / wire erosion equipment
• Producing jigs, fixtures, tooling and bespoke engineering components
• Using 3D printing and rapid prototyping to accelerate development
• Working from engineering drawings and GD&T, with responsibility for inspection and part quality
• Selecting and commissioning new machinery, tooling and workshop equipment
• Managing maintenance, calibration, tooling, consumables and external machining suppliers
• Taking ownership of workshop safety and ensuring machinery and processes are operated correctly
• Developing the workshop capability as engineering requirements and production volumes grow

What we’re looking for:

• You'll ideally be a time-served machinist or toolmaker with substantial experience in a precision engineering, prototype or toolroom environment.
• Importantly, we're looking for someone who is still genuinely hands-on. You should be comfortable programming and setting your own CNC work from drawings/CAD rather than simply operating pre-programmed jobs.
• Experience with Wire EDM / wire erosion is particularly important, alongside strong knowledge of machining, tooling, workholding, tolerancing and inspection.
• Experience running a workshop, toolroom or machining area would be highly relevant, although we'd also consider an exceptional senior machinist/toolmaker ready to take the next step into greater ownership.
• This could suit someone from aerospace, motorsport, automotive, robotics, R&D, advanced manufacturing, special-purpose machinery or other high-precision engineering environments.
• The opportunity is ideal for someone who wants more than a queue of machining jobs - you'll have the autonomy to shape how the workshop operates, develop its capabilities and eventually build a team around you.

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