CNC Sliding Head Machinist

CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer

Location:

Watford, Hertfordshire

Salary: £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience

Hours:

Monday to Thursday, 8:00am-5:00pm | Friday, 8:00am-1:00pm

Job Type: Permanent

Syntech Recruitment are supporting a well-established precision engineering manufacturer in their search for an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing, quality‑driven engineering business producing intricate, high‑precision components for the aerospace industry. You'll be setting and programming Citizen or Star sliding head lathes, working across prototypes and small‑to‑medium batch production.

• Salary of £45,000-£50,000, depending on experience
• Overtime available at 1.5x
• Annual performance‑related bonus
• Early finish every Friday
• Company pension
• Free on‑site parking
• Stable, long‑term permanent position
• Development opportunities within a growing business

• Setting, programming and operating Citizen or Star sliding head CNC lathes
• Manufacturing intricate components across small‑to‑medium production batches
• Reading and interpreting detailed engineering drawings and specifications
• Producing components to tight aerospace tolerances
• Working with stainless steel, aluminium, brass, titanium and other specialist materials
• Completing first‑off inspections and quality checks
• Producing prototype and repeat‑batch components to production schedules
• Troubleshooting machining issues and optimising manufacturing processes
• Working closely with the wider production and engineering teams
• Maintaining a clean and safe working environment

• Previous experience setting and programming CNC sliding head lathes
• Experience with Citizen or Star machines
• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings
• Experience producing precision components to tight tolerances
• Experience machining a range of metals and specialist alloys
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
• A completed engineering apprenticeship would be beneficial but is not essential

If you are an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter / Programmer looking to join a successful precision engineering business, please apply today.