Senior Manufacturing Engineer – CNC in Ampthill

Location: Ampthill, Bedfordshire

Employment Type: Permanent (37.5 hours, 4-day working week Monday‑Thursday)

Salary: £55,000 – £70,000

We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Engineer to lead CNC machining strategy and advanced tooling initiatives within the Complex Systems business area. This role will act as the technical focal point for machining operations, driving manufacturing excellence through optimized CNC programming, fixture design, tooling strategy, and process improvement. The successful candidate will play a critical role in improving machining efficiency, reducing cycle times, increasing yield, and supporting the manufacture of high‑precision complex components. You will collaborate closely with Design Engineering, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams to develop robust, scalable machining processes capable of supporting both prototype and production environments. This is a hands‑on technical leadership role requiring deep expertise in multi‑axis machining, CAD/CAM programming, advanced workholding solutions, and manufacturing process optimisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead CNC machining strategy across complex component manufacturing operations.
• Develop, optimise, and validate CNC programmes for 3‑axis, 4‑axis, and 5‑axis machining centres.
• Design and implement advanced fixturing and workholding 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.
• Drive cycle time reduction, process capability improvement, and overall equipment efficiency (OEE) initiatives.
• Establish best practices for machining operations, set‑up reduction, tooling management, and process standardisation.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) activities through Design for Manufacture (DFM) and Design for Machining (DFMach) input.
• 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 set‑up sheets, tooling lists, process flows, and work instructions.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies where appropriate.
• Support capital equipment selection, commissioning, and capability validation for new CNC machinery and automation technologies.
• Mentor junior manufacturing engineers, programmers, and machinists, providing technical leadership and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate with suppliers and tooling vendors to evaluate and implement emerging machining technologies and tooling solutions.
• Ensure all machining activities comply with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Required Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ 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 CAD/CAM systems such as Siemens NX, Mastercam, CATIA, HyperMill, Fusion 360, or similar platforms.
• 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 workholding, fixture design, and modular fixturing systems.
• Strong understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing) and engineering drawings.
• Proven experience optimiser 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.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience working with ERP/MRP and manufacturing documentation systems.
• Degree, HNC/HND, apprenticeship, or equivalent qualification in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Precision Engineering, or related discipline.

Desirable Experience

• 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.
• 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.

Lockheed Martin is committed to upholding principles of equal opportunity and fostering a work environment aligned with our core values of integrity, respect, and exceptional performance. We recognise the importance of leveraging the unique talents and experiences of all employees to drive innovation and deliver superior solutions. Our focus is on identifying the most qualified candidate for each role, regardless of background.