Cnc Setter Operator

Role Purpose

We are looking for an experienced CNC Setter/Operator to join our production team in Crewkerne.

The role is responsible for setting and operating Citizen sliding-head CNC machines and CNC grinding machines, producing high-quality components to tight tolerances while maintaining safe, efficient and consistent production.

The successful candidate will take ownership of their machines and components, from setting and tooling through to first-off inspection, in-process quality checks and completion of production records.

Key Responsibilities

Set and operate Citizen sliding-head CNC lathes and CNC grinding machines.

Carry out full machine setups, including:

Selecting and installing cutting tools.

Setting workholding, chucks, fixtures and jaws.

Establishing machine datums using probing equipment or dial indicators.

Select, load and prove CNC programs.

Read and interpret engineering drawings and technical specifications.

Edit CNC programs and make appropriate offset and setting adjustments to maintain component dimensions and quality.

Adjust tooling, speeds, feeds and offsets to optimise machine performance and cycle times.

Carry out first-off inspections and ongoing in-process inspection.

Use precision measuring equipment including micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs to ensure components meet drawing requirements and tight tolerances.

Monitor machines during production and identify issues such as tool wear, machine malfunctions or out-of-tolerance components.

Undertake in-cycle deburring where required.

Record production output, scrap and quality information accurately.

Maintain tooling sheets and ensure CNC programs are kept up to date.

Identify alternative tooling solutions and put forward improvement ideas.

Complete works orders in line with the Kanban system.

Ensure any material, quality, tooling or production issues are reported promptly.

Ensure material, tooling and gauging are available before setting machines.

Carry out routine machine cleaning, checks and basic preventative maintenance in line with TPM requirements.

Maintain a clean, organised and safe working environment, including good 5S standards and correct use of PPE.

Participate in the High Performing Team (HPT) and contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.

Support other departments where required.

Quality & Technical Responsibility

The CNC Setter/Operator will take personal ownership of the quality and accuracy of the components produced.

This includes:

Approving first-off components.

Maintaining consistent in-process inspection.

Certifying components against engineering drawings.

Making appropriate machine offset and setting adjustments.

Proving new CNC programs.

Identifying and resolving machining issues before they affect production.

Maintaining full production and quality traceability.

Machine & Process Experience

The role requires practical experience with multi-axis CNC machining, ideally including:

Citizen sliding-head lathes

CNC grinders

Multi-axis CNC machining

CNC program selection, proving and adjustment

G-code editing, ideally Fanuc

Tool selection and setup

Workholding and datum setting

Precision inspection and measurement

Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

Previous experience as a CNC Setter/Operator.

Experience setting and operating sliding-head CNC lathes and/or CNC grinding machines.

The ability to read and interpret engineering drawings.

The ability to understand and edit G-code, ideally Fanuc.

Experience making machine offsets, tooling adjustments and programme amendments.

Strong knowledge of precision measurement techniques.

Experience using micrometers, verniers/calipers and shadow graphs.

Good general computer skills.

A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing machining and production problems.

The ability to work effectively across different CNC machine types and processes.

Good communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

A flexible approach and willingness to support other areas of the business when required.

Personal Attributes

We are looking for someone who:

Takes ownership of the quality of their work.

Has a strong attention to detail.

Works safely and consistently.

Can work independently while contributing effectively to the wider production team.

Is confident diagnosing and resolving CNC machining issues.

Can adapt quickly to changes in production requirements.

Looks for opportunities to improve tooling, processes, quality and efficiency.

Takes pride in maintaining high standards of housekeeping and machine condition.

Key Measures of Success

Success in the role will be demonstrated through:

Consistent production of components to drawing specification and required tolerances.

Effective and accurate machine setting.

High levels of machine uptime and production efficiency.

Accurate first-off and in-process inspection.

Effective management of tooling, offsets and CNC programmes.

Accurate production and quality records.

Good machine housekeeping and preventative maintenance.

Positive contribution to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Safe working practices and compliance with site requirements.