At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnose and service CNC machinery, ensuring smooth operations for clients.
- Company: Established and growing private company with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, company van, and overtime opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic field role and make a real impact in the CNC industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in CNC servicing and strong electrical/mechanical fault diagnosis skills.
- Other info: Flexible interview scheduling and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 52000 £ per year.
Role: Service Engineer (CNC) - Field Based
Location: Field based with a typical 2-hour travel rule from the North West/Midlands corridor. Main site: Stoke-on-Trent (ST9).
Type: Full time, permanent
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 DOE + door-to-door
Overtime: Optional. x1.5 Mon-Sat, x2 Sun/Bank Hols. High weekday OT availability
Holidays: 32 days incl. bank holidays, potential to obtain +5 more
Vehicle: Company van provided and permitted for personal use
Kit: Laptop provided; company credit card for expenses; no fuel card required
Travel/overnights: Nationwide coverage; overnights rare and expense-paid
Company snapshot: Privately owned, 20 years established and growing the current team of five. Supports customers on CNC, manual, automation, grinding, turning and milling in high-speed metal environments. No fabrication, laser/plasma or press brakes. Work is primarily for general subcontractors and similar (limited involvement with food, nuclear, motorsport).
Role overview: Multiskilled field role with a strong bias toward breakdown response and servicing, plus retrofits with emphasis on motors and drives. You will cover a broad range of machine sizes, power setups and axis counts, working from mechanical and electrical drawings and producing clear, same-day reports. Daily site count varies with job type; some days are single-site deep dives, others involve multiple short calls if local.
Machinery & controls:
- Controls (core): FANUC, Siemens, Heidenhain
- Occasional: Mazak, Haas
- Power: Mainly 3-phase, plus single-phase and DC encountered
Key responsibilities:
- Attend breakdowns and run structured diagnostics to root cause
- Service and condition checks; identify parts and preventative actions
- Retrofits and drive/motor work; axis, feedback and powertrain focus
- Work from drawings and schematics; produce tidy same-day service notes
- Liaise with customers professionally; maintain communication on ETAs and outcomes
Requirements:
- Time-served or equivalent experience in CNC servicing/maintenance
- Confident across electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis
- PLC/electrical diagnostic skill set welcomed (electrically biased candidates encouraged)
- Proven experience on CNC lathes and machining centres
- Able to read both electrical and mechanical drawings
- Clear communicator; reachable outside working hours for plan/next-day updates
- Full UK driving licence; right to work in the UK
Nice to have:
- Demonstrable experience presenting technical findings and explaining fixes
- Retrofit/upgrade projects on motors, drives and feedback systems
- Broader multi-axis exposure across varied machine sizes
How to apply: Send your CV and a short note on a recent breakdown you resolved, including the control platform, fault path and final fix. Interviews can be scheduled flexibly.
Service Engineer employer: SER Limited
Contact Detail:
SER Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend local meetups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Service Engineer role that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with CNC machines, make sure to highlight that in conversations. Bring up specific examples of breakdowns you’ve resolved and how you tackled them – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it gives you a better chance of getting noticed by the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the interview like it’s a breakdown call! Brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around FANUC and Siemens controls. Be ready to discuss your troubleshooting process and how you communicate with customers during service calls.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience with CNC servicing and maintenance. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your electrical and mechanical fault diagnosis expertise!
Craft a Compelling Note: When you send in your application, include that short note about a recent breakdown you resolved. We’re keen to hear about the control platform you used and how you tackled the issue – it shows us your problem-solving skills in action!
Be Clear and Concise: In both your CV and your note, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and keep things tidy. We appreciate well-structured reports, so show us you can communicate effectively right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at SER Limited
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC knowledge before the interview. Understand the common issues that arise with CNC lathes and machining centres, and be ready to discuss your experience with FANUC, Siemens, and Heidenhain controls. This will show that you're not just familiar with the machines but also confident in diagnosing and fixing problems.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions during the interview. Be prepared to explain your approach to troubleshooting and how you've handled breakdowns in the past. Think of specific examples where you successfully diagnosed a fault and what steps you took to resolve it. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and hands-on experience.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Service Engineer, you'll need to liaise with customers regularly. Practice explaining complex technical concepts in simple terms. During the interview, highlight instances where you've effectively communicated with clients about ETAs or service outcomes. This will show that you can maintain professionalism even under pressure.
✨Bring Your Own Examples
When asked about your experience, don’t just list your skills—bring real-life examples! Prepare a short note on a recent breakdown you resolved, including the control platform, fault path, and final fix. This not only showcases your technical ability but also your proactive approach to problem-solving, which is key for this role.