CNC Machine Operator / Setter - Warrington

The Opportunity

5S Recruitment is recruiting experienced CNC Machining Operators for an established, technologically advanced precision engineering manufacturer based in Warrington.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist engineering business operating at the forefront of high-precision manufacturing, producing intricate, technically demanding components where accuracy, quality and attention to detail are essential.

Our client has invested in exceptional machining technology, including Kern and GF Mikron machining centres equipped with Heidenhain controls, providing an opportunity to work with some of the most capable precision machining equipment available.

With salaries ranging from £38,000 to £49,000 and a 41-hour working week, this opportunity offers an attractive package for experienced CNC professionals who take pride in producing work to the highest standards.

The Role

Working within a modern, specialist machining environment, you will be responsible for operating high-precision CNC machining centres, ensuring components are manufactured accurately, efficiently and consistently.

The role involves working with technically challenging components, complex geometries and demanding tolerances, making it particularly appealing to engineers who enjoy precision work rather than repetitive, high-volume production.

Key responsibilities include:

• Operating Kern and GF Mikron CNC machining centres equipped with Heidenhain controllers.

• Setting up and preparing CNC machines for precision machining operations.

• Loading tools, workpieces and machining programmes in accordance with production requirements.

• Monitoring machining operations to ensure dimensional accuracy, surface finish and component quality.

• Carrying out first-off, in-process and final dimensional inspections.

• Reading and interpreting complex engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances.

• Making appropriate tool offset and machining adjustments to maintain accuracy.

• Identifying machining issues and supporting effective fault resolution.

• Maintaining high standards of machine care, cleanliness and safe working practices.

• Working closely with engineering, programming and quality teams to optimise manufacturing performance.

• Supporting continuous improvement activities to enhance machining efficiency and component quality.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for experienced CNC Machining Operators who are technically capable, detail-focused and comfortable working within a precision engineering environment, anyone with any spark & or wire erosion experience would be extremely interesting.

You will ideally have experience operating high-specification CNC milling or machining centres and understand the importance of maintaining tight tolerances and consistent quality.

Key Skills and Experience

• Proven experience operating CNC milling machines or precision machining centres.

• Experience with Heidenhain CNC controllers would be highly advantageous.

• Previous exposure to Kern, GF Mikron or comparable high-precision machining equipment would be beneficial.

• Good understanding of CNC machining principles, cutting tools and machining processes.

• Ability to read and interpret detailed engineering drawings.

• Experience working to close tolerances and demanding quality requirements.

• Competence using precision measuring equipment and inspection techniques.

• Ability to make tool offset adjustments and identify machining issues.

• A methodical, quality-focused approach to engineering.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality components.

Candidates with experience in toolmaking, mould manufacturing, medical device manufacturing, aerospace, high-precision subcontract machining or other technically demanding engineering environments are particularly encouraged to apply.

You do not necessarily need previous experience with Kern or GF Mikron machines, provided you have a strong CNC machining background and the aptitude to develop your skills on specialist equipment.

What's on Offer?

• Excellent salary of £38,000 – £49,000 per annum.

• Permanent position with an established specialist engineering manufacturer.

• 41-hour working week.

• Opportunity to operate premium Kern and GF Mikron machining centres.

• Exposure to advanced Heidenhain-controlled CNC technology.

• Technically interesting, high-precision machining work.

• Opportunity to develop specialist machining knowledge and capabilities.

• Supportive, technically focused manufacturing environment.

• Long-term career prospects within a business specialising in advanced precision engineering.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Not every CNC position offers the opportunity to work with machinery of this calibre.

For engineers who enjoy precision machining, complex components and achieving exceptional levels of accuracy, this is an opportunity to put your skills to good use in a technically challenging environment.

Rather than simply operating conventional production machinery, you will be working with sophisticated machining technology where engineering knowledge, care and precision genuinely matter.

Whether you are already experienced with Heidenhain-controlled machining centres or looking to progress from a strong CNC milling background into more specialist precision work, this position could represent an excellent next step in your career.

About 5S Recruitment Limited

5S Recruitment Limited is a specialist recruitment consultancy supporting the UK's engineering, plastics and manufacturing industries.

With over 17 years of sector experience, we provide a personal, consultative recruitment service, working closely with both employers and candidates to ensure the right long-term fit.

We specialise in technical and engineering appointments, including CNC Machinists, CNC Programmers, Toolmakers, Manufacturing Engineers, Maintenance Engineers and Engineering Management professionals.

If you are an experienced CNC Machining Operator looking for a rewarding opportunity to work with advanced precision engineering technology, we would welcome your application.

Apply today or contact 5S Recruitment Limited for a confidential discussion.