CNC Setter Operator

We are looking for an experienced CNC Setter/Operator to join our production team in Crewkerne. The role is responsible for setting and operating Citizen sliding-head CNC machines and CNC grinding machines, producing high-quality components to tight tolerances while maintaining safe, efficient and consistent production. The successful candidate will take ownership of their machines and components, from setting and tooling through to first-off inspection, in-process quality checks and completion of production records.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and operate Citizen sliding-head CNC lathes and CNC grinding machines.
• Carry out full machine setups, including:
• Selecting and installing cutting tools.
• Setting workholding, chucks, fixtures and jaws.
• Establishing machine datums using probing equipment or dial indicators.
• Select, load and prove CNC programs.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Edit CNC programs and make appropriate offset and setting adjustments to maintain component dimensions and quality.
• Adjust tooling, speeds, feeds and offsets to optimise machine performance and cycle times.
• Carry out first-off inspections and ongoing in-process inspection.
• Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs to ensure components meet drawing requirements and tight tolerances.
• Monitor machines during production and identify issues such as tool wear, machine malfunctions or out-of-tolerance components.
• Undertake in-cycle deburring where required.
• Record production output, scrap and quality information accurately.
• Maintain tooling sheets and ensure CNC programs are kept up to date.
• Identify alternative tooling solutions and put forward improvement ideas.
• Complete works orders in line with the Kanban system.
• Ensure any material, quality, tooling or production issues are reported promptly.
• Ensure material, tooling and gauging are available before setting machines.
• Carry out routine machine cleaning, checks and basic preventative maintenance in line with TPM requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment, including good 5S standards and correct use of PPE.
• Participate in the High Performing Team (HPT) and contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.
• Support other departments where required.

Quality & Technical Responsibility

The CNC Setter/Operator will take personal ownership of the quality and accuracy of the components produced. This includes:

• Approving first-off components.
• Maintaining consistent in-process inspection.
• Certifying components against engineering drawings.
• Making appropriate machine offset and setting adjustments.
• Proving new CNC programs.
• Identifying and resolving machining issues before they affect production.
• Maintaining full production and quality traceability.

Machine & Process Experience

The role requires practical experience with multi-axis CNC machining, ideally including:

• Citizen sliding-head lathes
• CNC grinders
• Multi-axis CNC machining
• CNC program selection, proving and adjustment
• G-code editing, ideally Fanuc
• Tool selection and setup
• Workholding and datum setting
• Precision inspection and measurement

Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience as a CNC Setter/Operator.
• Experience setting and operating sliding-head CNC lathes and/or CNC grinding machines.
• The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.
• The ability to understand and edit G-code, ideally Fanuc.
• Experience making machine offsets, tooling adjustments and programme amendments.
• Strong knowledge of precision measurement techniques.
• Experience using micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs.
• Good general computer skills.
• A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing machining and production problems.
• The ability to work effectively across different CNC machine types and processes.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and willingness to support other areas of the business when required.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership of the quality of their work.
• Has a strong attention to detail.
• Works safely and consistently.
• Can work independently while contributing effectively to the wider production team.
• Is confident diagnosing and resolving CNC machining issues.
• Can adapt quickly to changes in production requirements.
• Looks for opportunities to improve tooling, processes, quality and efficiency.
• Takes pride in maintaining high standards of housekeeping and machine condition.

Key Measures of Success

Success in the role will be demonstrated through:

• Consistent production of components to drawing specification and required tolerances.
• Effective and accurate machine setting.
• High levels of machine uptime and production efficiency.
• Accurate first-off and in-process inspection.
• Effective management of tooling, offsets and CNC programmes.
• Accurate production and quality records.
• Good machine housekeeping and preventative maintenance.
• Positive contribution to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Safe working practices and compliance with site requirements.