National AI Awards 2025Discover AI's trailblazers! Join us to celebrate innovation and nominate industry leaders.

Nominate & Attend

CNC Setter/Operator - Aerospace

Jonathan Lee Recruitment Ltd
Milton Keynes
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Semi Skilled CNC Mill / Turn Machinist (Days)

CNC Turner Setter / Operator

CNC Turner Setter/Operator - 4 day week - Progress available

Skilled CNC Miller

CNC Machine Operator

Leifeld Machine Hand Metal Spinner

CNC Setter/Operator - Aerospace and Defence - Permanent

Milling and Heidenhein - Milton Keynes Area - Attractive

An opportunity has arisen for a CNC Setter/Operator to join an Aerospace and Defence Research Organisation within the Milton Keynes area. The successful CNC Setter/Operator will join the Engineering Team and will play an integral part in the development of world leading capabilities and the cutting edge of Aerospace research. The CNC Setter/Operator will report to the Supervisor and Production Manager. The successful CNC Setter/Operator will be a skilled and experienced CNC Machinist and this role is critical to the production of high-value, one-off components for the company. If you are a dedicated professional with a passion for precision and a strong background in CNC machine setting and operation, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities of the CNC Setter/Operator

Perform on-line programming and setting tasks on CNC machines using Heidenhein controls.
Training can be provided if you have experience with other control systems.
Set up and operate 3, 4, and 5-axis CNC machines with a high degree of precision/efficiency.
Accurately interpret technical drawings and specification with an understanding of GD&T.
Apply in-depth knowledge of machining processes, tooling, and materials.
Operate multiple machines as required to meet production schedules.
Communicate and coordinate effectively with the CNC Supervisor, Production Manager and other departments to provide clear progress updates.
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills Required for the CNC Setter/Operator

Proven experience as a CNC machinist with understanding of 3 & 5-axis programs.
Skilled in CNC set-up, including preparation of tooling, fixtures, and work pieces.
Experience in on-line CNC programming, with strong problem-solving abilities for set-ups and real-time adjustments.
Knowledge in the set-up and operation of CNC Milling Machines.
Experience in manual milling and turning.
Experience using cylindrical grinders and flat bed grinders
Exceptional attention to detail, ensuring tight tolerances on bespoke one-off components.
Effective communication skills with team members, technical leads, and management.
Possession of an HNC, HND, City & Guilds qualification in a related field, apprenticeship or equivalent practical experience in CNC machining and programming.
Demonstrate understanding of and adherence to Health and Safety standards.
This is an opportunity for the right person to become part of a successful and professional team operating in a world-class facility. In return, they offer a competitive salary and a good benefits package with the opportunity for further development and progression within the business for the right candidate.

Benefits

Competitive salary, shift and overtime premium (where applicable) pension scheme; free parking; employee assistance programme; private health insurance and 26 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing after 5 years' service)

The successful candidate must satisfy security clearance (SC) requirements - including the last 5 years continual UK residency due to the projects and products involved

If you feel you meet the requirements for the role of the  CNC Setter/Operator then apply directly or contact Peter Heap at Jonathan Lee Recruitment. Either Direct Line (phone number removed) or Email suitable MS Word CV's to 

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.

In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included

National AI Awards 2025

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.

Space Jobs UK 2025: 50 Companies Hiring Now

Bookmark this guide – we refresh it every quarter so you always know who’s really expanding their space‑sector teams. The UK’s £15 billion Space Sector Plan, three licensed spaceports and a spike in commercial satellite demand have ignited hiring in 2025. Employers need spacecraft systems engineers, propulsion specialists, mission operators, Earth‑observation data scientists, ground‑segment software developers & regulatory experts right now. Below are 50 organisations that have advertised UK‑based space vacancies or formally announced head‑count growth in the past eight weeks. They’re grouped into five quick‑scan categories so you can jump straight to the kind of employer – and mission – that excites you. For every company you’ll see: Main UK hub Example live or recent vacancy Why it’s worth a look – tech focus, culture, mission Search any employer on UKSpaceJobs.co.uk to view real‑time ads, or set a free alert so brand‑new openings land straight in your inbox.

Return-to-Work Pathways: Relaunch Your Space Career with Returnships, Flexible & Hybrid Roles

Re-entering the workforce after a career break—whether for parenting, caring responsibilities or another life chapter—can feel like charting a new orbit, particularly in the dynamic field of space. Luckily, the UK’s thriving space sector now offers a spectrum of return-to-work pathways: structured returnships, part-time contracts and hybrid roles. These programmes recognise the transferable skills and resilience you’ve developed, pairing you with mentorship, targeted upskilling and supportive networks so you can relaunch your career in satellite engineering, mission operations, space data science or policy with confidence. In this guide, you’ll discover how to: Understand today’s UK space landscape and talent demand Leverage your organisation, communication and problem-solving skills in space roles Overcome common re-entry challenges with practical solutions Refresh your technical and regulatory knowledge through targeted learning Access returnship and re-entry programmes tailored to space Find roles that accommodate family commitments—flexible, hybrid or full-time Balance your career relaunch with caring responsibilities Master applications, interviews and networking specific to the space sector Draw inspiration from real returner success stories Get answers to frequent questions in our FAQ section Whether your goal is to return as a spacecraft systems engineer, mission analyst, space-data scientist or regulatory specialist, this article maps the steps and resources you need to reignite your UK space career.

LinkedIn Profile Checklist for Space Industry Jobs: 10 Tweaks to Launch Recruiter Engagement

The space sector—from satellite design and launch operations to mission control and space science—is more competitive than ever. Recruiters look for candidates skilled in systems engineering, orbital mechanics, spacecraft avionics and data analysis. A standout LinkedIn profile ensures you surface in searches and impress hiring teams from leading organisations like ESA, Airbus Defence & Space, and emerging NewSpace firms. This step-by-step LinkedIn for space jobs checklist delivers ten targeted tweaks to launch recruiter engagement. Whether you’re a propulsion engineer, systems architect, or mission analyst, these practical optimisations will elevate your professional narrative and maximise your visibility.