CNC Sliding Head Machinist in Welwyn Garden City

CNC Sliding Head Machinist in Welwyn Garden City

Welwyn Garden City Full-Time 38000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Set and operate advanced CNC Sliding Head lathes to produce precision components.
  • Company: Join a leading precision engineering company with over 35 years of excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, enhanced benefits, and a Monday to Friday work schedule.
  • Other info: Opportunities for continuous improvement and career growth in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a skilled team making high-quality components for demanding industries.
  • Qualifications: Experience with Citizen Sliding Head lathes and strong problem-solving skills required.

The predicted salary is between 38000 - 50000 £ per year.

CNC Sliding Head Setter/Operator

Location: Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire Salary: £38,000 - £50,000 per annum (DOE) Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Job Type: Permanent | Full Time

WF Tech is recruiting on behalf of a long‑established precision engineering company with over 35 years of manufacturing excellence.

Renowned for producing complex, high‑quality precision components, the company supplies a diverse customer base across demanding sectors including Aerospace, Oil & Gas, Defence, Medical and other advanced engineering industries.

Through continued investment in cutting‑edge technology, skilled engineers and lean manufacturing, they have built an outstanding reputation for quality, reliability and customer service.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced CNC Sliding Head Setter/Operator to join their highly skilled manufacturing team in Welwyn Garden City.

Working on modern Citizen M32 and L32 Sliding Head CNC lathes, you'll play a key role in producing complex precision components while supporting continuous improvement and maintaining the exceptional standards the business is known for.

The Role

You'll be responsible for setting, operating and optimising Citizen M32 and L32 Sliding Head lathes, ensuring components are manufactured efficiently, accurately and to the highest quality standards.

This role offers a varied workload across prototype, small batch and production work, manufacturing components for some of the world's most demanding engineering sectors.

Key Responsibilities

  • Set and operate Citizen M32 and L32 Sliding Head CNC lathes.
  • Set tooling, guide bushes, collets, work offsets and bar feeder parameters.
  • Edit and optimise CNC programs using Mitsubishi/Fanuc controls.
  • Prove out new jobs and optimise cycle times and surface finishes.
  • Produce first‑off components and carry out in‑process inspection.
  • Read and interpret engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Machine precision components to tight tolerances (typically ±0.01mm).
  • Optimise tooling, feeds, speeds and chip control to maximise efficiency.
  • Monitor tool life and carry out tooling changes as required.
  • Diagnose machining issues and support continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Complete production and quality documentation accurately.
  • Maintain excellent housekeeping and 5S standards while following all Health & Safety procedures.

About You

  • Previous experience as a CNC Sliding Head Setter/Operator.
  • Experience setting and operating Citizen Sliding Head lathes, ideally M32 and L32.
  • Confidence editing programs and adjusting offsets using Mitsubishi or Fanuc controls.
  • Excellent tooling knowledge including drilling, threading, grooving and parting operations.
  • Experience working with bar feeders and high‑pressure coolant systems.
  • Ability to consistently produce components to tight tolerances and excellent surface finishes.
  • Strong understanding of engineering drawings and GD&T.
  • Excellent problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
  • A proactive approach with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

Desirable Experience

  • Live tooling and sub‑spindle operations.
  • Manufacturing within Aerospace, Medical, Defence or Motorsport environments.
  • Continuous improvement methodologies including 5S, Kaizen and SMED.
  • Time‑served apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical or Manufacturing Engineering.
  • Citizen or OEM machine training.
  • Metrology or advanced inspection training.
  • What's on Offer
  • £38,000 - £50,000 per annum (depending on experience)
  • Monday to Friday day shift (8:00am - 4:30pm)
  • Enhanced benefits package.
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr

CNC Sliding Head Machinist in Welwyn Garden City employer: Workforce Staffing

At Blue Earth Foods, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values reliability and motivation. Our Redditch location provides flexible shift options to accommodate various lifestyles, alongside opportunities for long-term employment and growth within the food production industry. Join us to be part of a dedicated team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

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Contact Details:

Workforce Staffing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land CNC Sliding Head Machinist in Welwyn Garden City

Join Local Manufacturing Groups

Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!

Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces

Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!

Leverage the Power of Internships

While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.

Apply Directly Through Company Websites

When you find a role at a company you love, like Workforce Staffing, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!

We think you need these skills to ace CNC Sliding Head Machinist in Welwyn Garden City

CNC Sliding Head Machining
Citizen M32 and L32 Operation
CNC Program Editing
Mitsubishi/Fanuc Controls
Engineering Drawings Interpretation
GD&T Knowledge
Precision Component Manufacturing

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!

Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Workforce Staffing specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!

Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!

How to prepare for a job interview at Workforce Staffing

Know Your Manufacturing Processes

Before you walk into the interview with Workforce Staffing, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.

Technical Questions Are Key

Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!

Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills

Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.

Align Your Values with Quality and Safety

In a full-time role, companies like Workforce Staffing value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.