Job Description:

Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor

Full-Time | Permanent | Solihull | £20ph

We are delighted to be recruiting for an exciting opportunity for a Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor to join an established manufacturing environment based in Solihull

This is a key role within the Machine Shop, combining highly skilled CNC Milling programming, setting and operating with the opportunity to mentor and support apprentices as they develop their practical engineering skills.

Reporting to the Machine Shop Supervisor, the successful candidate will play an important role in producing high-quality precision components, supporting efficient shop floor operations, troubleshooting manufacturing issues and ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.

The role would suit an experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator who has strong technical machining knowledge and is passionate about sharing their skills and developing the next generation of engineering talent.

The Role

As Lead CNC Programmer & Technical Mentor, you will be responsible for programming, setting and operating CNC Milling machinery to manufacture high-quality precision components in line with production, quality and safety standards.

Working from engineering drawings and technical specifications, you will work with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes, while also setting and operating manual machinery and using a wide range of hand tools.

A key element of the role will be supporting and mentoring apprentices and trainee setters, providing guidance and a safety net while allowing them to develop their own practical problem-solving skills and machining knowledge.

You will also contribute to a positive culture of safety, quality, precision, continuous improvement and professional development across the manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Program, set and operate CNC Milling machines to produce high-quality manufactured components safely, efficiently and within required timescales and tolerances.
• Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications, working with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Supervise trainee setups, providing coaching, guidance and support while encouraging apprentices to develop practical problem-solving skills.
• Mentor and coach apprentices, transferring technical knowledge and sharing best practices to support their development.
• Set and operate manual machinery and use a wide variety of hand tools and measuring equipment.
• Apply appropriate milling feeds and speeds for different materials and ensure finished components meet all required specifications.
• Use Fanuc and Haas controllers, including G-code programming and modifications where required.
• Troubleshoot manufacturing and machining issues on the shop floor and support effective solutions to maintain production flow.
• Communicate effectively with CNC setters, operators, supervisors and the Manufacturing Manager to ensure smooth workflow and effective collaboration.
• Work independently and as part of a team, maintaining high standards of communication, quality and professionalism.
• Carry out total preventative maintenance activities and contribute to maintaining an efficient and well-organised machining environment.
• Promote safe working practices and ensure the safety of yourself and others within the workshop.
• Support continuous improvement across productivity, safety and product quality, including reducing setup times and improving machining processes.
• Maintain 6S standards and contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, adaptability and delivery across the manufacturing environment.

About You

• Experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator with strong practical machining knowledge.
• Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Strong knowledge of Fanuc, G-code and Haas controllers, with the ability to modify G-code on machines where required.
• Good understanding of milling feeds and speeds for a variety of materials.
• Confident using measuring equipment including steel rules, tape measures, calipers, gauges and micrometers.
• Excellent communication skills, with the patience and ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and supporting apprentices or trainees within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong ability to transfer technical knowledge and develop practical machining skills in others.
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to provide clear guidance, feedback and support.
• Proven ability to promote safe working practices, quality standards and right-first-time manufacturing within a workshop environment.
• GCSE Mathematics and English.
• A proactive approach to continuous improvement, productivity, safety, product quality and maintaining 6S standards.

Desirable Experience & Qualifications

• Previous experience working as a CNC Milling Programmer for approximately 5 years.
• City & Guilds qualifications in a CNC-related discipline.
• Experience using Edgecam.
• Previous experience in a formal apprentice mentoring or technical coaching role.

What's on Offer

Contract: Full-time, permanent position.

Salary: £20.00 per hour

Working hours: 39 hours per week, Monday to Thursday 7:00am - 4:00pm and Friday 7:00am - 12:00pm.

Location: BVP.

Role: A varied dual-focused position combining advanced CNC Milling responsibilities with technical mentoring and apprentice development.

Development: The opportunity to share your engineering expertise, support future talent and contribute to continuous improvement across the manufacturing environment.

Culture: A collaborative manufacturing environment focused on safety, quality, innovation, adaptability and delivery.

If you are an experienced CNC Milling Programmer, Setter & Operator who enjoys solving technical challenges and is passionate about sharing your knowledge and developing others, we would be keen to hear from you.