We’re building a new Isembard CNC manufacturing site in West Yorkshire and are looking for an exceptional CNC Machining Lead to become one of the founding members of the team.
This is a hands-on role.
Initially, you’ll be responsible for taking complex components from drawing through to finished part: CAM programming, tooling and workholding strategy, setting, first-off prove-out, inspection and cycle-time optimisation.
As the factory grows, so will the role. You’ll help establish the machining standards, processes and culture of the site, support the introduction of additional machines and automation, and ultimately help build and develop the machining team around you.
We’re looking for someone who combines deep machining knowledge with the curiosity and ambition to help build a modern manufacturing operation from the ground up.
What you’ll do
- Program, simulate, set and prove out CNC machining operations across a growing range of machine tools
- Own new parts from engineering drawing through to repeatable production
- Develop CAM programs, tooling strategies, cutting parameters and workholding solutions
- Manufacture complex, high-precision components for aerospace, defence, energy and other critical industries
- Work confidently to tight tolerances and complex GD&T requirements
- Drive first-time-right manufacturing and high standards of quality
- Optimise cycle times, setups and machine utilisation
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) and provide DFM feedback
- Establish machining standards and best practice for a new factory
- Work with probing, inspection and process-control systems to create repeatable manufacturing processes
- Help introduce automation, pallet systems and unattended machining as the site develops
- Work closely with Isembard’s engineering and MasonOS teams to improve manufacturing data, scheduling and automation
- Help recruit, mentor and develop machinists as the operation grows
What we’re looking for
You’ll be an experienced CNC machinist/programmer who is equally comfortable at a computer developing a toolpath and standing at the machine proving it out.
You should have:
- Strong CNC machining and CAM programming experience
- Experience programming, setting and operating CNC mills
- A strong understanding of feeds, speeds, cutting tools and machining strategy
- Excellent knowledge of workholding and fixturing
- Experience machining to tight tolerances, including ±0.01 mm and below where required
- Ability to interpret complex engineering drawings and GD&T
- Experience taking new components from drawing through first-off manufacture and into repeat production
- A practical approach to problem solving and process improvement
- High standards of workmanship and attention to detail
- The ability to operate independently and take ownership of technical decisions
- An interest in developing and mentoring others as the team grows
Particularly valuable experience
Experience in all of these areas isn’t essential, but we’d particularly like to hear from people with:
- 5-axis simultaneous machining experience
- Aerospace, defence or other high-specification manufacturing experience
- Titanium, Inconel, stainless steel and other challenging materials
- Probing and in-process measurement
- CMM and inspection processes
- Pallet systems or automated machine tending
- Lights-out / unattended machining
- AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems
- Robotics and factory automation
- Data-driven manufacturing
This isn’t a role where you’ll inherit a factory that’s been doing things the same way for twenty years.
You’ll have the opportunity to help build one from the beginning.
You’ll be the site’s senior machining specialist and will have a genuine influence over how we approach programming, tooling, workholding, inspection, automation and continuous improvement.
As the site expands, there will also be an opportunity to help build and lead the technical team around you.
You’ll have access to advanced machine tools, modern manufacturing technology and the wider engineering capability of the Isembard network.
About Isembard
Isembard is on a mission to forge industrial acceleration.
We enable faster and cheaper production for critical industries by combining advanced machine tools, robotics and proprietary software, MasonOS.
The components we manufacture support aerospace, defence, energy and other strategically important industries.
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Lead Machinist in Wakefield employer: Isembard
Isembard is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Park Royal, London, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal framework of a rapidly expanding software-first manufacturing company. With a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you will work closely with the CEO and leadership team, gaining exposure to high-quality global work while enjoying equity participation in a scaling business. Our culture fosters innovation and agility, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in critical industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Machinist in Wakefield
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Some tips for your application 🫡
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Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Isembard 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 Isembard
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Isembard, 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!
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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.
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