Senior Manufacturing Engineer

37.5 hours per week + 4 day work week option

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead CNC machining strategy and advanced tooling initiatives within the Special Projects business area, at our site in Ampthill, Bedfordshire.

This role will act as the technical focal point for machining operations, driving manufacturing excellence through optimized CNC programming, fixture design, tooling strategy, and process improvement.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving machining efficiency, reducing cycle times, increasing yield, and supporting the manufacture of high-precision complex components.

You will collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to develop robust, scalable machining processes capable of supporting both prototype and production environments.

This is a hands‑on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in multi‑axis machining, CAD/CAM programming, advanced work holding solutions, and manufacturing process optimization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead CNC machining strategy across complex component manufacturing operations.
• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centres.
• Design and implement advanced fixturing and work holding solutions to improve repeatability, precision, and throughput.
• Select and optimize cutting tools, tooling strategies, and machining parameters for a wide range of materials and geometries.
• Drive cycle time reduction, process capability improvement, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) initiatives.
• Establish best practices for machining operations, setup reduction, tooling management, and process standardisation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities through Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Machining (DFMach) input.
• Troubleshoot complex machining and tooling issues, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
• Work closely with Quality teams to ensure compliance with engineering tolerances, inspection requirements, and customer standards.
• Develop and maintain manufacturing documentation including setup sheets, tooling lists, process flows, and work instructions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Support capital equipment selection, commissioning, and capability validation for new CNC machinery and automation technologies.
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers, programmers, and machinists, providing technical leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors to evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies and tooling solutions.
• Ensure all machining activities comply with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• The successful candidate must be able to achieve the appropriate level (SC) of security clearance.

Required skills, qualifications and experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within a CNC manufacturing or precision machining environment.
• Demonstrated mastery of 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis CNC programming and machining processes.
• Expert-level proficiency in CAD/CAM systems such as Siemens NX, Mastercam, CATIA, Hyper Mill, Fusion 360, or similar platforms.
• Strong understanding of CNC machining strategies for complex geometries and tight‑tolerance components.
• Deep knowledge of metallurgy, material machinability, cutting tool technology, feeds and speeds optimisation, and chip control.
• Extensive experience with advanced work holding, fixture design, and modular fixturing systems.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and engineering drawings.
• Proven experience optimizing machining processes for cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional…