At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate CNC machines and contribute to innovative production processes.
- Company: Gateway, a forward-thinking company in precision engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days holiday, ongoing training, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of advanced manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Experience with CNC equipment and a passion for precision engineering.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with unique materials and develop your skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Production Operative – Solid State PLC
Location: Nantwich
Hours: 37 per week – Mon–Thu: 09:00–17:00 Fri: 09:00–16:30
Flexible working and shift options available
Are you hands-on, detail-driven, and passionate about precision engineering? At Gateway, our Machine Shop is known for specialist ferrite machining—and now we are expanding into exciting new materials and advanced production processes. We are looking for a proactive Production Operative who enjoys problem-solving, takes pride in high-accuracy work, and wants to help shape the future of a rapidly growing facility. This is your chance to be part of something evolving, innovative, and genuinely rewarding.
What you will be doing
- Machine Operation & Production
- Operate CNC mills, NC surface grinders, lapping machines, and laser equipment.
- Set, run, and adjust machinery to meet stringent tolerances and finishes.
- Inspect parts using precision measurement tools (micrometers, gauges, CMM).
- Carry out basic machine maintenance, cleaning, tool changes, and routine checks.
- Process Development & Continuous Improvement
- Work alongside the Machine Shop Manager to refine machining strategies and improve workflow efficiency.
- Identify tooling, fixturing, or process challenges—and propose smart, practical solutions.
- Get involved in improvement initiatives as we expand capability and capacity.
- Quality & Accuracy
- Deliver high-quality components to spec, every time.
- Follow quality procedures and elevate issues constructively.
- Culture & Mindset
- Bring a positive, solution-focused approach to work.
- Stay calm and logical under pressure—no panic, just methodical problem-solving.
- Communicate openly and supportively within the team.
- Take pride in your craftsmanship and contribute to a professional environment.
Essential Skills
- Experience operating CNC mills or CNC-controlled equipment.
- Solid understanding of precision machining principles.
- Ability to read engineering drawings and work to tight tolerances.
- Logical, practical problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and a willingness to share ideas.
Desirable
- Experience with ferrite, ceramics, or other fragile materials.
- Knowledge of NC surface grinding, lapping, or laser processing.
- Understanding of toolpaths, offsets, feeds & speeds, and machining optimisation.
- Exposure to Lean, 5S, or similar continuous-improvement approaches.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- 26 days holiday + bank holidays
- A genuine opportunity to shape the future of our expanding machine shop.
- The chance to work with unique materials, including ferrites, using specialist equipment.
- A supportive and open environment where your ideas truly matter.
- Ongoing training and development, plus investment in new technologies.
Our Recruitment Process
- Application Review – Your application will be reviewed by Recruitment & Hiring Manager
- Initial Screening – Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a Teams Interview to discuss the role and your experience in more detail.
- Interview – candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our offices. This may include competency-based questions and discussion about your technical experience.
- Assessment (if applicable) – Some roles may include a short presentation, task, or technical assessment relevant to the position.
- Offer and onboarding – Successful candidates will receive a formal offer, followed by pre-employment checks and onboarding support to ensure a smooth start.
We aim to keep you informed at every stage of the process and provide feedback wherever possible.
Ready to Build the Future With Us? If you are passionate about precision engineering and want to be part of a forward-thinking team, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and help us take our Machine Shop to the next level!
CNC Machinist in Nantwich employer: Solid State PLC
Contact Detail:
Solid State PLC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land CNC Machinist in Nantwich
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Gateway and their work with ferrite machining. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their innovative team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you tackled challenges in machining or production. Being able to share these stories will demonstrate your proactive mindset and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions during your interview! Show your enthusiasm by asking about the future projects at Gateway or how they implement continuous improvement strategies. It’s a great way to engage and show you’re ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and shaping the future of the machine shop.
We think you need these skills to ace CNC Machinist in Nantwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Precision: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for precision engineering shine through. Share specific examples of your hands-on experience with CNC machines and how you take pride in delivering high-quality work.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to match the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences, especially those related to CNC machining and problem-solving, to show us you're the perfect fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you'd be a great addition to our Machine Shop.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solid State PLC
✨Know Your CNC Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your CNC machining knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with CNC mills and any specific projects you've worked on. This will show that you're not just familiar with the equipment, but that you can operate it effectively.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Think about times when you identified tooling or process issues and how you proposed solutions. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to contribute to continuous improvement.
✨Get Comfortable with Quality Standards
Familiarise yourself with quality procedures relevant to precision engineering. Be ready to discuss how you ensure high-quality outputs and how you handle any issues that arise. This will highlight your commitment to delivering top-notch components every time.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Practice clear and open communication. During the interview, be supportive and collaborative in your responses. Show that you value teamwork and are willing to share ideas, as this aligns with the positive culture they’re looking for.