At a Glance
- Tasks: Set and operate 5-axis CNC milling machines to create high-performance parts.
- Company: Join a specialist workshop making precision parts for motorsport, aerospace, and space.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Supportive environment with excellent career growth and hands-on training.
- Why this job: Be part of an innovative team and work with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC machining or precision engineering is a plus, but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 31000 - 36000 € per year.
Create parts that race, fly, and leave Earth.
Location: Belfast
Type: Full-time, on-site (open to discussion around alternative working patterns where possible, e.g. part-time)
Working pattern: 8:00-16:00 Monday-Thursday, 8:00-15:00 Friday
Salary: £31,000-£36,000, depending on experience
Overtime: Occasional and optional
Shifts: Day shift only, no night shifts
This is an opportunity to machine high-performance parts used in motorsport, aerospace and space, within a small, specialist team. We are looking for a CNC Machinist / CNC Operator to join our workshop, setting and operating Hurco 5-axis CNC milling machines to finish high-value metal components. You do not need previous metal 3D printing experience to apply. We will train you on our machines, materials, inspection methods and the type of parts we make. We welcome people from a range of backgrounds and industries. If you have a solid foundation in machining or precision work and are keen to build your CNC skills further, we would encourage you to apply even if you're not sure your experience is an exact match.
This role focuses on machine set-up, safe operation, part checking, inspection and continuous improvement. CNC programs are created offline by our CAD/CAM engineer using Mastercam.
About us:
We are a CNC and metal 3D printing workshop making precision parts for motorsport, aerospace and space customers. We print metal parts and then machine them to their final size, surface finish and tolerance. Typical materials include titanium, aluminium, stainless steel and Inconel. Our quality system is AS9100, the aerospace quality standard, so accuracy, inspection and clear records are important parts of the job. You will be joining a small, supportive production team made up of a Senior CNC Programmer, CNC Operator and this new CNC Operator role. You will also work closely with our metal 3D printing team.
The role:
- You will set and operate 5-axis Hurco CNC milling machines to finish one-off and short-run metal components.
- The work is varied. You will prepare the machine, set tools and workholding, run jobs safely, check parts during machining, and complete inspection records.
- In your first three months, you will focus on learning our machines, materials and inspection processes, supported by a buddy and our Senior CNC team. Structured training will be provided alongside hands-on experience.
What you will do:
- Set and operate Hurco 5-axis CNC milling machines.
- Work from engineering drawings, CAD/CAM information, job sheets and inspection requirements.
- Load and run CNC programs created offline by our CAD/CAM engineer using Mastercam.
- Prepare tools, fixtures, workholding and datums before machining.
- Carry out safe machine set-up and prove-out checks before running parts.
- Machine one-off and short-run components made from titanium, aluminium, stainless steel, Inconel and other engineering materials.
- Check parts during and after machining using measuring equipment.
- Record inspection results to support our AS9100 quality requirements.
- Work with the CNC, metal 3D printing and quality teams to improve processes.
- Keep the machine area clean, organised and safe.
- Build skills over time on other workshop technologies (e.g. wire EDM, CNC turning).
What we are looking for:
We know that good CNC people come from different backgrounds. You may already be a 5-axis machinist, or you may have experience in 3-axis/4-axis machining, precision engineering or a related field and be ready to develop further. We are also open to candidates from adjacent sectors or hands-on technical roles where precision, problem-solving and working to tolerances are important.
Core requirements:
- Some experience or exposure to CNC machining, precision engineering or similar environments.
- Ability (or willingness to learn) to read engineering drawings and understand tolerances.
- Experience using measuring equipment or an interest in developing these skills.
- A careful, safe and organised approach.
- Willingness to learn our machines, materials and inspection processes.
- Ability to work as part of a small team.
If you have a solid foundation and are keen to build your CNC skills further, we would encourage you to apply.
Helpful, but not essential:
- 5-axis CNC milling experience.
- Experience using Hurco machines.
- Experience machining titanium, Inconel, stainless steel or aluminium.
- Experience with inspection tools (e.g. FARO arm, CMM, GD&T).
- Experience in related areas such as EDM, turning, toolmaking or precision fitting.
Transferable backgrounds we would welcome:
This role may suit people from: aerospace, motorsport, medical device, precision engineering, toolmaking, mould making, manual machining, CNC turning, inspection, fabrication, maintenance or model-making. If you have experience working to tight tolerances, solving practical problems, setting up equipment or producing high-quality components, your skills could be a great fit.
CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling JBLE1_NI in Belfast employer: Laser Prototypes - LPE
Join a dynamic and innovative team in Belfast, where you will have the opportunity to work on high-performance parts for motorsport, aerospace, and space industries. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and development, with structured training provided to enhance your CNC skills. Enjoy a balanced work-life with flexible working patterns, a focus on safety, and the chance to contribute to cutting-edge projects in a small, specialist environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling JBLE1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the CNC machining world, whether it's through LinkedIn or local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you've got any projects or previous work, bring along photos or even samples to interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for precision engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to learn! Companies love candidates who are eager to develop their skills. Make sure to express your willingness to learn about new machines and processes during interviews—this could set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talent, and applying directly gives you a better chance of being noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling JBLE1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant experience in CNC machining or precision engineering. We want to see how your background fits with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity. Share your passion for machining and any specific experiences that make you a great fit for our team. Let your personality shine through!
Show Your Willingness to Learn:We love candidates who are eager to develop their skills. If you’re new to 5-axis machining or Hurco machines, mention your enthusiasm for learning and how you plan to grow in the role.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures it lands in the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laser Prototypes - LPE
✨Know Your Machines
Familiarise yourself with 5-axis CNC milling machines, especially the Hurco models. Even if you haven't used them before, showing that you've done your homework on how they operate and their capabilities will impress the interviewers.
✨Understand the Materials
Get to grips with the types of materials you'll be working with, like titanium, aluminium, and Inconel. Being able to discuss their properties and how they affect machining processes will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Precision Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with precision engineering or any related fields. Highlight specific examples where you've worked to tight tolerances or solved practical problems, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with questions about the team dynamics, training processes, and opportunities for skill development. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and your eagerness to learn and grow within the company.
