CNC Programmer - FTC

McLaren Automotive Ltd; Sheffield (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured career development

25 days holiday + bank holidays/Buy &

Enhanced pension

Discretionary annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Life assurance

Sabbatical after 2 years

Wellbeing initiatives

Job summary

McLaren Automotive is seeking a skilled CNC Programmer to create, validate, and optimise CNC programs for composite machining at the McLaren Composite Technology Centre. You will convert CAD models into efficient toolpaths that meet quality, dimensional, and surface finish targets while maximizing cycle time and tool life.

You'll collaborate with design and manufacturing teams, select tools and parameters, post-process and simulate programs, verify with VERICUT, and support first-off

Qualifications

• Proven experience creating and optimising CNC programs in a production machining environment.
• High proficiency in CAD/CAM with experience generating/validating complex toolpaths (Mastercam/PowerMill advantageous).
• Strong knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, including 5-axis equipment.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs and multi-axis toolpaths.
• Interpret drawings, CAD models, tolerances, datum structures, materials, and surface-finish requirements.
• Select tools, parameters, work offsets, probing routines, and safe machining sequences.
• Post-process, simulate, and verify programs to identify collisions and risks before release.
• Support prove-out, analyse measured results, and revise programs to meet requirements.
• Optimise toolpaths, feeds, speeds, stepovers, and sequences to improve cycle time, tool life and reliability.
• Create and maintain CNC programming docs (program files, setup sheets, tooling lists, work offsets, revision records).
• Troubleshoot CNC programs and toolpaths, implementing robust corrections.
• Maintain program libraries, naming conventions, and data integrity.
• Contribute to standardisation and continuous development of CNC methods and post-processors.

Skills

CNC programming

Multi-axis machining

CAD/CAM proficiency

Vericut simulation

G-code / M-code

Tooling selection

Problem solving

Documentation discipline

Tools

Mastercam

PowerMILL

VERICUT

Job description

What to Expect

To create, validate, maintain, and optimise safe, accurate CNC programs for composite machining processes at the McLaren Composite Technology Centre. The role converts CAD models into efficient, machine-ready toolpaths that achieve the required quality, dimensional accuracy, surface finish, cycle time, and tool life.

What You'll Do

• Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs and multi-axis toolpaths using approved CAD/CAM software.


• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, tolerances, datum structures, material specifications, and surface-finish requirements to define appropriate machining strategies.


• Select cutting tools, holders, machining parameters, work offsets, probing routines, and safe machining sequences.


• Post-process, simulate, and verify programs to identify collisions, over-travel, gouging, and other machining risks before release.


• Support program prove-out and first-off manufacture, analyse measured results, and revise programs until requirements are achieved.


• Optimise toolpaths, feeds, speeds, stepovers, and machining sequences to improve cycle time, tool life, quality, and process reliability.


• Create and maintain controlled CNC programming documentation, including program files, setup sheets, tooling lists, work offsets, revision records, and machining instructions.


• Troubleshoot CNC program and toolpath issues, implementing robust programming corrections where required.


• Maintain approved program libraries, naming conventions, revision control, and data integrity.


• Contribute to the standardisation and continuous development of CNC programming methods, templates, post-processors, and best practice.

What You'll Bring

Functional / Technical Skills:

Proven experience creating and optimising CNC programs in a production machining environment.

High proficiency in at least one recognised CAD/CAM package, with experience generating and validating complex toolpaths; experience using Mastercam and PowerMill is advantageous.

Strong knowledge of multi-axis CNC machining, including 5-axis equipment.

Experience programming CNC machining of composite materials is highly advantageous.

Ability to interpret engineering drawings, CAD models, geometric tolerances, datum structures, and surface-finish requirements.

Sound understanding of cutting tools, tool holding, workholding, probing, offsets, feeds, speeds, depths of cut, and machining strategy.

Experience using simulation and verification software, such as VERICUT, to produce safe, collision-free programs.

Working knowledge of G-code, M-code, post-processors, and relevant CNC machine controls.

Experience preparing clear setup sheets, tooling lists, program notes, and revision-controlled programming records.

Strong troubleshooting skills with a methodical approach to program prove-out, correction, and optimisation.

Excellent IT proficiency and disciplined management of CNC program data.

Personal Attributes / Competencies:

Self-motivated and capable of working effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team.

Adaptable to a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Effective in influencing, negotiating, and resolving conflicts.

Flexible and open-minded approach to tasks and responsibilities.

What We'll Do for You

We offer a wide – ranging benefits package, which includes:

• Structured career development framework


• 25 days’ holiday, plus bank holiday. Annual buy & sell up to five days


• Enhanced company pension scheme


• Discretionary annual bonus award


• Private medical insurance and health cash plan


• Life assurance benefit


• Ability to apply for a sabbatical of up to one year after only two years’ service


• Benefits you can adapt to your lifestyle, such as discounted shopping


• Generous parental leave policies


• A range of wellbeing initiatives, such as employee assistance programme and free financial & mortgage advice

Who Are We?

No restraints. No limitations. We don’t simply push boundaries. We completely rethink them. McLaren Automotive exists to create breath-taking performance road cars.

It takes a community to do what we do. A diverse group of people with many areas of expertise, united by their passion to deliver visionary products and set new benchmarks.

McLaren Automotive commits to equal opportunity for all. Diversity, Equality and Inclusion is at the heart of our impact, it drives our innovation and enables us to truly create something special. Join us on our journey.