CNC Programmer - 5 Axis / Mill-Turn

Darwen
3 weeks ago
Create job alert

Are you an experienced CNC Programmer with real 3, 4, and 5-axis programming capability? I'm supporting a major aerospace manufacturer who are expanding their machining team and looking for someone who can hit the ground running.

This role isn't for machinists who occasionally program or know "bits of Edgecam."
They're looking for someone who can fully own the programming process from CAD/CAM, to tooling strategy, to simulation, through to FAI.

If you've got strong programming experience on Edgecam and/or Alphacam, and you know how to optimise multi-axis machining for aluminium aerospace components, this will be a brilliant step up.

The Opportunity

You'll be joining a well-established aerospace engineering business supplying complex components into major OEMs and primes. They invest heavily in machining technology, run premium multi-axis centres (including mill-turn), and you'll be programming genuinely complex parts, not basic production work.

You'll be given autonomy, support, and the space to innovate - they want someone who can help drive machining quality, reduce cycle times, and improve tooling strategies.

What You'll Be Doing

Creating and optimising CNC programs for 3, 4 & 5-axis machining centres

Programming mill-turn operations

Developing efficient machining strategies for aluminium aerospace parts

Interpreting drawings, CAD models and GD&T

Running simulations (e.g. VERICUT) to validate tool paths

Selecting tooling, feeds/speeds, and workholding solutions

Supporting FAI activities and quality audits

Troubleshooting issues on the shop floor and improving processes

Mentoring operators/machinists on new programs

What You Need to Bring

Essential

Minimum 5 years programming experience (not just operating)

Strong experience with multi-axis CNC machines

Proficiency in Edgecam and/or Alphacam

Experience machining aluminium and aerospace-grade materials

Ability to read drawings, GD&T and work from 3D models

Desirable

Aerospace experience

Knowledge of AS9100 / NADCAP standards

Experience with tight tolerances and complex geometries

What's on Offer

Competitive salary depending on experience

4-day working week (Mon-Thurs, 37 hours)

Overtime at enhanced rates (Fri-Sun)

Long-term stability with an established aerospace business

Progression and continuous improvement involvement

Employee benefits package

INDFL

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Cnc Programmer

CNC Programmer - 5 Axis / Mill-Turn

Manufacturing Engineer

CNC Machinist (Mazak)

Cmm Programmer

CNC Machinist

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Neurodiversity in UK Space Careers: Turning Different Thinking into a Superpower

The UK space sector has quietly become one of the most exciting places to build a career. From small satellites & launch services to Earth observation, navigation, in-orbit servicing & space data startups, the industry needs people who can solve hard problems in smart ways. Those people are not all “typical” engineers or scientists – and that’s a strength, not a weakness. If you live with ADHD, autism or dyslexia, you may have been told your brain is “too distracted”, “too literal” or “too disorganised” for precision work in the space sector. In reality, many of the traits that made school or previous jobs difficult can be major assets in space engineering, mission operations & space data roles. This guide is written for neurodivergent job seekers exploring UK space careers. We’ll look at: What neurodiversity means in a space industry context How ADHD, autism & dyslexia strengths map to common space roles Practical workplace adjustments you can request under UK law How to talk about neurodivergence in applications & interviews By the end, you’ll have a clearer sense of where you might thrive in the UK space sector – & how to turn “different thinking” into a genuine superpower.

Space Sector Hiring Trends 2026: What to Watch Out For (For Job Seekers & Recruiters)

The UK space sector is no longer a niche curiosity. It is now a strategic industry worth billions, employing tens of thousands of people across nearly 2,000 organisations – and it has been growing faster than the wider UK economy for years. At the same time, employers report serious skills shortages, especially in software, data and systems engineering, with recruitment and retention now cited as key barriers to growth. For job seekers, this is encouraging – but it does not mean every space application is an easy win. For recruiters, competing for talent with tech, defence, energy and finance is only getting harder. This article, written for www.ukspacejobs.co.uk , explores the space sector hiring trends to watch in 2026, aimed at both: Job seekers searching for terms like “space jobs in the UK”, “satellite jobs UK”, or “space engineer roles”; and Recruiters and hiring managers interested in “space sector hiring trends” and “space recruitment UK”.

Space Industry Recruitment Trends 2025 (UK): What Job Seekers Need To Know About Today’s Hiring Process

Summary: UK space‑sector hiring has shifted from pedigree‑first screening to capability‑driven evaluation across the full stack—spacecraft systems, payload/RF, flight software, GNC/ADCS, propulsion, structures/thermal, AIT (assembly–integration–test), mission/ground operations, reliability/radiation, and compliance (ECSS, export control). Employers want proof you can build, test, operate and scale space systems safely and economically. This guide explains what’s changed, what to expect in interviews & how to prepare—especially for satellite/spacecraft engineers, payload & RF/MM‑wave, flight & ground software, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal, AIT/test, mission ops, data/EO, and space product/TPM roles. Who this is for: Systems engineers, payload/RF engineers, flight software & FDIR, GNC/ADCS, power/thermal/structures, propulsion, AIT/test, reliability/radiation, QA/compliance, ground segment/cloud, mission operations, EO/data processing, and product/programme managers targeting roles in the UK space ecosystem.