At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead CNC programming, mentoring apprentices, and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
- Company: Established manufacturing environment in Solihull with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive pay at £20ph, full-time hours, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by sharing your skills and shaping the next generation of engineers.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC Milling programming and a passion for mentoring others.
The predicted salary is between 20 - 20 £ per hour.
- Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor
- Full-Time | Permanent | Solihull | £20ph
We are delighted to be recruiting for an exciting opportunity for a Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor to join an established manufacturing environment based in Solihull
This is a key role within the Machine Shop, combining highly skilled CNC Milling programming, setting and operating with the opportunity to mentor and support apprentices as they develop their practical engineering skills.
Reporting to the Machine Shop Supervisor, the successful candidate will play an important role in producing high-quality precision components, supporting efficient shop floor operations, troubleshooting manufacturing issues and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.
The role would suit an experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator who has strong technical machining knowledge and is passionate about sharing their skills and developing the next generation of engineering talent.
The Role
As Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor, you will be responsible for programming, setting and operating CNC Milling machinery to manufacture high-quality precision components in line with production, quality and safety standards.
Working from engineering drawings and technical specifications, you will work with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes, while also setting and operating manual machinery and using a wide range of hand tools.
A key element of the role will be supporting and mentoring apprentices and trainee setters, providing guidance and a safety net while allowing them to develop their own practical problem-solving skills and machining knowledge.
You will also contribute to a positive culture of safety, quality, precision, continuous improvement and professional development across the manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Program, set and operate CNC Milling machines to produce high-quality manufactured components safely, efficiently and within required timescales and tolerances.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications, working with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes.
- Supervise trainee setups, providing coaching, guidance and support while encouraging apprentices to develop practical problem-solving skills.
- Mentor and coach apprentices, transferring technical knowledge and sharing best practices to support their development.
- Set and operate manual machinery and use a wide variety of hand tools and measuring equipment.
- Apply appropriate milling feeds and speeds for different materials and ensure finished components meet all required specifications.
- Use Fanuc and Haas controllers, including G-code programming and modifications where required.
- Troubleshoot manufacturing and machining issues on the shop floor and support effective solutions to maintain production flow.
- Communicate effectively with CNC setters, operators, supervisors and the Manufacturing Manager to ensure smooth workflow and effective collaboration.
- Work independently and as part of a team, maintaining high standards of communication, quality and professionalism.
- Carry out total preventative maintenance activities and contribute to maintaining an efficient and well‑organised machining environment.
- Promote safe working practices and ensure the safety of yourself and others within the workshop.
- Support continuous improvement across productivity, safety and product quality, including reducing setup times and improving machining processes.
- Maintain 6S standards and contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, adaptability and delivery across the manufacturing environment.
About You
- Experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator with strong practical machining knowledge.
- Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
- Strong knowledge of Fanuc, G-code and Haas controllers, with the ability to modify G-code on machines where required.
- Good understanding of milling feeds and speeds for a variety of materials.
- Confident using measuring equipment including steel rules, tape measures, calipers, gauges and micrometers.
- Excellent communication skills, with the patience and ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
- Experience coaching, mentoring and supporting apprentices or trainees within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Strong ability to transfer technical knowledge and develop practical machining skills in others.
- Strong interpersonal and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to provide clear guidance, feedback and support.
- Proven ability to promote safe working practices, quality standards and right‑first‐time manufacturing within a workshop environment.
- GCSE Mathematics and English.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement, productivity, safety, product quality and maintaining 6S standards.
Desirable Experience & Qualifications
- Previous experience working as a CNC Milling Programmer for approximately 5 years.
- City & Guilds qualifications in a CNC-related discipline.
- Experience using Edgecam.
- Previous experience in a formal apprentice mentoring or technical coaching role.
- What's on Offer
- Contract: Full-time, permanent position.
- Salary: £20.00 per hour
- Working hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7:00am - 4:00pm and Friday 7:00am - 12:00pm.
- Location: BVP.
- Role: A varied dual‑focused position combining advanced CNC Milling responsibilities with technical mentoring and apprentice development.
- Development: The opportunity to share your engineering expertise, support future talent and contribute to continuous improvement across the manufacturing environment.
- Culture: A collaborative manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, innovation, adaptability and delivery.
If you are an experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator who enjoys solving technical challenges and is passionate about sharing your knowledge and developing others, we would be keen to hear from you
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor employer: Proftech Talent
Proftech Talent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Solihull/Blythe Valley. With a focus on personal development, employees benefit from comprehensive training and mentoring, alongside opportunities for career progression within a growing independent recruitment business. Join a collaborative team that values enthusiasm and drive, where no two days are the same and your contributions make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Proftech Talent, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Proftech Talent 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 Proftech Talent
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Proftech Talent, 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!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
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.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Proftech Talent value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
