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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and set CNC milling machines to create aerospace components with precision.
- Company: Join Aerotron Group, a leader in aircraft product support and innovation.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive pay, career growth, and a focus on quality.
- Other info: Dynamic workshop environment with opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Be part of the aerospace industry and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience with CNC milling and manual machining is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Company Overview
Aerotron Group provides total Aircraft Product Support to the aviation industry, with a strong focus on quality, compliance and traceability. This role sits within Aerotron Composites (Aerospace & Defence), engineering, manufacturing and repairing composite and metallic components from its Chatteris facility.
Location
Aerotron Composites Ltd, Spitfire House, Fenton Way, Chatteris, PE16 6UP.
Employment Type
Full-time, Permanent (40 hours per week)
Role Summary
Operate and setting CNC milling machines (primarily 5-axis) and support manual machining (mills/lathes) for tooling manufacture/refurbishment, manufacturing parts and tooling to tight tolerances with full paperwork and traceability in an aerospace-quality environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Set and run CNC 5-axis milling machines to produce patterns, CNC machining fixtures and composite parts to drawing/specification.
- Support manual machining tasks (manual mill, Colchester lathe, pillar drills) for tooling manufacture/refurbishment.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications (including GD&T where applicable).
- Select tools, set offsets, set datums, prove out jobs, and optimise feeds/speeds within agreed process limits.
- Carry out first-off and in-process inspection using precision measuring equipment; record results accurately.
- Maintain paperwork, job packs, and traceability documentation to aerospace standards.
- Escalate quality concerns, raise/assist with NCRs where required, and support continuous improvement.
- Maintain safe working practices, housekeeping and correct PPE usage.
Required Qualifications & Skills (Must-have)
- Strong CNC milling experience operating and setting 3 to 5-axis machines.
- Manual machining capability (manual mill and lathe) for tooling work.
- Conversant with CNC controls (Fanuc and Heidenhain knowledge particularly useful; other controls considered).
- Strong understanding of paperwork/traceability requirements in a controlled/regulated environment.
- Confident interpreting technical drawings and working to tight tolerances.
- Quality-focused, reliable, and able to work to output targets under a Section Head’s direction.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills (Nice-to-have)
- Experience in aerospace, composites, defence, or similarly regulated industries.
- 5-axis experience (beneficial but not essential if the right 3-axis/hand skills and attitude to learn are present).
Machines / Plant & Capability (site-specific)
- 5-Axis machining centres (4 total): Belotti Vaga x 2, Belotti FLA Twin Pallet x 1, MultiAX x 1 Controls: Fanuc or Heidenhain.
- Composite machining capability: parts from approx. 200mm cubed up to 6m x 3m x 3m.
- Metallic cutting / tooling manufacture & refurb equipment: Haas CNC mills (3 + 1), Colchester lathe, Manual mill, Pillar drills.
Working Hours / Shift Pattern
Standard working week: 40 hours, Monday to Friday.
Early shift: 06:00–15:00 (30 mins lunch + two 15 min breaks). Breaks taken at Section Head discretion to achieve best output.
Potential late shift requirement (to be discussed): 14:00–01:00 Monday to Thursday (30 mins lunch + two 15 min breaks). Breaks taken at Section Head discretion to achieve best output.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Workshop/manufacturing environment (standing for long periods, manual handling of tooling/fixtures within safe limits, PPE required). Must follow safe systems of work and quality processes suitable for aerospace/composites production.
CNC Operator employer: AEROTRON COMPOSITES LTD
Contact Detail:
AEROTRON COMPOSITES LTD Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Operator
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit the company or similar workshops to see CNC machines in action. This not only boosts your confidence but also gives you a chance to ask questions and show your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with CNC milling and manual machining. Practising common interview questions can help you feel more at ease.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Operator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your CNC Skills: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your CNC milling experience. We want to see that you can operate and set 3 to 5-axis machines like a pro, so don’t hold back on those details!
Get Technical with Drawings: Don’t forget to mention your ability to read and interpret engineering drawings. We’re looking for someone who can confidently work to tight tolerances, so share any relevant experiences that showcase this skill.
Paperwork is Key: Since we operate in a regulated environment, it’s crucial to emphasise your understanding of paperwork and traceability requirements. Let us know how you've maintained documentation in past roles to show you’re up to the task!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at AEROTRON COMPOSITES LTD
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC milling knowledge, especially with 5-axis machines. Be ready to discuss your experience with Fanuc or Heidenhain controls, and don’t forget to mention any manual machining skills you have. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the machines but can also handle the technical aspects of the job.
✨Read the Engineering Drawings
Familiarise yourself with interpreting engineering drawings and specifications, including GD&T. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you’ve used these skills in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to work to tight tolerances and understand the importance of accuracy in aerospace manufacturing.
✨Showcase Your Quality Focus
Quality is key in this role, so be ready to talk about how you maintain high standards in your work. Share examples of how you’ve handled quality concerns in the past, and discuss your experience with paperwork and traceability requirements. This will highlight your reliability and commitment to excellence.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the company and the role. Inquire about their continuous improvement processes or how they handle training for new technologies. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.