Level 3 CNC Programmer

Level 3 CNC Programmer

Location: Euroway, Bradford

Salary dependent on experience

Full time-  shifts 6am to 2pm / 2pm to 10pm

Job purpose

Create, develop, edit and optimise CNC programmes and machining processes for precision-engineered composite components used in demanding industries, including aerospace. Use technical expertise to ensure machining processes are safe, efficient and accurate, supporting consistent component quality and production performance.

Key duties

• Create, edit and optimise CNC programmes for precision-engineered components, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
• Interpret engineering drawings, samples and sketches to determine machining requirements, including specifications and tolerances.
• Develop and improve machining processes to maximise efficiency, reduce waste and maintain high standards of component quality.
• Set and operate CNC milling or turning machines where required and within the scope of experience.
• Carry out first-off, in-process and final inspections to ensure components meet required specifications.
• Complete production, programming and inspection documentation accurately and in line with company procedures.
• Follow all health and safety requirements, quality standards and job instructions.
• Identify opportunities to improve machining processes and contribute to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Work closely with production, planning, quality and engineering teams to resolve technical issues and support production requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe and organised working environment, supporting wider manufacturing activities when required.

Measurable responsibilities

• Programme delivery: Complete allocated CNC programmes and supporting machining documentation within agreed timescales. Record completion dates and raise any potential delays or issues at the earliest opportunity.
• Verification and release: Carry out and document the required programme checks and controlled prove-out procedures for all new or revised programmes, within the scope of authorisation. Ensure the necessary first-off approvals are obtained before programmes are released for production.
• Revision control: Maintain accurate programme identification, revision records and change histories for all released programmes. Ensure shop-floor documentation reflects the latest approved programme and engineering drawing revisions.
• Process optimisation: Monitor and review cycle times, set-up times, scrap and rework against agreed baselines. Identify and implement improvements, recording measurable results while maintaining safety and component quality.
• Technical problem resolution: Investigate programming and machining issues, identify suitable corrective actions and record the outcomes. Complete assigned actions within agreed timescales and escalate any unresolved concerns.
• Production handover: Ensure all approved programmes, tooling details, set-up instructions, inspection requirements and relevant process information are clearly documented and communicated before production begins.

Skills and experience

• Proven CNC programming experience, including creating, editing and optimising programmes for precision-engineered components.
• Strong ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and tolerances, translating requirements into effective machining processes.
• Practical CNC setting and operating experience relevant to the machinery used.
• Good understanding of machining processes, tooling, workholding and production methods.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve programming or machining issues.
• A reliable, positive and proactive approach, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness and ability to work shifts as required.
• A strong commitment to health and safety, quality standards and good housekeeping.
• Good communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively with colleagues across different departments.
• Knowledge of Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain or similar CNC controls would be beneficial.
• Previous experience working with aerospace components or composite materials would be advantageous.

Demonstrable competencies

• Programming: Create accurate CNC programmes from approved engineering drawings, demonstrating an understanding of machining sequences, component features and required tolerances within the authorised scope of work.
• Verification and prove-out: Follow approved programme verification and controlled prove-out procedures using the relevant machinery and controls. Identify and document any issues, make necessary adjustments and achieve a conforming first-off component for approval.
• Process planning: Develop clear machining plans covering operation sequences, tooling, workholding, set-up instructions and inspection requirements, ensuring the information can be followed accurately by authorised setters and operators.
• Optimisation: Demonstrate improvements to CNC programmes or machining processes, using before-and-after results to show benefits in efficiency, cycle times or waste reduction without compromising safety or quality.
• Technical diagnosis: Investigate programming or machining problems, identify the root cause, implement appropriate corrective actions and verify their effectiveness before controlled release.
• Technical communication and authority: Clearly communicate programme changes, machining requirements and technical instructions to setters, operators and relevant colleagues. Maintain the required Level 2 competencies and obtain practical sign-off for each programming system and machine type used independently.

Machinery and controls

The role may involve working with HAAS, DMG, Doosan or Mazak CNC machinery, using Fanuc, Siemens, Heidenhain or similar controls, depending on production requirements and the work allocated.

 

 

 

INDHS 

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