At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and optimise CNC programs for multi-axis milling and turning operations.
- Company: Established precision engineering subcontractor in Birmingham with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Support junior operators and apprentices while working on exciting projects across various sectors.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and influence process decisions in a cutting-edge engineering environment.
- Qualifications: 4+ years of CNC programming experience and ability to work with multi-axis machines.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A well-established precision engineering subcontractor in Birmingham is seeking an experienced CNC Programmer / Setter to join a busy machine shop. You will work across a range of multi-axis milling and turning platforms, taking components from raw material through to finished part — programming offline, proving on the floor, and optimising cycle times to meet tight delivery schedules. The business supplies customers across automotive, aerospace, and defence sectors, producing complex, low-volume and medium-batch components in steel, aluminium, titanium, and nickel alloys. This is a hands-on role with genuine scope to influence process and tooling decisions.
Machinery you will work on:
- Mazak Integrex i-400 Multi-tasking mill-turn, Mazatrol SmoothX control
- DMG Mori NLX 2500 CNC turning centre, MAPPS V / Fanuc 31i control
- Mazak Variaxis i-600 5-axis VMC, Mazatrol SmoothX, full simultaneous
- Doosan DNM 6700 3-axis vertical machining centre, Fanuc 0i-MF
- Citizen Cincom L20 Swiss-type sliding head lathe, Fanuc 32i control
- XYZ 2-OP / ProTURN Portable VMC and manual-assist turning
- ProtoTRAK CAM ability to hand-edit G-code and M-code directly at the control
- Renishaw on-machine probing and tool-setting cycles (RMP60 / OLP40)
- Solid modelling in SolidWorks or similar for DFM feedback and fixture design
- Tooling management via Zoller presetter data integration
Key responsibilities:
- Write, prove, and optimise CNC programs for milling, turning, and mill-turn operations from customer CAD models and 2D drawings
- Set and change-over machines including tool assembly, offsets, work coordinates, and probing routines
- Select cutting tools, inserts, and parameters — working closely with Sandvik and Kennametal technical reps
- Carry out first-off inspection using Mitutoyo CMM and hand gauging; complete route cards and inspection records to AS9100 / IATF 16949 requirements
- Reduce cycle times through feeds, speeds, and toolpath strategy improvements — track and report cycle time savings
- Support junior operators and apprentices, providing on-the-job guidance on setups and machining technique
- Liaise with the estimating team to provide realistic cycle time and tooling cost inputs for new enquiries
Essential experience:
- Minimum 4 years of CNC programming and setting in a precision subcontract environment
- Proven ability on multi-axis turning and milling (4th / 5th axis); mill-turn experience highly desirable
- Fluent in Fanuc G-code; Mazatrol experience advantageous
- Proficient with Mastercam or equivalent offline CAM (SolidCAM, GibbsCAM, or HyperMill considered)
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings including GD
Computer Numerical Control Programmer employer: Chester & Black
Join a leading precision engineering subcontractor in Birmingham, where your expertise as a CNC Programmer will be valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to influence key processes while working with state-of-the-art machinery in a collaborative and dynamic environment. Enjoy competitive benefits and the chance to contribute to exciting projects across the automotive, aerospace, and defence sectors, all while being part of a supportive team that prioritises innovation and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Computer Numerical Control Programmer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who work with CNC programming. A friendly chat can lead to job leads or insider info about openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got a portfolio of projects or examples of your CNC programming work, bring it along to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of multi-axis milling and turning, as well as G-code and M-code. Being able to discuss your experience confidently will show employers you’re the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented CNC Programmers like you. Plus, it’s a straightforward way to get your application noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Computer Numerical Control Programmer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the CNC Programmer role. Highlight your experience with multi-axis milling and turning, and don’t forget to mention any specific machines you’ve worked on, like the Mazak Integrex or DMG Mori.
Show Off Your Skills:In your application, showcase your programming skills, especially with Fanuc G-code and any CAM software you’re familiar with. We want to see how you can optimise cycle times and improve processes!
Be Specific About Experience:When detailing your work history, be specific about your achievements in previous roles. Mention any cycle time reductions you’ve achieved or how you’ve supported junior operators — we love to see that hands-on experience!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester & Black
✨Know Your Machines
Familiarise yourself with the specific CNC machines mentioned in the job description, like the Mazak Integrex and DMG Mori. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these or similar machines, as well as any programming languages you’ve used, such as Fanuc G-code.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've optimised cycle times or improved machining processes in previous roles. Companies love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to troubleshoot and enhance efficiency, so have a few success stories up your sleeve.
✨Brush Up on CAD and CAM Software
Since the role involves working with CAD models and offline CAM software, make sure you’re comfortable discussing your experience with tools like SolidWorks and Mastercam. Highlight any projects where you’ve used these tools to create or modify CNC programs.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your knowledge of CNC programming and setting. Review key concepts related to multi-axis operations, tooling management, and inspection processes. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will show you’re the right fit for the job.
