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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and programme high-end CNC machines while solving complex manufacturing challenges.
- Company: Join a leading academic institution with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Why this job: Work on cutting-edge projects and make a real impact in advanced manufacturing.
- Qualifications: HNC in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience; strong CNC machining skills required.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 £ per year.
Are you an experienced CNC machinist who enjoys solving complex manufacturing problems and working as part of a collaborative team? We’re looking for a Senior Machinist to join our Operations Team, operating and programming a range of high-end CNC milling, turning and grinding platforms and supporting advanced manufacturing and research projects with major academic and industrial partners.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll be a hands-on CNC operator/programmer on the shop floor, working within Integrated Project Teams (IPTs) to deliver high-quality high value project work.
- Operate and program CNC machine tools (with opportunities to train on new platforms such as CNC grinding).
- Set up projects and equipment, selecting specialist tooling, work-holding and fixtures.
- Provide technical advice and practical support to colleagues, including mentoring less experienced machinists.
- Collect machining/manufacturing and dynamic data for research projects, supporting Project Engineers and Managers.
- Plan working methods and sequences, prioritising deadlines while maintaining quality.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation for projects, machine tools and equipment.
- Support general workshop and machine tool maintenance.
- Uphold excellent Health & Safety and 5S standards, ensuring a clean, safe, well-organised workshop.
- Contribute to IPT meetings with shop-floor updates, progress and data insights.
What we’re looking for
- You’ll bring strong machining capability, a careful eye for detail, and the communication skills needed to work effectively across project teams.
- You should have:
- HNC (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Confidence operating a variety of CNC milling, turning and grinding machines.
- Strong knowledge of H&S procedures in a manufacturing environment.
- Familiarity with measurement techniques (including on-machine measurement).
- Proven ability to keep clear, up-to-date records and documentation.
- Evidence of work-holding/fixture solutions (engineering drawings, CAD models, and understanding of clamping/damping effects).
- A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays and closure days), with the option to buy more.
- Flexible working opportunities (where applicable).
- A generous pension scheme.
- Discounts and rewards across shopping, eating out and travel.
- Staff networks and Recognition Awards.
- A strong commitment to your development (including a Technical Career Route) and family-friendly policies.
It is anticipated that interviews will take place on 30/01/2026 and will include an interview and a tour of the facility. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to selection stage in the week commencing 09/02/2026. If you need any adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please contact lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk. For informal enquiries, contact Lewis Nicholson, Workshop Manager: lewis.nicholson@sheffield.ac.uk | 0785110490. We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to interview. We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.
£32,080 to £36,636 with potential to progress to £39,906.
Senior Machinist in Sheffield employer: Economicsnetwork
Contact Detail:
Economicsnetwork Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Machinist in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their projects, values, and team dynamics. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their operations team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your CNC programming and machining knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've solved complex manufacturing problems in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare questions for your interviewers! Asking insightful questions about the team and projects shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your interest in the role and the company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Machinist in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CNC machining experience and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Machinist role. Share specific examples of your problem-solving skills and teamwork experience to grab our attention.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with CNC milling, turning, and grinding machines. If you have experience with CAD/CAM software or engineering drawings, make sure to include that too – we love seeing those skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with milling, turning, and grinding machines, and any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the tools but also understand their applications in solving complex manufacturing problems.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you had to troubleshoot a machining issue or improve a process. This will demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving, which is key for a Senior Machinist.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be working within Integrated Project Teams, effective communication is crucial. Practice explaining technical concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to provide support and advice to colleagues. Being able to convey your ideas clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for a Tour
During the interview, you'll likely get a tour of the facility. Use this opportunity to ask questions about the equipment and processes they use. Showing genuine interest in their operations will reflect well on you and help you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
