CNC Machinist

Location:
Leeds
Pay: £18.50 - £20.50 per hour DOE
Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract:
Permanent

Are you an experienced CNC Machinist who can take a component from engineering drawing through programming and setup to the finished part
?

We're recruiting for a long-established heavy engineering manufacturer in Leeds that is looking to strengthen its machine shop with experienced CNC Machinists.

This is not a basic CNC Operator position
.

We're looking for skilled machinists who can independently programme, set and operate CNC machinery from start to finish
, taking genuine ownership of the components they produce.

You'll be responsible for the complete machining process, including:

• Reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings.

• Programming CNC machinery.

• Setting machines independently.

• Selecting and setting appropriate tooling.

• Setting datums and offsets.

• Establishing appropriate speeds and feeds.

• Setting work holding.

• Operating and monitoring CNC machinery.

• Making programme and tooling adjustments where required.

• Producing components accurately to drawing and specification.

• Working to specified dimensions and tolerances.

• Carrying out first-off and in-process inspection.

• Using precision measuring equipment.

• Troubleshooting machining, tooling and programming issues.

• Taking responsibility for component quality from setup through to completion.

To be considered, you must have proven experience programming, setting and operating CNC machinery independently
.

We're particularly interested in machinists with experience across:

• CNC turning and/or milling.

• Programming CNC machinery.

• Full machine setup.

• Engineering drawing interpretation.

• Tool selection and setting.

• Speeds and feeds.

• Workholding.

• Tool and work offsets.

• Tight-tolerance machining.

• Precision measurement and inspection.

• Troubleshooting machining issues.

Experience with in heavy engineering, rail, nuclear, defence, oil & gas, precision engineering, large-component machining or low-volume manufacturing would be advantageous but isn't essential.

The exact machine or control you've previously worked with is less important than having strong, transferable machining knowledge.

Alongside your technical ability, we're looking for somebody who:

• Takes pride in their machining.

• Has drive and initiative.

• Can work independently.

• Enjoys solving technical problems.

• Takes ownership of their work.

• Wants to continue developing technically.

• Is comfortable with responsibility.

• Is looking for a long‑term engineering opportunity.

If your experience has predominantly involved loading/unloading or operating pre-set machinery, this position is unlikely to be the right level.

However, if you're comfortable being given a drawing and taking responsibility for programming, setting, machining and inspecting the finished component
, we'd be very interested in speaking with you.

• £18.50 - £20.50 per hour depending on experience.

• Permanent employment.

• 40-hour working week.

• Paid breaks.

• Company pension.

• Sick pay.

• Established heavy engineering environment.

• Technically interesting, high-value machining work.

• Continued investment in machining capability.

• Long-term development opportunities.