Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and operate state-of-the-art sliding head CNC lathes to produce high-precision components.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding precision engineering manufacturer in Leeds with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £35,000, plus benefits and a stable days-only shift.
- Other info: Great long-term career potential in a clean, modern environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a thriving business and make a real impact in precision engineering.
- Qualifications: 3+ years experience with sliding-head CNC lathes and strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 £ per year.
Elevation Recruitment Group is delighted to be working exclusively with a highly reputable and rapidly expanding precision engineering manufacturer based in Leeds. Due to continued investment, new machinery, and increased demand, the business is looking to appoint an experienced Sliding Head Lathe Machinist to join its skilled machining team. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented CNC professional to work with state-of-the-art sliding-head (Swiss-type) technology in a clean, modern, and supportive environment—on a days-only shift with excellent long-term prospects.
Location: Leeds
Shifts: Days Only
Salary: £35,000 + Benefits
Contract Type: Permanent
The Role:
You will be responsible for setting, programming, and operating sliding-head CNC lathes that run on Fanuc Control to produce high-precision components across a range of industries. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring production quality, optimising processes, and supporting the company's ongoing growth.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up and operate sliding head CNC lathes, including tooling, collets, guide bushings, and bar feeders
- Load materials and prepare machines for production
- Complete first-off inspections and ensure consistent component quality
- Create, edit, and optimise CNC programs (G-code or CAM)
- Adjust speeds, feeds, and offsets to improve accuracy and cycle times
- Troubleshoot complex multi-axis machining operations
- Select and manage tooling to meet material and drawing requirements
- Monitor tool wear and maintain component surface finish
- Drive continuous improvements in tool life and machining efficiency
- Carry out in-process and final inspection using micrometers, calipers, gauges, etc.
- Ensure components meet drawings, tolerances, and GD&T standards
- Complete all relevant quality documentation and traceability records
- Diagnose machining issues including chatter, dimensional errors, or tool breakages
- Perform routine preventative maintenance and report faults
- Participate in continuous improvement activities
- Operate multiple machines when required
- Support lights-out / automated machining where applicable
- Maintain accurate production logs and follow established processes
- Follow all safety procedures for high-speed rotating equipment
- Handle cutting fluids, bar feeders, and swarf correctly
- Work in line with ISO9001, AS9100 or equivalent standards
About You
Experience & Qualifications:
- 3+ years' experience operating sliding-head / Swiss-type CNC lathes (Citizen, Star, Tornos, Tsugami, etc.)
- Strong CNC programming skills (G-code and/or CAM)
- Confident reading engineering drawings and interpreting GD&T
- Experience machining stainless steel, brass, titanium, and engineering plastics
Skills & Attributes:
- Skilled in precision measurement and inspection techniques
- Excellent problem-solving abilities and attention to detail
- Strong mechanical aptitude and dexterity
- Able to work autonomously and within a team
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles (desirable)
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a thriving business at a key point in its expansion. If you're an experienced Sliding Head Lathe Machinist looking for a stable days-only role with long-term career potential, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now or contact Elevation Recruitment Group for a confidential discussion.
Sliding Head Lathe Machinist in Leeds employer: Elevation Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Elevation Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sliding Head Lathe Machinist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your CNC programming projects and any impressive components you've machined. This visual evidence of your expertise can really set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common CNC machining questions and scenarios. Practice explaining your problem-solving process and how you've optimised machining operations in the past—this will show you're the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our growing team in Leeds.
We think you need these skills to ace Sliding Head Lathe Machinist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with sliding-head CNC lathes and any relevant programming skills. We want to see how your background fits the role, 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 excited about this opportunity and how your skills align with the company’s needs. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for the team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Be specific about your technical abilities, especially with Fanuc Control and precision measurement techniques. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their problem-solving skills and attention to detail in their applications.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Elevation Recruitment
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of sliding-head CNC lathes, especially those running on Fanuc Control. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific machines like Citizen or Star, and don’t shy away from talking about the materials you've worked with, such as stainless steel or titanium.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled machining issues in the past. Whether it’s dealing with tool breakages or dimensional errors, having a few solid stories will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
✨Get Familiar with Quality Standards
Since quality is key in precision engineering, make sure you understand ISO9001 and AS9100 standards. Be ready to discuss how you ensure component quality and what inspection techniques you use, like micrometers and calipers, to meet those standards.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about any experiences you have with lean manufacturing principles or continuous improvement activities. Companies love candidates who can contribute to optimising processes and improving efficiency, so highlight any relevant initiatives you've been part of.