At a Glance
- Tasks: Set and operate CNC machines to create life-saving aerospace components.
- Company: Join Martin-Baker, a leader in aerospace engineering with a meaningful mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift premium, healthcare, and excellent pension contributions.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to high-quality British engineering.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying a great work-life balance with just 177 working days a year.
- Qualifications: CNC experience and ability to read complex engineering drawings are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Location: Denham, Buckinghamshire
Salary: Competitive Salary + Shift Premium + Attendance Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
Application Deadline: Monday, November 2, 2026
Job Summary: CNC Programmer Setter Operator (Continental Shift) – Denham
Machine it. Perfect it. Trust it with lives! Find your future in a role where manufacturing precision meets real-world impact. As a CNC Programmer Setter Operator within our Machine Shop team at Denham, you’ll join a tight-knit group of engineering experts ensuring the components behind life-saving aerospace technology are flawlessly machined.
Direct Impact, Global Scale. Life-Saving Mission. At Martin-Baker, the work we do matters. We design, manufacture and support life-saving equipment used by aircrew around the world. Our products operate in demanding environments, where quality, reliability and attention to detail are critical.
The Opportunity: As a CNC Programmer Setter Operator, you will work in our world-class Machine Shop, acting as the master of your station to ensure components are flawlessly engineered. You will enter a unique, highly detailed environment where you work just 177 days a year. Our continental shift pattern (50% 6am–4pm and 50% 12pm–10pm) offers the ultimate work-life balance, giving you more time for yourself without sacrificing your engineering career.
What You’ll Do:
- Machine Operation: Set and operate CNC and manual machines to elite tolerances with complete technical precision.
- Quality Inspection: Inspect your own work using conventional engineering kit and detailed CMM reports to guarantee conformance.
- Workflow Efficiency: Keep the workshop workflow smooth by completing basic TPM tasks and deburring components during machine cycles.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate closely with a workshop team that takes genuine, collective pride in British engineering.
- Workspace Standards: Maintain a sharp, safe, and efficient workspace by actively aligning with high-quality manufacturing standards.
What We’re Looking For:
- CNC Experience: Solid, proven experience knowing your way around a CNC machine, specifically across Milling, Turning, and Setting (essential).
- Technical eye: Demonstrated ability to accurately read and interpret complex technical engineering drawings like a second language (essential).
- Speed & Precision: Proven capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment where "good enough" is never enough (essential).
- Quality Mindset: Practical experience utilising CMM machines and working with strict conformance reports (essential).
- Share and demonstrate the Martin-Baker values.
Our Values: At Martin-Baker, we value professionalism, understanding, teamwork, humility, accountability and integrity. We look for people who take pride in their work, collaborate openly and act with care because the work we do matters.
What We Offer:
- Excellent pension package with strong employer support — Martin-Baker contributes 9% of your salary (non-contributory to the employee), with further employer contributions that grow as you increase your own.
- Top-Tier Shift Allowance & Premium including a competitive base salary, attendance allowance, and an annual bonus scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Personalised training and development plan.
- Healthcare plan.
- Martin-Baker + (retail discounts platform).
- Occupational Health team.
- Workplace Nursery Benefit scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
How to Apply / Your Interview Journey: Please submit your CV and should you wish, a brief covering letter outlining your suitability, including any relevant experience, skills and expertise you can bring to the role. Hit "Apply Now," send your CV to jobs@martin-baker.co.uk, or call us on 01952 281908.
Initial Telephone interview: A detailed conversation with your Recruitment Business Partner to understand your background and motivation for joining Martin-Baker.
Final Stage Interview: A face-to-face site visit at our Denham facility to meet the manager, discuss your experience, see the technology firsthand, and complete a short practical "trade test" to show us your skills.
We believe in equal opportunity, committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone is respected. We want you to be able to do your best work. Martin-Baker is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our support and commitment to our Armed Forces and their families, proudly supporting those who serve.
This role is subject to pre-employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). The role also involves access to information governed by U.S. Export Control Laws (including ITAR); therefore, all applicants must satisfy ITAR eligibility requirements.
Martin-Baker Careers employer: CNC Programmer Setter Operator
At Martin-Baker, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work in a world-class Machine Shop in Denham, Buckinghamshire. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our personalised training plans and industry-leading benefits, including a generous pension scheme and top-tier shift allowances. Join a supportive team where your craftsmanship directly contributes to life-saving aerospace technology, all while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule with only 177 working days a year.
Contact Details:
CNC Programmer Setter Operator Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Martin-Baker Careers
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
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✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like CNC Programmer Setter Operator, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Martin-Baker Careers
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to CNC Programmer Setter Operator specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at CNC Programmer Setter Operator
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with CNC Programmer Setter Operator, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like CNC Programmer Setter Operator value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
