Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Permanent role

Based in Ampthill

Offering up to £70,000

Do you have experience with Hyper Mill?

Do you have experience in CNC programming and machining processes of 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis?

Do you want to work with an industry-leading company?

If your answer to these is yes, then this could be the role for you!

As the Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer, you will be working alongside a market-leading Defence and Aerospace company who are constantly growing and developing. They are always looking to bring on new talents such as yourself and further develop your skills to enable you to grow within the company and industry.

You will be involved in:

• Lead CNC machining strategy development across the Operations Engineering department
• Develop and improve functional operating processes and incorporate them into the governing processes
• Process Ownership:
  Own, lead, and develop the technology roadmap for machining on behalf of the Operations Engineering department
• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC programs for 3-axis, 4-axis, and 5-axis machining centres
• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC programs for standard and mill-turn lathes
• Design and implement advanced fixturing and work-holding solutions to improve repeatability, precision, and throughput
• Select and optimise cutting tools, tooling strategies, and machining parameters for a wide range of materials and geometries
• Establish best practices for machining operations, setup reduction, tooling management, and process standardisation
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities through Design for Manufacture (DFM)
• 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
• Support capital equipment selection, commissioning, and capability validation for new CNC machinery and automation technologies
• Ensure all machining activities comply with health, safety, and environmental standards

Your skillset & experience:

• Experience with in 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 Hyper Mill
• 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
• Experience optimising machining processes for cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional capability
• Experience supporting low-volume/high-complexity manufacturing and/or high-precision production environments
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to troubleshoot complex manufacturing and machining issues in a fast-paced production environment
• Experience working with ERP/MRP and manufacturing documentation systems
• Experience leading a team of other engineers and technicians
• Degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience with in aerospace, defence, medical device, motor sport, semiconductor, energy, or other high-precision industries
• Knowledge of automation, robotic tending, palletisation, or lights-out machining strategies
• Familiarity with cutting tool management systems and digital manufacturing initiatives
• Exposure to additive manufacturing and hybrid manufacturing technologies
• Six Sigma Green Belt/Black Belt or Lean certification
• Experience with statistical process control (SPC) and process capability analysis
• Understanding of machining exotic alloys including titanium, Inconel, stainless steels, and hardened materials

Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Permanent role

Based in Ampthill

Offering up to £70,000