CNC Machinist

Hero Recruitment Group; Athlone; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Professional development

Modern CNC equipment

Job summary

Hero Recruitment Group is seeking a skilled CNC Machinist in Athlone to join a precision manufacturing team. The role requires hands-on experience with 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining, using Fanuc and Heidenhain controls. You will set up, operate, and optimise complex CNC processes while maintaining strict GD&T standards.

Ideal candidates will have strong tooling knowledge, reading engineering drawings and a proactive approach to improving machining methods and productivity.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' practical experience in CNC machining.
• Experience setting up and operating 3-, 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centres.
• Strong working knowledge of Fanuc and Heidenhain CNC controls.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience with cutting tools, toolholding and machining parameters.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centres using Fanuc/Heidenhain controls.
• Interpret engineering drawings, GD&T and manufacturing specs to define procedures.
• Establish work offsets, tool offsets and datum positions; select tools, holders, and fixtures.
• Perform program prove-outs, first-off machining and production changeovers; adjust programs at machine when needed.
• Optimize cutting speeds/feeds and toolpaths to improve cycle times and tool life.
• Assist with process development and new product introductions.
• Carry out in-process inspection with calipers, micrometers and height gauges; ensure dimensional accuracy.

Skills

CNC machining

5-axis machining

Fanuc controls

Heidenhain controls

GD&T interpretation

engineering drawings

setting up machining ops

problem solving

Education

Machining trade

Tools

hyperMILL

Mastercam

ESPRIT

Job description

CNC Machinist - 3, 4 & 5 Axis Machining

Location: Athlone, Co. Westmeath, Ireland

Department: Manufacturing / CNC Operations

Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Our Client is seeking an experienced and highly skilled CNC Machinist to join their precision manufacturing team in Athlone. We are looking for a hands-on machinist with strong practical experience in 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining, particularly using Fanuc and Heidenhain control systems.

The successful candidate will have excellent machining knowledge, strong problem-solving abilities and the confidence to independently set up, operate and optimise complex CNC machining processes.

While experience with CAM software would be beneficial, our priority is finding a technically capable machinist with a thorough understanding of machining principles, machine setup, cutting tools and precision manufacturing.

CNC Machine Setup & Operation

You will independently set up and operate 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centres, working confidently with Fanuc and Heidenhain CNC control systems. The role involves setting up complex components involving multiple operations, workholding arrangements and machining orientations while interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T and manufacturing specifications.

You will establish accurate work offsets, tool offsets and datum positions, select and configure appropriate cutting tools, holders and workholding fixtures, perform program prove-outs, first-off machining and production changeovers, and make program adjustments directly at the machine where required.

Machining & Process Optimisation

The successful candidate will apply strong practical knowledge of milling, drilling, boring, tapping, contouring and multi-axis machining techniques. You will optimise cutting speeds, feeds, toolpaths and machining strategies to improve cycle times and tool life while identifying and resolving machining problems, including chatter, tool wear, dimensional variation and surface-finish issues.

You will understand the effects of cutting forces, tool deflection, workholding rigidity and thermal variation on machining accuracy, manufacture complex precision components to tight dimensional and geometric tolerances, and work closely with process engineers to improve machining methods, productivity and process reliability.

The role also involves contributing practical machining knowledge to new product introductions and process development initiatives.

Quality & Precision Manufacturing

Quality is central to this position. You will carry out in-process inspection using precision measuring equipment, including micrometers, bore gauges, height gauges and other inspection instruments. You will apply GD&T principles when manufacturing and inspecting components, maintain consistent dimensional accuracy and surface finish throughout production, and identify dimensional trends while making appropriate tool-offset corrections.

You will follow approved manufacturing procedures, quality requirements and traceability processes while maintaining high standards of workmanship, machine care and workplace organisation.

What You'll Bring

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 5 years' practical experience in CNC machining, preferably within a precision engineering environment.
• Demonstrated experience setting up and operating 3-axis, 4-axis and 5-axis CNC machining centres.
• Strong working knowledge of Fanuc and Heidenhain CNC controls.
• Ability to independently set up complex machining operations from engineering drawings and CNC programs.
• Excellent understanding of cutting tools, machining parameters, tool wear and workholding principles.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply complex engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience manufacturing components to tight tolerances.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to resolve machining problems without constant engineering support.
• High attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a manufacturing team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience with CAM systems such as hyperMILL, ESPRIT, Mastercam or similar.
• Experience with simultaneous 5-axis machining.
• Experience machining challenging materials, including titanium, cobalt chrome and stainless steel.
• Experience with multi-tasking CNC machines or mill-turn centres.
• Experience manufacturing medical devices, aerospace components or other high-precision products.
• Experience with probing systems, tool presetting equipment and advanced workholding solutions.

What We Are Looking For

We are particularly interested in candidates who are machinists first, rather than primarily CNC programmers.

The ideal candidate will:

• Hold a trade qualification in toolmaking, machining or precision engineering.
• Have a genuine understanding of how materials behave during machining.
• Be comfortable setting up a complex 5-axis machine independently.
• Know how to select the right cutting tools and machining parameters.
• Understand why machining problems occur and how to resolve them.
• Be capable of improving a machining process through practical experience and sound engineering judgement.
• Take ownership of machine setup, component quality and machining performance.

Extensive CAM programming experience is not essential. We value proven hands-on machining ability, technical competence and practical problem-solving skills above software-specific experience.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work with modern, high-precision CNC machining technology.
• Exposure to technically challenging components and advanced manufacturing processes.
• Competitive Salary
• A collaborative environment involving experienced machinists and process engineers.
• Opportunities to develop additional skills in multi-axis machining and advanced manufacturing.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with experience and technical capability.