Manual Machine Operator in Dronfield

West Special Fasteners is a UK-based manufacturer specializing in high-performance stainless steel and nickel alloy fasteners. Since 1999, the company has established itself as a leader in hot forging, supplying reliable fasteners for industries with critical quality demands. Certified to ISO 9001 standards by Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance, the company maintains consistent excellence. With expertise in a wide range of materials, including nickel alloys, stainless steels, and specialty grades, West Special Fasteners is equipped to meet diverse and demanding industry needs. Based in Dronfield, Derbyshire, the company provides tailored solutions to its clients worldwide, focusing on quality and customer satisfaction.

We are looking for a Manual Machine Operator to join our team, working with conventional workshop machinery to produce precision metal components. This is a hands-on role operating manual machine tools using levers, handwheels and mechanical controls rather than computer (CNC) programming. You will be manufacturing parts to technical drawings, checking dimensions, and ensuring high quality standards are met. Full training will be provided on our specific machinery and processes, including capstan lathes, hydraulic press, and thread tapping machines.

This role would suit someone who:

• Enjoys practical, hands-on work
• Is interested in engineering or manufacturing
• May be looking for a career change into a stable, long-term trade

You’ll be helping to produce components supplied into a wide range of interesting industries. Please review the News section and Case studies on our website before applying to ensure this is the kind of company you want to work with and the products section to see the types of items you would be producing.

What we can offer:

• Competitive pay rates with annual review.
• Flexible working hours for the right candidate.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• 20 days paid holiday + statutory (28 days total).
• Pension contributions.
• Extra annual leave 1 day a year for first 5 years.
• Option to purchase extra annual leave.

Core Responsibilities:

• Setup and Operation: Set up the capstan lathe by installing appropriate cutting tools (turning, boring, threading), chucks, and work holding devices.
• Production: Operate the turret/capstan to turn, face, bore, and thread parts according to specifications.
• Technical Drawing Interpretation: Read and interpret complex engineering blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine part dimensions and tolerances.
• Quality Inspection: Use precision measuring instruments (micrometres, caliper & thread gauges) to inspect first-off and in-process parts for conformance to specifications.
• Maintenance: Perform routine maintenance, cleaning, lubrication, and minor repairs on the machine to ensure optimal performance.
• Material Handling: Load and mount raw materials bars/components into the lathe.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience: Is desirable but not essential as full training will be given.
• Personal characteristics: Desire to learn new skills, positive attitude, and loyalty to the company and colleagues.
• Technical Proficiency: Understanding of speeds, feeds, tool geometry, and material properties would be useful but can be taught if not.
• Precision Measurement: Ability to work to tight tolerances using our calibrated equipment.
• Problem Solving: Ability to troubleshoot machining issues, such as chatter, tool wear, or dimensional inaccuracies will all be skills learned in the role if not experienced.
• Safety Conscious: Strict adherence to safety protocols (PPE etc).
• Ability to embrace change: Looking for capacity to change from one process to another, embrace advancement in company culture, following our Vision, Mission and Values.

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV along with a short cover letter to marcus@westspecialfasteners.co.uk or jobapplications@westspecialfasteners.co.uk explaining why you’re interested in the role and how your experience matches our requirements.