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: Enjoy competitive salary, structured training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns, optional overtime, and opportunities for skill development.
- Why this job: Make an impact by crafting precision 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&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 transfer well. If you're unsure whether your background fits, we'd still encourage you to apply.
Why join us:
- Support from day one: structured training and a buddy system in your first 3-6 months
- Interesting work: high-value, one-off and short-run components for motorsport, aerospace and space
- No on-machine programming required: focus on set-up, machining and inspection
- Ongoing development: opportunities to build skills across multiple technologies
- Small, supportive team environment
- Day shift only + early Friday finish
- Optional overtime (not expected)
- Free on-site parking + good transport links
- Pension (NEST)
- 29 days annual leave + long-service increases
Working pattern and reasonable adjustments:
This is an on-site workshop role: Monday-Thursday: 8:00-16:00, Friday: 8:00-15:00. We are open to discussing reasonable adjustments to the interview process, working pattern, equipment or workplace set-up where possible.
How to apply:
Send your CV by clicking 'Apply' below. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to building an inclusive workplace.
CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling in Lisburn employer: Laser Prototypes - LPE
Join a dynamic and supportive team in Belfast, where you will have the opportunity to work on high-performance parts for motorsport, aerospace, and space industries. With structured training, a focus on skill development, and a commitment to employee well-being, we offer a unique environment that fosters growth and innovation. Enjoy a day shift schedule, optional overtime, and generous benefits including 29 days of annual leave and a pension plan, all while being part of a small, collaborative workshop dedicated to precision and quality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling in Lisburn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their projects, values, and team culture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their CNC machining family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your hands-on skills! If you can, get some time on a CNC machine or similar equipment before your interview. Being able to talk about your practical experience will give you an edge and show you're ready to dive into the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare questions to ask during the interview. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team. Ask about training opportunities or how they support skill development—this is key for us at StudySmarter!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't hesitate to apply through our website! Even if you think your experience isn't a perfect match, we value diverse backgrounds and are keen to see what unique skills you can bring to our CNC workshop.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling in Lisburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in CNC machining or precision engineering. We want to see how your skills can transfer to our workshop, so don’t be shy about showcasing your background!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Share any specific experiences that relate to the job description, especially if you've worked with similar materials or processes.
Show Your Willingness to Learn:We love candidates who are eager to develop their skills! Mention any past experiences where you’ve picked up new techniques or technologies quickly. This shows us you’re ready to dive into our training programme.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of 5-axis CNC milling machines, especially Hurco models. Familiarise yourself with their features and capabilities, as well as any specific machining processes relevant to the role. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to learn.
✨Understand the Materials
Get to grips with the types of materials you'll be working with, like titanium, aluminium, and Inconel. Knowing their properties and how they behave during machining can give you an edge in the interview. It demonstrates that you're not just a technician but someone who understands the intricacies of the job.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you've solved practical problems or worked to tight tolerances. Use specific examples to illustrate your thought process and how you approach challenges. This is crucial in a role that demands precision and attention to detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, training opportunities, and the types of projects you'll be involved in. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
