Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate CNC machines to produce high-precision components in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a leading aerospace and defence manufacturing business in Basildon.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, excellent benefits, and long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a team delivering precision-engineered components that make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience with CNC mill/turn machines and a keen eye for detail required.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with a strong focus on safety and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Full-time | Permanent | 3-Shift Rotation (Mon-Fri) £21.50 per hour + 25% shift allowance
First Achieve Engineering & Manufacturing are recruiting on behalf of a high-precision manufacturing business operating within a highly regulated aerospace and defence environment. We are looking for skilled CNC Operators with mill/turn experience to join a modern machining facility in Basildon. You will be responsible for producing high-precision components, primarily using 4 and 5-axis CNC milling and turn/mill machines, working to tight tolerances and exacting quality standards.
The Role
As a CNC Operator, you'll play a key part in delivering precision-engineered components while maintaining safety, quality, and efficiency on the shop floor.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set and operate multi-axis CNC milling and mill/turn machines
- Manufacture high-precision components to tight tolerances
- Inspect parts using CMM and other measuring equipment
- Work strictly to engineering drawings, procedures, and safety guidelines
- Accurately record production data, machine issues, adjustments, and repairs
- Maximise machine uptime through preventative maintenance (TPM)
- Maintain a strong safety focus at all times
- Work flexibly to support production requirements
- Collaborate effectively with other team members
About You
You'll be a time-served or highly experienced CNC machinist who takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality work.
Skills & Behaviours:
- High attention to detail with a quality-first mindset
- Comfortable working to closely controlled aerospace / defence standards
- Strong communication and teamwork skills
- Safety-conscious approach to work
Skills & Experience:
- Proven experience operating CNC mill/turn or multi-axis machines
- Ability to read and interpret technical engineering drawings
- Experience machining high-precision components
- Good understanding of manufacturing and safety regulations
Shift Pattern & Pay
- 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- 3-shift rotation
- Initial training period on day shift
- £21.50 per hour
- 25% shift allowance paid once on rotating shifts
What's in it for you?
- Full-time, permanent contract
- Competitive hourly rate plus shift allowance
- Excellent benefits package including:
- Pension
- Life insurance
- Private medical healthcare
- Prescription safety eyewear
- Employee retail discounts
- 33 days holiday, including Christmas shutdown
- Long-term career development in a supportive, collaborative environment
CNC Operator in Essex employer: First Achieve Ltd
Contact Detail:
First Achieve Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Operator in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a CNC Operator role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, visit local manufacturing facilities or attend industry events. Showing up in person can make a lasting impression and help us stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge of CNC operations. Be ready to discuss your experience with multi-axis machines and how you ensure quality and safety in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Operator in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your CNC operating experience, especially with mill/turn machines. We want to see how your skills match the job description, 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 passionate about precision engineering and how your attention to detail aligns with our high standards. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Safety Mindset: Since safety is key in our industry, make sure to mention any relevant safety training or practices you follow. We love candidates who prioritise safety just as much as quality!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Achieve Ltd
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC mill/turn experience before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific machines you've operated and the types of components you've produced. This shows you're not just familiar with the equipment, but you also understand the precision required in aerospace and defence.
✨Master the Engineering Drawings
Since you'll be working with technical engineering drawings, practice interpreting them. Bring examples of how you've successfully followed these in past roles. This will demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to work to tight tolerances, which is crucial for this position.
✨Safety First!
Prepare to talk about your safety practices and how you've maintained a safe working environment in previous jobs. Highlight any specific safety regulations you've adhered to, especially in high-precision settings. This will show that you take safety seriously, which is vital in the aerospace and defence sectors.
✨Team Player Vibes
Be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with team members in the past. Whether it's troubleshooting machine issues or supporting production requirements, showing that you can work well with others will make you stand out as a candidate who fits into their collaborative culture.
