CNC Setter/Operator - Aerospace

Wavendon
1 month ago
Applications closed

Related Jobs

View all jobs

CNC Setter/Operator

CNC Setter/Operator

CNC Turner

Cnc Machinist

Setter Operator

CNC 5 Axis Miller / Setter (Nights)

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

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

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

Industry Insights

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

Rural-Remote Space Jobs: Reaching for the Stars Beyond City Limits

A Fresh Horizon for UK Space Professionals When most people think of space industry jobs, their minds drift to launch pads in Florida, sophisticated mission controls at NASA, or even satellite facilities in the heart of London. However, the space sector is increasingly decentralised and offers abundant opportunities across the UK—well beyond the capital. At UKSpaceJobs.co.uk, we’ve observed a surge in vacancies that allow for rural or coastal living, prompting jobseekers to search for “space jobs in the countryside” or “tech jobs by the sea.” A variety of factors—rising remote work, cloud-based engineering tools, and demand for diverse local test sites—are fuelling this movement. Britain’s beautiful rural and seaside regions no longer represent peripheral backwaters for the space sector. Instead, they host emerging launch sites, small satellite enterprises, research hubs, and remote teams that keep pace with the nation’s growing ambitions in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), deep-space missions, and Earth observation technologies. If you’re a satellite engineer, an astro-data analyst, or a space project manager craving fresh air and lower living costs, this article is for you. Below, we’ll explore how rural-remote space roles are exploding in popularity, the specific benefits (and potential hurdles) of working outside major cities, and the practical steps you can take to launch your space career amidst rolling hills or ocean vistas.

Quantum-Enhanced AI in Space—Propelling the Next Frontier of Exploration

Space exploration has long been a showcase of human ingenuity—launching satellites that enable global connectivity, sending probes to other planets, and even eyeing the possibility of interplanetary travel. Yet, as missions become more complex—think long-duration travel, real-time data analysis from distant probes, and advanced Earth observation—traditional computing methods can struggle to handle the colossal volumes of data and the intricate physics involved. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has helped automate some decision-making (like autonomous rovers on Mars), but the tasks ahead—such as on-orbit servicing, space debris management, or deep-space exploration—demand a new tier of computational capability. Enter quantum computing, a revolutionary technology that harnesses phenomena like superposition and entanglement to perform certain computations at speeds unimaginable on classical hardware. By merging quantum hardware with AI—often termed quantum-enhanced AI—the space sector stands to overcome limitations in orbital mechanics, big-data analytics, and complex resource optimisation. From more efficient satellite constellations to cutting-edge astrophysical research, this synergy could herald a new era of space exploration and commercial ventures. In this article, we will: Survey the current challenges in space-based missions, from planning and operations to data processing. Demystify quantum computing—how qubits differ from bits and why quantum algorithms can outperform classical ones in specific contexts. Examine how quantum-enhanced AI can transform various space applications, such as satellite fleets, deep-space comms, Earth observation, and more. Identify the main roadblocks (hardware maturity, data transfer) and how the industry might address them. Highlight new career pathways, skills, and roles emerging at the crossroads of space technology, AI, and quantum computing—particularly in the UK. Whether you’re a satellite engineer, astrophysicist, data scientist, or a space enthusiast curious about where technology is heading, read on. Quantum-enhanced AI may become the linchpin for the next wave of advances in space exploration, driving more efficient missions, groundbreaking research, and a thriving job market.

Space Jobs at Newly Funded UK Start-ups: Q3 2025 Investment Tracker

Space exploration and satellite technology have morphed from government-driven endeavours into a global commercial race—one that the United Kingdom is actively participating in. Between cutting-edge satellite constellations, in-orbit servicing, and innovative propulsion systems, the UK’s space sector is witnessing a renaissance fuelled by venture capital, supportive policies, and an ever-expanding pool of engineering and scientific talent. In this Q3 2025 Investment Tracker, we shine a spotlight on newly funded UK start-ups that are blazing a trail in space technology. We’ll detail their funding rounds, the types of roles they’re recruiting for, and how you can seize these opportunities by registering on UKSpaceJobs.co.uk—your gateway to career openings in the UK’s flourishing space industry. Whether you’re a propulsion engineer, satellite software specialist, or a commercial manager eager to shape humanity’s final frontier, read on to discover the latest space start-ups and how you might join their missions.