Toolmaker / Grinder

Location: Ash Vale

Salary: £33,000 - £39,000 per annum (DOE)

Hours: 39 hours per week (Early finish Friday at 1:15pm)

Syntech Recruitment are partnering with a specialist manufacturing business in Ash Vale to recruit a skilled Toolmaker / Grinder to join their engineering team. The role offers involvement in high-precision machining and toolroom operations within a stable, structured environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in producing parts to exceptionally fine tolerances, ensuring customer specifications and deadlines are met efficiently.

• Set and operate manual and CNC machinery within a busy toolroom and production environment.
• Carry out precision grinding operations, including surface, cylindrical, bore/internal, and ring grinding.
• Perform high-tolerance honing work on components as required by technical specifications.
• Read and accurately interpret complex technical drawings and blueprints to guide production.
• Utilize standard measuring and inspection equipment to self-inspect parts and ensure strict quality standards.
• Work self-sufficiently on bespoke tasks while collaborating effectively with the wider engineering team.
• Manage workloads efficiently to meet tight customer delivery schedules and production deadlines.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment in line with company health and safety standards.

• Proven background as a skilled Manual/CNC Machinist, Toolmaker, or Toolroom Engineer.
• Strong, hands-on grinding experience (Surface, Cylindrical, Bore, Internal, or Ring grinding).
• Demonstrated ability to work to exceptionally fine tolerances.
• Strong proficiency in reading and interpreting technical engineering drawings.
• Ability to work self-sufficiently and use precision measuring equipment to inspect your own work.
• Apprentice-trained or deeply qualified by experience (QBE) within an engineering environment.
• A proactive, 'hands-on' attitude with a strong problem-solving mindset.

• Experience with both manual toolroom machinery and modern CNC grinding equipment.
• Familiarity with specialized tool/die making or high-precision component manufacturing.
• Previous experience working in a fast-paced, high-quality production environment.

• Competitive Salary: £33,000 - £39,000 per annum (Depending on Experience).
• Work-Life Balance: 39-hour work week with an early 1:15pm finish every Friday.
• Overtime Opportunities: Available at 1.3x basic hourly rate during the week, and 1.5x at weekends.
• Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave (with some days allocated for the Christmas shutdown).
• Benefits: Company pension scheme available.
• Environment: A varied role within a supportive, close-knit, and quality-driven engineering team.

If you are a mechanically skilled Toolmaker or Grinder looking for a stable and varied role within a specialist manufacturing environment, we’d like to hear from you.