Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Permanent role

Based in Ampthill

Offering up to £70,000

Do you have experience with HyperMill?

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 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 HyperMill
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 within aerospace, defence, medical device, motorsport, 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

If this all sounds like something you will be interested in then simply apply and we can discuss the opportunity further!

Lead Machining Manufacturing Engineer

Permanent role

Based in Ampthill

Offering up to £70,000

Disclaimer:

This vacancy is being advertised by either Advanced Resource Managers Limited, Advanced Resource Managers IT Limited or Advanced Resource Managers Engineering Limited ("ARM"). ARM is a specialist talent acquisition and management consultancy. We provide technical contingency recruitment and a portfolio of more complex resource solutions. Our specialist recruitment divisions cover the entire technical arena, including some of the most economically and strategically important industries in the UK and the world today. We will never send your CV without your permission
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed