At a Glance
- Tasks: Set and operate 5-axis CNC milling machines to create high-performance parts.
- Company: Join a cutting-edge workshop specialising in motorsport, aerospace, and space components.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training provided, and opportunities for skill development.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with structured training and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a small team making parts that race, fly, and leave Earth.
- 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)
CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: Laser Prototypes - LPE
Join a dynamic and innovative team in Belfast, where you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects in motorsport, aerospace, and space. Our supportive work culture fosters continuous learning and development, with structured training provided to enhance your CNC skills. Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working patterns, and the chance to contribute to high-performance parts that make a real impact in exciting industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling TLNT1_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 parts you've worked on, bring them along to interviews or share photos online. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on experience and passion for precision engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of CNC machines and materials. Familiarise yourself with Hurco machines and the types of metals you'll be working with. This will show you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from candidates who are excited about joining our team and learning new skills.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling TLNT1_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. Even if you don't have direct 5-axis experience, showcase your skills and willingness to learn. We want to see how your background can fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about the role and how your skills align with what we're looking for. Be genuine and let your personality shine through; we love seeing enthusiasm for the work we do!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since accuracy is key in our workshop, mention any experiences where you've had to pay close attention to detail. Whether it's in machining or another field, we want to know how you ensure quality in your work.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Laser Prototypes - LPE
✨Know Your Machines
Familiarise yourself with 5-axis CNC milling machines, especially Hurco models. Even if you haven't used them before, showing that you've done your homework will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your eagerness to learn.
✨Understand the Materials
Get a good grasp of the materials mentioned in the job description, like titanium, aluminium, and Inconel. Being able to discuss their properties and how they affect machining processes will show your technical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Precision Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where precision and attention to detail were crucial. Whether it's from previous machining roles or related fields, having concrete examples will help you stand out as a candidate who values quality.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training processes, and the types of projects you'll be working on. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
