CNC Programmer / Setter Operator – Milling & Turning

CNC Programmer / Setter Operator – Milling & Turning

CNC Recruitment is currently recruiting for experienced CNC Programmers / Setter Operators to join established precision engineering businesses in Somerset and Dorset.

These are hands-on opportunities for experienced CNC professionals who can program, set and operate CNC milling and/or turning machines, producing high-quality components to tight tolerances and demanding quality standards.

We have opportunities available for candidates with strong milling experience, as well as those with broader milling and turning capabilities.

Positions Available

Dorchester, Dorset

• Job Type: Full-time, permanent
• Salary: £33,000 – £40,000, depending on experience
• Hours: Monday – Thursday, either 6:00am – 5:00pm or 8:00am – 7:00pm
• Bonus: 3-day weekend

Martock, Somerset

• Job Type: Full-time, permanent
• Pay: £17.00 – £22.00 per hour, depending on experience
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm, with some flexibility
• Location: On-site

The Role

Our clients operate specialist precision machine shops producing high-precision, low-volume components to tight tolerances and demanding quality standards.

The successful candidates will be responsible for taking work from engineering drawings through programming, setting, machining and inspection, ensuring components are manufactured accurately, efficiently and to specification.

Depending on the position, you will work predominantly with CNC milling machines, or across milling and turning centres, including 3-axis and above equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set and operate CNC milling and/or turning machines.
• Create, modify, prove and optimise CNC programmes.
• Set machines, select appropriate tooling and establish suitable cutting conditions and machining strategies.
• Produce precision components from engineering drawings and specifications.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings, including GD&T where applicable.
• Work consistently to tight tolerances, including millimetre and micron-level requirements.
• Carry out in-process and self-inspection using equipment such as verniers, micrometers and CMM where appropriate.
• Complete accurate job cards, inspection records and production documentation.
• Identify and report tooling wear, machine faults and non-conformances.
• Liaise with management and quality teams regarding first-off approvals and concession requests.
• Identify opportunities for machining, quality and process improvements.
• Carry out basic machine maintenance, including checking oil and coolant levels and clearing swarf.
• Maintain excellent housekeeping and contribute to 5S activities.
• Follow ISO, AS9100 and FOD prevention procedures as required.
• Maintain a safe, clean, organised and professional working environment.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate will have proven experience as a competent CNC Programmer / Machinist / Miller / Turner, with strong setting and operating skills.

You will ideally have:

• Demonstrable CNC programming, setting and operating experience.
• Strong experience with CNC milling and/or turning centres.
• Experience with Fanuc, Heidenhain or equivalent CNC controls.
• The ability to create, edit, prove and optimise CNC programmes.
• The ability to confidently read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
• Experience working to tight tolerances and demanding quality standards.
• Experience in precision engineering or a similarly high-quality manufacturing environment.
• Previous aerospace, defence or other regulated manufacturing experience would be advantageous.
• Experience with in-process inspection and quality documentation.
• CAM programming experience using Mastercam, Edgecam or similar would be advantageous.
• A reliable, methodical and practical approach to work.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to getting things right first time.
• The ability to work independently and take ownership of the machining process.
• A positive attitude, strong work ethic and collaborative approach.

Programming experience is essential for the Programmer / Setter Operator positions.

This is not a setter/operator-only position. Candidates must be able to demonstrate genuine CNC programming experience and be confident creating, modifying and proving programmes as part of their day-to-day role.

Benefits

Depending on the position, benefits include:

• Competitive salary/pay rate based on experience.
• Overtime opportunities, with overtime at time + 1/3 available on the Dorchester position.
• 3-day weekend with the Monday–Thursday Dorchester shift pattern.
• Genuine career progression opportunities as the businesses continue to grow.
• Annual pay review scheme.
• Annual bonus scheme.
• Company pension scheme.
• On-the-job and external training programmes.
• Company events and incentives.
• Supportive, positive and friendly working environment.
• Dog-friendly workplace at the Dorchester site.
• Free parking.

Apply Today

If you're an experienced CNC Programmer, Miller, Turner or Setter Operator looking for your next opportunity within a precision engineering environment, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and CNC Recruitment will be in touch to discuss the opportunity in more detail.

Pay: £33,000.00-£40,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person