Production Programmer

Are you an experienced CAD/CAM Programmer, CNC Programmer, Sheet Metal Programmer, Laser Programmer or Press Brake Programmer with a background in metal fabrication or parts manufacturing?

We are looking for a CAD/CAM Programmer to join the Production Engineering team, responsible for preparing manufacturing data and programming laser cutting and press brake operations to ensure sheet metal and fabricated parts are produced accurately and on schedule.

This is a hands-on manufacturing programming role involving 2D and 3D CAD, STEP/STP and DXF files, CAD/CAM programming, laser cutting, press brake operations and MRP systems.

As a CAD/CAM Programmer, you will be responsible for converting engineering designs into production-ready manufacturing information and supporting the efficient manufacture of pressed and laser-cut components.

You will work closely with Production Engineering, manufacturing teams and internal/external suppliers to ensure programming deliverables are completed accurately and in line with project schedules.

• Create and manage CAD/CAM programmes for sheet metal, pressed and laser-cut components.
• Read and interpret 2D and 3D CAD drawings and models.
• Convert STEP/STP files to DXF files for manufacturing.
• Prepare and issue manufacturing files and programming information for production.
• Carry out remote programming of laser cutting and press brake machines.
• Support the programming of CNC laser cutting and CNC press brake equipment.
• Liaise with internal teams and external suppliers regarding manufacturing requirements and programming queries.
• Upload accurate production and manufacturing data into the MRP system.
• Ensure programming activities are completed in line with project schedules and key manufacturing dates.
• Support Design for Manufacture (DFM) activities, helping ensure components and products are suitable for efficient manufacture.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, continuous improvement, manufacturing sustainability and process safety.
• Identify tooling, equipment, plant, jigs and fixtures required to improve safety, quality and productivity.
• Support the justification and approval of relevant capital expenditure.
• Contribute to departmental KPIs, manufacturing standards and continuous improvement activities.

We’re interested in candidates with experience in sheet metal, metal fabrication, laser cutting, press brake or parts manufacturing environments.

• Good working knowledge of 2D and 3D CAD software, ideally Autodesk Inventor or a similar package.
• Previous experience with press brake operations.
• Experience with in metal fabrication, sheet metal manufacturing or parts production.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and how CAD designs translate into manufactured components.
• Good computer literacy and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively with engineering, production and supplier teams.

• CADMAN-B or similar CAD/CAM programming software.
• Progress Plus or another MRP/ERP system.
• Engineering or manufacturing qualification such as an apprenticeship, HNC or HND.
• Experience working within an ISO 9001 / ISO 9000 quality management environment.
• Experience with laser cutting, CNC laser programming, press brake programming or sheet metal CAD/CAM.
• Experience with Design for Manufacture (DFM) and manufacturing process improvement.

This is an opportunity to join a Production Engineering environment where you will play a key role in taking designs from CAD through programming and into manufacture, working across laser cutting, press brake operations, manufacturing data and continuous improvement.

If you have a background in sheet metal fabrication, CAD/CAM programming, laser cutting or press brake manufacturing, we’d be interested in hearing from you.