CNC Machinist / CNC Operator 5-Axis Milling in Newtownabbey

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.