At a Glance
- Tasks: Set up and operate CNC machinery to produce high-quality parts for the RAF.
- Company: Join Serco, a leading employer supporting the Royal Air Force since 1997.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and extensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team with excellent career growth and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical operations while developing your skills in engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in machining and NVQ Level 3 qualifications required.
The predicted salary is between 35246 - 35246 £ per year.
Location: RAF Brize Norton, Carterton, Oxfordshire, OX18 3LX
Salary: £35,246.61 plus excellent benefits
Schedule: Permanent, full time. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday. Overtime and call out as required, with potential for a 9‑day fortnight.
Ready to impact a better future? As a Station Workshops CNC Machinist in our RAF Brize Norton Station Workshops team, you’ll play a hands‑on role in delivering high‑quality engineering support that keeps critical operations moving on the Royal Air Force’s largest operating base. Your work will directly support over 5,800 service personnel, 1,200 contractors and 300 civil servants, helping ensure essential equipment, tools and components are manufactured safely, accurately and to the highest standards.
What you’ll do as a Station Workshops CNC Machinist:
- Set up and operate CNC machinery, using engineering drawings to ensure accurate programming and calibration
- Interpret technical drawings and specifications to produce parts that meet required quality standards
- Carry out routine inspection and measurement of machined parts to verify dimensions and tolerances
- Use tools, tooling and materials handling equipment safely and effectively at all times
- Report health and safety concerns and highlight risks, compliance issues or engineering deficiencies to the Workshops Supervisor
- Contribute to continuous improvement, helping drive efficiency, effectiveness and a positive working environment
Does this sound like you? You’ll be a great fit for this role if you have:
- Proven experience in milling and machining environments
- NVQ Level 3 qualifications in Machining, Milling or Turning (or equivalent experience)
- The ability to read and follow technical drawings and specifications
- Basic mathematical skills for measurements, calculations and quality checks
- A well‑organised approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
This role requires Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance, which involves verifying your identity, employment history, nationality, and criminal record to meet government security standards. In addition, depending on the nature of the role, you may need to obtain formal Security Clearance (such as CTC or SC), which includes more detailed background checks on employment, criminal record, and financial history to ensure suitability for working in secure environments. Please note that UK residency requirements may apply for certain levels of clearance. You will also complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire so we can identify and provide any support you may need to undertake the role effectively.
What we offer:
- Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays (and the option to buy up to five additional leave days each year)
- Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
- Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a strong focus on internal progression
- Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco‑managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
- Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to entertainment, travel and days out
- Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax‑free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, and the opportunity to donate to the Serco People Fund Charity
- Employee networks: Inclusive networks that support connection, collaboration and belonging for colleagues from all backgrounds, including veterans, parents and carers, people with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA+ employees
Let’s impact a better future, together. Apply today.
At Serco, we see people first and foremost for their performance and potential. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool. We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working. As a proud Disability Confident Leader and holder of the Gold Inclusive Employer Standard, disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
CNC Machinist employer: Serco
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for our CNC Machinists at RAF Brize Norton. With a strong commitment to employee growth through extensive training and development opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a focus on work-life balance, including the potential for a 9-day fortnight, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to vital operations for the Royal Air Force.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Serco and its values, especially how they support the RAF. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your technical skills! Brush up on your CNC machining knowledge and be ready to discuss your experience with milling and turning. Being able to talk shop will impress the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even refer you, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at RAF Brize Norton.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're filling out your application, make sure to highlight your CNC machining experience. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for, so don’t hold back!
Read the Job Description Carefully:Take a good look at the job description and tailor your application to reflect the key responsibilities and qualifications. This shows us you’re genuinely interested and understand what the role entails.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the CNC Machinist role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with milling and machining environments, and how you've interpreted technical drawings in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the tools, but you can also apply your skills effectively.
✨Safety First!
Since health and safety is a big deal in this role, be prepared to talk about how you’ve handled safety concerns in previous jobs. Think of specific examples where you reported issues or contributed to a safer working environment. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
The role involves continuous improvement, so think of times when you’ve identified inefficiencies and suggested improvements. Be ready to share these experiences during the interview to highlight your proactive approach and ability to contribute positively to the team.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the team at RAF Brize Norton. This could include inquiries about the types of projects you’ll be working on or how the team collaborates on complex tasks. Asking insightful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
